Almost all (92%) of migraine sufferers in Britain say living in fear of migraine attacks has changed their outlook on life and without the fear hanging over them they would be a very different person.
New research has shown the extensive impact migraines have on individuals and the country as a whole: with around 190,000 people experiencing attacks happening every day and 6m people on a regular basis.
Migraines cost the NHS an estimated £1billion in treatment and the UK economy around £3.24billion per year with people taking unexpected time off work. And there is no known cure.
The research is launched to mark Migraine Awareness Week (1st September
7th September).
The NHS says migraines are usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain. Many people have symptoms such as feeling or being sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound.
Migraines affected around 1 in every 5 women and 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.
Experts say migraines are hard to explain to those who haven’t had first hand experience, as each individual is affected in different ways.
There are several types of migraine including - migraine with aura (where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights) and migraine without aura. There are also migraine aura without headache - known as a silent migraine.
Migraines can creep up unexpectedly, intrude on family time and hinder career opportunities. And according to the new research, three in five (60%) of people say they have given up hope on finding relief from their condition.
But there are a number of ways to prevent onset, and help reduce the impact of migraine including avoiding triggers like certain types of alcohol or caffeine, not eating enough food, or eating too much cheese and chocolate. Stress is also a big trigger for migraines.
If you feel a migraine come on avoid bright lights and noise, lying down in a dark, quiet room may ease the symptoms.