Migraine: causes and triggers

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Extract from the article: The number one reason for consulting a neurologist, migraine has a major impact on social and professional life. It is the leading cause of absenteeism from work.

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The number one reason for consulting a neurologist, migraine has a major impact on social and professional life. It is the leading cause of absenteeism from work.

Migraine is a common illness. Migraine occupies a very large place in consultations in healthcare establishments, particularly neurological consultations. Women are the most affected. The age range is between 15 and 45. According to Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at the Floréal clinic in Lomé, « migraine is considered to be a pulsatile headache that occurs in attacks accompanied by an inability to tolerate light or noise, and sometimes nausea. It is characterised by headaches of varying intensity. These headaches are often located on one side of the head only ».

Causes or triggers

The causes of the disease are not well known. « They may be genetic in origin. They may also be due to a dilation of certain vessels in the brain.This dilation is secondary to the stimulation of certain neurons », explains Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner.

 Unlike the causes, the factors that give rise to migraine are well known.They include stress, too much or too little sleep, skipping meals, and eating certain foods such as chocolate, tobacco or alcohol. « There are also sensory factors such as noise, certain smells and flashing lights in certain places that can trigger a migraine attack.For women, there are hormonal factors.There is a reduction in oestrogen levels, which encourages attacks at the end of the cycle. These migraines are known as catamenial or menstrual migraines. There are also meteorological factors. A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure or rainy weather can trigger a migraine », explains Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina.

Complications

In terms of complications, the GP explains that migraine does not lead to any particular complications. « Its impact on daily life, both professional and personal, is significant, whether in terms of drug consumption or time off work. On the other hand, if treated badly or excessively by self-medication, migraines can lead to chronic headaches that can last more than 15 days a month », warns the GP.

Treatment

Migraine attacks can be prevented by avoiding the factors that trigger them.  Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina recommends avoiding excessive self-medication with painkillers. « You should give priority to a neurological consultation.The attack can pass on its own.The treatment will serve to reduce the number and duration of migraine attacks.Unfortunately, you can live your whole life with a migraine », says the doctor.

Abel OZIH