It’s estimated that 10 million people in the UK suffer from migraines. This extremely painful condition is often incorrectly described as a ‘bad headache’. However, symptoms can also include constipation, mood changes, blurred and lost vision and dizziness, as well as a severe throbbing pain in the head that can often cause nausea and vomiting.
Despite there being so many migraine sufferers in the UK, it can often be extremely difficult to source the correct treatment from a GP. In fact, a recent study1 by the Migraine Trust showed that between 23% and 42% of people living with migraines reported 24 attacks within 12 months previous. However, around half did not seek medical advice, and the most commonly used treatment was over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol.
Why don’t painkillers always work?
Dr Anup Mathew, medical director at Alternaleaf comments: “Migraines can come on unexpectedly and can either be regular or completely sporadic. There are several factors that can trigger a migraine, including stress, the menstrual cycle, new medication and dehydration. As a result, they can have a devastating attack on our personal and professional lives. However, diagnosis and treatment are notoriously difficult to get hold of, and over-the-counter painkillers often have very little effect.
“Over-the-counter painkillers can often be ineffective when it comes to treating migraines. Whilst they may relieve some of the pain of a ‘tension headache’ migraines can often include many other symptoms, such as blurred vision, dizziness and nausea, which these painkillers will have very little impact on.”
Why is it so hard to get treatment through a GP?
The issue around access to treatment was also debated in parliament last week, as the MP Dehanna Davison, explained the ‘life ruining’ impact migraines had on her life, which forced her to quit her role as an MP.
She highlighted the ‘postcode lottery’ of funding, which is severely limiting the access to treatments for migraines through the NHS.
Ms Davison also explained how some people wait years to see specialists, whilst living with ‘excruciating pain’. ‘People are missing work, cancelling arrangements with friends, and missing out on social experiences because they feel like they are a burden on their family.’ She added.
Do alternative treatments exist?
However, there are solutions that can relieve the pressures on the health system, through the use of alternative treatment, explains Dr Anup Mathew, medical director at Alternaleaf:
“Many people may not know that medical cannabis is an effective migraine treatment that contains active ingredients to help reduce the pain. These active ingredients interact with receptors found in the endocannabinoid system, which therefore helps to reduce pain caused by migraines.
“Delays in diagnosis and treatment can have a devastating impact on the lives of those suffering from migraines. Our clinic is reducing the pressures on the healthcare system by helping patients to access medical support and treatment as soon as an attack occurs.”
