Migraine is a neurological condition that causes attacks of headache and other symptoms. Pain is often throbbing, may affect one side and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light, sound and smell. Some people experience aura—temporary visual, sensory or speech symptoms—before or during an attack.
Migraine is not simply a problem of tense neck muscles or poor circulation. It involves changes in brain nerves and blood vessels, and family history is common. Attacks can last hours or days and have a substantial effect on work, family life and wellbeing.
When to seek help
Recognising serious symptoms
Call emergency services for a headache that begins suddenly and is extremely painful, or for new weakness, speech difficulty, confusion, seizure, loss of vision, high fever or a stiff neck. New aura lasting longer than an hour, an attack lasting more than 72 hours, pregnancy with concerning symptoms or a major change in pattern warrants urgent advice.
A GP can help confirm the diagnosis and discuss attack treatment and prevention. Triptans, newer migraine-specific medicines, anti-sickness treatment and preventive medicines may be appropriate. Avoid taking painkillers on more than two days a week because medication overuse can increase headache frequency.
Building a prevention plan
Keep a diary of timing, symptoms, menstrual cycle, sleep, meals, caffeine, alcohol and medicine use. Regular meals, hydration, sleep and suitable exercise can reduce vulnerability. Stress management may help, but stress is not the only cause.
Food triggers are individual and often overestimated. Test one plausible factor at a time rather than removing gluten, dairy, chocolate and many other foods simultaneously. Skipping meals and caffeine withdrawal are common practical triggers.
Useful supplements
Supplements should be selected for the individual rather than used automatically. Product directions and advice from an appropriately qualified professional should take precedence over general information.
| Supplement | Effects |
|---|---|
| Hop alpha acids | Intended to support inflammatory balance and reduce associated pain. |
| Magnesium citrate | Supports muscle relaxation, cellular energy production and normal metabolic enzymes. |
| B vitamins, including riboflavin | Support cellular energy production; riboflavin is used preventively in some people with migraine. |
| Coenzyme Q10 in ubiquinol form | Supports mitochondrial energy production and has been associated with fewer attacks in some studies. |
| Krill oil | Provides omega-3 fats described as supporting circulation and inflammatory balance. |
| Mixed-strain probiotic | Intended to support digestion and microbial balance. |
| Spirulina | Provides concentrated nutrients and antioxidant compounds and is described as supporting inflammatory balance. |
| Broad-spectrum plant digestive enzymes | Intended to assist digestion of major food components. |
| Lecithin powder | Supplies phospholipids described as supporting normal liver function. |
| Vitamin D | Supports normal immune and inflammatory regulation; low status has been associated with some headache patterns. |
Magnesium, riboflavin and CoQ10 are sometimes used in preventive plans, but benefit is not immediate and doses should be checked. Magnesium can cause diarrhoea; CoQ10, fish oils and herbs can interact with medicines; excess vitamin D is harmful. Supplements do not replace urgent assessment of neurological symptoms.
A good migraine plan combines accurate diagnosis, effective early attack treatment, protection from medication overuse and a preventive strategy proportionate to frequency and disability.
Looking for personalised nutrition and lifestyle support? An FNTP member may be able to help you explore an approach suited to your individual needs. Find an FNTP practitioner.
This article is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
