For some, a headache is not something that will go away in a little while. It can be a debilitating attack that affects the way they live and work. Migraines, mostly induced by stress, have been on the rise, say doctors. “With increased awareness, more people approach doctors specifically for headaches – rather than getting their eyes tested or their sinuses checked,” says Dr. Sathish Kumar, consultant neurologist, Fortis Malar Hospital.
Every month, Dr. Kumar sees around 100 cases of people coming in with migraines.
More women than men experience migraines, he says, and many of these are caused by a combination of lifestyle factors – bad diets, lack of sleep, hectic work schedules and stress. “Managing stress is key to reducing the frequency and severity of a migraine attack,” he says.
The first thing to do however, is to identify the trigger. This can be a number of factors, ranging from food and odours to environmental influences. Once this is done, medication can be prescribed. “We also prescribe lifestyle changes – getting more rest, taking breaks from work, yoga and better diets,” says Dr. M. Balamurugan, senior consultant neurosurgoen, Apollo Hospitals, who sees at least seven cases a week.
Migraines can have serious effects if left untreated, say doctors. “We have had cases of people having to quit their jobs and take less stressful ones because of migraines,” says Dr. Balamurugan.
Educating the patient to ensure medication is taken and adhered to, is also vital, says Dr. Kumar.
Sometimes, the best treatment to relieve stress can be as simple as having a pet. “We have found that this has a great effect on people – it gives them chances to relax more,” Dr. Balamurugan says.
