1 in 5 Dutch people experience a migraine. Women are more likely to have it than men. How do you know if you suffer from migraine?
A migraine attack usually consists of four phases. Most people with migraine feel well between attacks.
Not everyone understands the warning, but a few hours to two days before the start of your headache, your body already sends out signals that warn you of a migraine. For example, you feel irritable, depressed or tired. Some will then feel unusually energetic or you may have an extra appetite for food.
Read also: 'Your tips against migraine'
About one-third of people suffer from the aura phase, which does not have to be the case with every attack. It's a signal from your brain that usually lasts 10 to 30 minutes. You see blind spots, bright light, flashes of light or colored zigzags. Usually on one side. Sometimes you see double or blurry. Tingling or numbness may also occur. In some cases you may have difficulty speaking.
A migraine attack usually lasts between one and three days. If an attack lasts less than four hours or longer than 72 hours, this usually means that you do not have a migraine. A migraine attack usually occurs once or twice a month, but can range from twice a week to once a year. Migraine headaches are sometimes severe and usually occur on one side of your head, sometimes on both sides. The pain is often in the front or at the temple. The pain is usually throbbing or throbbing and gets worse with movement. It can make you so nauseous that you (almost) throw up. Light and noise can be unpleasant and sometimes you can't help but retreat to a dark and quiet room.
The headache is less, but usually you are not immediately recovered. You may be tired, irritable, depressed and have trouble concentrating. It can take a whole day before you feel completely better again.
