Migraine is a complex neurological condition that not only produces an intense throbbing headache but can also involve symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances (aura) and altered limb sensations (Migraine Action, 2018). Migraine is the third most common disease in the world and has an estimated global prevalence of 14.7% (Steiner et al, 2013). The estimated cost to the UK is £4.8 billion a year in lost production and health service usage (McCrone et al, 2011).
Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of headaches/migraines are available from the British Association for the Study of Headache (MacGregor et al, 2010), but nurses need to be made more aware of the impact of this disorder and how it can be managed. This article is designed to help familiarise the nurse with the diagnostic criteria for migraine and to highlight some preventive measures and the treatments available for acute attacks. The nurse will then be empowered to increase public health awareness, offer advice and, if trained to do so, prescribe effectively.
University Of Lincoln, College of Social Science Research
Paul Bates, University Of Lincoln, School Of Health and Social Care