Migraine Awareness Week gets underway from 3 Sept

Awareness and understanding of migraines in South Africa is low, compared to most First World countries, says Dr Elliot Shevel, a maxillo-facial and oral surgeon who is the medical director at The Headache Clinic and the chairman of the South African Headache Society.

"Migraines cut right across nations, cultures, and races, affecting a similar percentage of people in most countries," says Dr Shevel. "As many as four to five million South Africans could be suffering from migraine headaches, and a lot of them are not seeking out the right treatment for the condition."

The migraine is a headache category of its own, with symptoms that include throbbing head pain, nausea and sensitivity to noise and light. An attack can last between four and 72 hours. Migraines are hereditary and three times more prevalent among women than men.

Migraine is a complex and debilitating neurological condition; which can be misunderstood by many and inappropriately treated by some sufferers. Many sufferers do not seek treatment and end up overusing prescription and over-the-counter headache medications in a bid to control the pain. This exposes them to side effects, including a condition known as Medication Overuse Headache.

Dr Shevel says that migraine patients should keep a diary that details the conditions and triggers that seem to bring on migraines. Ingredients and food such as caffeine, sugar, MSG, processed meats, cheeses and chocolate are known to trigger migraines and headaches among many patients.

Insomnia, bright, flashing fluorescent lights, dehydration, stress and uncomfortable seating at the office desk are among the other factors that may trigger migraines.

Understanding one's triggers can help one to minimise the risks of triggering a migraine.

Dr Shevel, a pioneering South African expert in the treatment and prevention of headaches and migraines, has worked with a multinational team to publish research that describes a breakthrough surgical treatment that relieves chronic migraines.

He says it is time to seek professional help when migraine headaches are frequent, if one is frequently taking medication to deal with migraine pain, or if they are severe enough to undermine one's functioning at home or productivity at work or to stop one from going to work or participating in other activities.

A multidisciplinary investigation into the cause of the headache that covers all the physical structures that cause the pain is the approach most likely to ensure effective prevention of further headaches. A range of therapies is available once the type and cause of a headache is diagnosed.

"It is important that migraine patients, and those they live and work with, understand that migraine pain is a real neurobiological disease that can be treated following proper diagnosis," concludes Dr Shevel.

Campaign information will be available from the middle of August. Contact The South African Headache Society for more information 0861 678 911, http://www.headacheclinic.co.za/