Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Migraine headache is often throbbing or stabbing, is often one sided and can be accompanied by nausea. The headache is made worse by light, movement and straining. Sufferers feel ‘washed out’ after the headache has eased. The pain and symptoms of migraine is due to a narrowing followed by an expansion of blood vessels in the brain.
Migraine can occur in children, but usually starts in the teens. It is more common in women and about 6 million people (more than 10% of the population) in Britain are sufferers.
Classical migraine
- Severe, one sided and throbbing.
- Warning symptoms, e.g. flashing lights, partial loss of vision.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Common migraine
- More generalised headache.
- No visual symptoms.
- Nausea and vomiting may still occur.
Cluster headache
- Occur in spells (clusters) of 2 weeks to 4 months.
- Severe pain, usually behind one eye.
- Red, watering eye and blocked nose.
Triggers
- Dietary
- Tea and coffee
- Citrus fruits
- Fried foods
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Alcohol - especially red wine
- Dieting / fasting
- Non Dietary
- Stress
- Oral contraceptives
- Altered sleep pattern
- Bright light including sunlight
- Travelling
- Exercise
- Oral contraceptives
- Relaxation ("weekend migraine")
- Menstruation or any part of the menstrual cycle. Migraine associated with the menstrual cycle usually improves during pregnancy or after the menopause
Should you have any questions or concerns you would like to raise please discuss these with your GP.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ophthalmology service.
About this information
Service:
Ophthalmology
Reference:
QQ/018
Approval date:
2 August 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.