Q: Menstrual migraine

Menstrual migraine occurs immediately before (2 or 3 days) or during menstruation. Some women also develop migraines during ovulation. Migraines may also worsen around menopause.

Question 1

What is migraine?

Accepted Answer

Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterised by moderate to severe headaches, which can be associated with other symptoms, including: nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, brain fog and fatigue.

Common disabling neurological disorder
More than just a headache – often associated with loss of function
Strong genetic component – often runs in families

If you have any questions or concerns about your diagnosis or symptoms, then please consult your doctor.

Question 2

Episodic or chronic migraine?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of headaches over 3 consecutive months determines whether migraine is episodic or chronic:

Episodic – less than 15 days per month
Chronic – 15 or more days per month

Question 3

Migraine with aura

Accepted Answer

Approximately a third of people with migraine develop transient (often < 30 minutes) visual or neurological symptoms, known as aura, before the onset of headache. These symptoms develop over a few minutes and then melt away.

Visual symptoms: flashing lights, zigzags, blind spots
Neurological symptoms: numbness, tingling or mild weakness