FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.)


Does chocolate cause migraine?
Yes, an intolerance of chocolate is possible, and this can trigger a migraine. This is not always the case, however. Only proper testing can confirm this. Some migraine patients only have an intolerance to certain types of chocolate.

Can the environment trigger a migraine?
Yes, definitely. Light, noise, changes in the weather can all influence the onset of migraine attacks.

Is it true that migraine is more common in women?
Yes, it is true. In a ratio of approximately four to one.

Is migraine the same as a tension headache?
No. Tension headache is the most common form of headache. 70% of people will experience it at one time or another during their lives.

Is it normal for a sensation of extreme tiredness to be experienced after a migraine?
Yes, this is completely normal. Apart from tiredness, a person can be more apathetic, but this same feeling of weakness brings some patients a feeling of wellbeing.

Should I see a doctor if I think I have a migraine?
Yes, definitely. It is best to confirm the diagnosis of migraine in order to get the best treatment. A migraine is more than just a headache.

Is it normal that it tends to hurt only on one side?
Migraine often presents as pain that is especially unilateral. The term migraine comes from hemicrania (half cranium).

Is it normal before a migraine for a sensation of "warning" to be felt, telling us that an attack is imminent?
This is effectively one of the "advantages" in terms of treating the pain. Hours beforehand, migraine sufferers experience warning signs such as a general feeling of being unwell, a loss of appetite, unusual discomfort caused by light and sound...

Is it true that migraine is a significant factor in absenteeism from the workplace?
More than significant, migraine is the second highest cause of absenteeism, after lumbalgia. The indirect costs of migraine are very high.

When I have a migraine, I can't see properly, I see "stars". Is this normal?
Yes, many patients experience visual disturbances before and after the cephalea phase of a migraine

Is migraine a new illness?
No. As far back as the 2nd century AD, Galeno of Pergamo used the term migraine. However, he attributed the illness to a connection between the stomach and the brain, as a result of the nausea that accompanied the migraine.

Is it true that applying pressure to the temples in the location of the temporal arteries alleviates the pain?
Yes, it is true. In 83% of patients, migraine pain is focused on the temporal arteries, due to their vasodilatation. Applying permanent pressure to the area clearly alleviates the sensation of pain.

Do you think it is worth speaking to a doctor?
Without a doubt. Anamnesis or medical questioning is the best way of diagnosing migraine.

Is it normal to have so many migraines at the age of 60?
People of your age can have migraines, but it is not normal. Migraine presents more frequently in men and women from 20 to 45 years of age.