Migraine is the most common neurological condition in the world and there are more than half a million sufferers in Ireland.

It affects women more than men and the impact of migraine varies dramatically from person to person. Some people have migraine attacks relatively infrequently, perhaps a few times each year, while others experience headache and migraine symptoms on a daily or near daily basis. Migraine sufferers often fall into one of two categories – Episodic migraine and chronic migraine. Episodic migraine is diagnosed if a patient has up to 14 headache days per month, and a patient is said to have chronic migraine if they have 15 or more headache days monthly, with eight of these having migraine symptoms, for more than three months. With considerable advances made in managing, treating and supporting migraine sufferers, Dr Martin Ruttledge Consultant Neurologist and Headache Specialist, recommends migraine sufferers get a quick diagnosis. Whether your migraines are mild or severe, visit your GP, who can refer you on to a migraine specialist if needed. It’s very important that diagnosis happens in a timely fashion so that you are connected to the most appropriate resources and receive the right approach to treat and manage your migraine. Keeping a headache diary is an effective way for patients to uncover patterns specific to their individual biology.  It’s a simple measure that allows people to identify their triggers, record their attacks and then share this information with the clinician who can use it to develop a tailored treatment and management plan to minimise the frequency and severity of attacks. Identifying triggers is important for sufferers: migraine attacks are sometimes related to skipping meals, female hormones, being over-tired or related to stress, or even positive life events like weddings and birthday parties. Following a daily routine is important, for example getting up at the same time every day, as many people who suffer from migraines experience attacks on the weekend. For more information on migraine and to hear the expert Dr Martin Ruttledge answer some of the most common questions regarding migraine, visit www.speakyourmigraine.ie/meettheexpert Visit www.speakyourmigraine.ie/meettheexpert to find out more This article is supported by Novartis Ireland. This healthcare professional has been paid for their contribution. Brought to you by Novartis