Migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition characterised by recurring attacks of moderate to severe, often one-sided headache. Most attacks last 4 to 72 hours and come with nausea, vomiting, or heightened sensitivity to light and sound. Around 15% of adults in East and Southeast Asia are affected, making it one of the most common disabling conditions in the region.
Medicines used to treat Migraine
Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray
5mg
Formulated to address migraine headache and to alleviate associated nausea.
How attacks unfold
Many people recognise a prodrome, fatigue, mood shifts, or food cravings, hours before pain starts. About a third of migraine sufferers experience aura: brief visual disturbances such as flickering lights or blind spots that typically last 20 to 30 minutes. The headache phase that follows can be severe enough to stop daily activity entirely.
Treating a migraine attack
Triptans are the first-line medicines for moderate-to-severe attacks. They work by narrowing dilated cranial blood vessels and blocking pain signals. Options available in our neurology range include sumatriptan, the longest-established triptan; rizatriptan, which dissolves quickly and suits people who cannot swallow tablets during an attack; and zolmitriptan, which is also available as a nasal spray. Taking any triptan as early as possible in an attack generally gives the best result.
Reducing how often attacks occur
Trigger identification is valuable: common triggers include disrupted sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, and stress. In hot, humid climates common across Southeast Asia, keeping well-hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can reduce attack frequency. A simple headache diary recording timing, duration, and suspected triggers helps identify personal patterns and guides any further management.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience a sudden, thunderclap headache unlike any before, headache with fever and stiff neck, or new neurological symptoms such as weakness or speech difficulty.