“Migraine” is no longer just a common headache symptom to be overlooked. Besides being a frequently occurring symptom in people of all ages and genders, some experience headaches more often, more severely, and for longer durations, turning into “chronic headaches” that affect daily life, such as insomnia, inability to drive or work.
Dr. Sombat Mungtaweepongsa, a neurologist specializing in stroke and brain critical conditions at the Neurology and Brain Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital, explains the severity of chronic headache symptoms, dividing them into two types: dangerous headaches and non-dangerous headaches.
“Dangerous headaches include those caused by brain pathologies such as aneurysms, which if ruptured, have a high risk of death. Extremely high blood pressure can also cause brain vessel rupture, leading to disability or death. If you experience any of the following chronic headache symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately: sudden severe headache unlike any before; headache accompanied by weakness and numbness on one side of the body; headache with fever and stiff neck; headache with personality changes and confusion.”
The second type of chronic headache is non-dangerous headaches. Dr. Sombat explains, “Although this type of headache is not life-threatening, it can disrupt daily life. Causes include work problems, economic issues, family problems causing stress, mental exertion, prolonged sitting, insufficient or inconsistent lighting leading to muscle tension. Some migraine sufferers may also experience nausea and vomiting. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper advice and self-care guidance to avoid confusion. This type of headache may not be completely curable but symptoms can be alleviated. Some people mistakenly think it is easy to treat by self-medicating or visiting a masseur. Sometimes complications arise from self-treatment without consulting a doctor, such as drug addiction, overdose causing liver and kidney toxicity, or severe massage causing muscle and blood vessel injuries.”
There are many ways to prevent migraine headaches, such as avoiding triggers, taking preventive medication, exercising, nerve function reduction injections, and migraine treatment with Botulinum Toxin, one of the well-known medical aesthetic technologies among Thais.
Dr. Buncha Siemhan, a neurologist at the Neurology and Spinal Cord Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital, explains, “Patients who need migraine headache prevention include those with severe headaches, frequent headaches, headaches that do not respond to painkillers, and headaches caused by overuse of painkillers. Migraine prevention reduces the frequency and severity of headaches by acting on the nerves, which has the benefit of lessening headache severity. Side effects to watch for include muscle weakness, double vision, pain at the injection site, and drooping eyelids.”
Botulinum Toxin is therefore another option for patients with chronic migraines who do not respond to preventive medication or fail other headache prevention methods.
