Chronic migraine has only recently been identified as a severe form of prolonged circadian headache. The Neuro Disorder Association defines it as a continuing headache that lasts more than two weeks, over three consecutive months, with more than six weeks being migrainous. People who suffer from chronic headache spend more than half a month with a headache. Other clinical criteria classify headaches lasting less than 14 days as ‘spasmodic migraine’.
There is no scientific explanation for the causes of chronic and spasmodic migraines. Some clinicians point to stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine and certain toxic foods, but they also indicate factors, such as exposure to bright lights or sleep deficiencies. In some instances, an increase in long-term headache frequency may gradually lead to headaches lasting more than 15 days and, hence, becoming chronic.
Currently, there is no known cure for chronic migraine, although new treatment options are under investigation. Except for the most common over-the-counter painkiller prescriptions, other effective therapies include migraine-specific triptans. However, preventative medicaments are often associated with side effects, so many of the 700,000 patients cannot tolerate them for longer periods. Studies have also revealed that over 70% of people suffering from chronic migraine misuse their medications, so specialist supervision should be sought from a general practitioner or neurologist.
Chronic migraine will occur with at least two of the following characteristics: moderate to severe pain affecting one side of the head, pulsating or throbbing sensation, sensitivity to light or sound and recurrent nausea with sickness. Some alternative chronic migraine diagnoses may include testing to establish whether continuing headaches respond to ergot or triptan medication exclusively.
Given the nature of this condition, sufferers experience significant absence from work, study or other social activities and their competence is also severely affected, resulting in a more than 50% drop in expected outcomes.
The Neuro Disorder Association has classified the impact of migraine as equal to acute stress disorders or impaired vision. What is more, the government approximations put the total treatment costs at nearly $2.5 billion annually, including costs of prescriptions and working days being missed due to sufferers’ sickness leave.
This illness is estimated to affect 0.9 percent of the society and its impact can be incredibly incapacitating. Being constrained for a prolonged period of time means that a quarter of these people are forced to leave work and claim alternative living allowances.
Chronic migraine sufferers should:
- avoid taking precautinary medicines
seek guidence from medical professional
undergo new treatment
stop taking preventative medication
