Migraine relief: Understanding the triggers and treatment options
6 November 2025
JOHANNESBURG - That pulsing pain that causes nausea or an overwhelming sensitivity to light or sound isn’t just a bad headache - it could be a migraine. Migraines are common yet often misunderstood headaches that can significantly affect daily life.
Migraines affect over 10% of the global population, with women more commonly affected than men. Although the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, they are believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including sleep disruption, dehydration, certain foods, hormonal fluctuations, and stress.
Symptoms
Migraines typically progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. However, not everyone experiences all these stages and the intensity and duration of the headache phase can vary.
- Prodrome (the early warning phase): This phase can start hours or even a few days in advance and includes painless symptoms such as mood swings, food cravings, and neck stiffness.
- Aura Phase: Not everyone with migraines experiences auras, but for those who do, this phase involves neurological symptoms that some people encounter before or during the headache. Auras are reversible nervous system symptoms, usually visual but sometimes sensory. They can affect vision, touch, or speech. Examples include blurred vision, expanding blind spots, numbness in an arm, and slurred or confused speech.
- Headache phase: This is when the pain typically sets in, ranging from mild to debilitating, and can last between 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. Physical activity and exposure to light, sound, and smells may exacerbate the pain. Symptoms can include stabbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Postdrome (recovery phase): This is the final phase after the pain has subsided. Individuals may feel drained, confused, or generally unwell for up to a day. Sudden head movements might briefly rekindle the pain. This phase can involve fatigue, irritability, mood changes, and a mild headache.
Treatment for migraines and headaches
Migraines can be disruptive and interfere with daily routines. While there is no specific cure for migraines and headaches, a combination of medication and lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes. Treatment can include medication, avoiding migraine triggers, and utilising alternative remedies. Two types of medications are available for treating migraines, which can be administered in various forms, including nasal sprays, injections, oral medications, intravenously, or suppositories.
- Over-the-counter migraine medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage mild migraines.
- Prescription medications: For regular moderate to severe migraines, prescription medications, prescribed by your healthcare provider, can help reduce the severity and prevent future episodes. These medications may include:
- Blood pressure medicines, such as beta-blockers
- Anti-seizure medicines
- Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and a consistent sleep schedule can help reduce migraine frequency and severity.
- Alternative migraine remedies: You may consider alternative therapies to manage migraines. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor before starting any alternative treatments. Some options include:
- Vitamins, minerals, or herbs such as riboflavin (vitamin B2) or magnesium
- Relaxation techniques like yoga
- Acupuncture
- Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding specific triggers can be effective. Keeping a headache diary and documenting details about foods eaten or activities undertaken can help identify triggers. With modern technology, smartphone apps can assist in maintaining a migraine journal.
When to see a doctor
Migraines often go undiagnosed and untreated. If you frequently experience migraine symptoms, record your attacks and how you manage them. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. Even with a history of headaches, consult your healthcare provider if the pattern changes or if the pain feels different. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, which could indicate a more serious issue:
- A sudden, severe headache
- A headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness, or weakness,
- A headache following a head injury
- A chronic headache that worsens with coughing, exertion, straining, or sudden movement
- New headache pain after age 50
When to seek professional help
If headaches are interfering with your daily life and you're uncertain whether they're symptoms of migraines, talking to a doctor is crucial. Headaches can signal other issues, and while migraines can be debilitating, treatments are available. Discussing your symptoms early can help you find a treatment plan that includes both medication and lifestyle adjustments.
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