【Common Diseases】Migraine

🤯 Migraine Guide (Hong Kong Edition)

As a city dweller, I'm well aware of the pain of migraines—not just any ordinary headache, but a neurological disorder that can impact work, study, and overall quality of life. According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and several international medical journals, migraine is a common yet underappreciated chronic neuralgic headache characterized by recurrent, typically unilateral, pulsating pain accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

1️⃣ Causes and Predisposing Factors (Common in Hong Kong)

The medical community is not fully aware of the exact mechanism of migraine, but it is generally believed to be related to cerebral vasoconstriction/dilation, overexcitement of the trigeminal nervous system, and changes in neurochemical substances (such as serotonin).

Common predisposing factors in Hong Kong include:

  • High stress (work or academic pressure)
  • Lack of sleep or irregular sleep schedule (OT, all-nighters)
  • Dietary factors (caffeine excess or withdrawal, red wine, cheese, chocolate, MSG)
  • Hormonal changes (pre-menstrual period, birth control pills)
  • Weather changes (sudden changes in humidity or air pressure)
  • Strong light or prolonged staring at the screen (Hong Kong people use computers and mobile phones for a long time)

2️⃣ Main symptoms

Typical migraine symptoms include:

  • Pulsating pain on one or both sides
  • Moderate to severe intensity
  • Headaches that are aggravated by activity (walking, climbing stairs)
  • Associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia
  • Some patients experience auras : such as flashes of light, black spots, distorted vision, and numbness in the hands and feet.

The duration of the attack can range from 4 hours to 72 hours , seriously affecting daily life.

3️⃣ Medical treatment methods (commonly used in Hong Kong)

🩹 Acute treatment (pain relief and symptom relief)

  • over-the-counter pain relievers
    • Paracetamol
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
  • Triptans
    • Specifically for migraine, it acts on serotonin receptors to constrict dilated cerebral blood vessels
    • Such as Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan (requires a doctor's prescription in Hong Kong)
  • Anti-nausea medication
    • Such as Metoclopramide, which can help reduce nausea and speed up the absorption of painkillers

🛡 Preventive treatment (reducing the frequency of attacks)

  • Blood pressure medication (beta-blockers, such as Propranolol)
  • Antiepileptic drugs (topiramate, valproate)
  • antidepressants (Amitriptyline)
  • CGRP inhibitors (new generation injectable drugs)
    • Monthly or quarterly injections targeting the migraine mechanism
    • Some private clinics in Hong Kong have introduced this method, but the cost is relatively high.

💉 Other treatments

  • Botulinum toxin injections (Botox)
    • For chronic migraine (≥15 headache days per month)
    • Some neurologists in Hong Kong provide
  • Physical therapy and relaxation training
    • Reduce neck and shoulder muscle tension

4️⃣ Daily prevention and self-management (Editor’s tips)

  • Keep a headache diary : record the time, intensity, and possible causes of the attack to help doctors diagnose
  • Regular sleep schedule : Avoid sleep deprivation or excessive sleep
  • Managing stress : Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises
  • Dietary precautions : Avoid known triggering foods and stay hydrated
  • Rest your eyes : Take a 5-10 minute break every 30-40 minutes of using electronic products
  • Exercise habits : Mild aerobic exercise (brisk walking, swimming) can help reduce the frequency of attacks
  • Be aware of hormonal changes : Women can discuss prevention options for period-related headaches with their doctor.

5️⃣ Common myths among Hong Kong patients

  • "Are migraines the same as regular headaches?" ❌
    Migraine is a neurological disease, not a common headache caused by fatigue or cold.
  • "Are painkillers addictive?" ❌
    It is generally not addictive when used as directed by a doctor, but long-term excessive use of painkillers may lead to medication overuse headache .
  • "Only women get migraines?" ❌
    The incidence is higher in women, but men can also be affected.

6️⃣ Editor’s Summary

Migraines aren't something you can just "put up with"; chronic attacks can impact your life, mood, and work efficiency. If you experience severe headaches several times a month that disrupt your daily life, you should consult your family doctor or neurologist for a thorough examination and develop a treatment and prevention plan based on their advice. Hong Kong currently offers a wide range of treatment options, from medication to lifestyle management. Early diagnosis and ongoing management are crucial.

Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.

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