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Menstrual migraine is a type of migraine affecting women each month occurring between the second day before the onset of the menstrual period and the end of menstruation. Approximately 60% of the 21 million American women migraine sufferers are afflicted with menstrual migraine. It is also reported that this form of migraine is more acute, lasts longer and is more recurrent than other migraines.
Types
There are two kinds of this migraine, Menstrually Related Migraine (MRM) and Pure Menstrual Migraine (PMM). An MRM is a headache of moderate to severe pain occurring during a menstrual period and even when a woman doesn’t have her menstruation. PMM on the other hand has the same manifestations but takes place during a woman’s period.
Causes
The specific cause is unknown. However, a link between hormonal changes at the time of menstruation and migraines appear to be the culprit of the headache.
Symptoms
Menstrual migraines share the same symptoms with the usual migraine. The sufferer experience one-sided headaches which are often intensified by sensitivity to bright light and loud noise. The attack may bring nausea and may or may not come with an aura. An aura is a warning sign for a coming migraine.
Treatment
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) are utilised in the treatment of menstrual migraines. Examples of commonly prescribed NSAIDs are Relafen, Advil and Motrin, Naprosyn, Orudis and Nalfon. The NSAID should be taken 2-3 days prior to the menstruation and to carry on till the period ends. For women with serious menstrual migraines or want to maintain their birth control pills, physicians recommend taking NSAID on the 19th day of the cycle until the second day of the succeeding cycle. Other suggested medications given via prescription only are as follows:
- Anti-convulsants like valproate (Depakote)
- Small amounts of ergotamine drugs (Cafergot, Bellegral-S and Migranal)
- Beta-blocker drugs (propranolol)
- Calcium channel blockers like verpamil
These drugs are to be administered 2-3 days before the menstruation and continued for the duration of the menstrual cycle. Natural menstrual migraine treatments are available in the migraine relief ebook
