What is migraine?
Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes repeated attacks of moderate to severe headache, often throbbing and on one side, with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people first see zig-zag lines or flashing lights, called an aura. Other common types are tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache. Most headaches are diagnosed from a careful history and examination, and a scan is needed only when there are warning signs.
Migraine & Headache at Curewell Speciality Clinic: at a glance
- Who you will see
- Dr. Mailan K (MBBS, DNB (Neuro), DPM, MHA, FICP)
- Tests that may be used
- A detailed headache history and diary, and an examination; a scan only when there are warning signs
- Treatment approach
- Treatment for attacks, preventive medicine when attacks are frequent, and changes to sleep, meals, screen time and painkiller use
- When it is an emergency
- A sudden "worst ever" headache, or a headache with fever and stiff neck, weakness, confusion or a fit: go to hospital now.
- Where and when
- #125, MM Road, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome; call or WhatsApp 74066 57632.
Migraine is one of the most common reasons people see a neurologist. A migraine attack is usually a throbbing headache, often on one side, with sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, and a need to lie down. Some people see zig-zag lines or flashing lights (an “aura”) before the pain begins. Tension-type headache feels more like a tight band around the head. Headaches can also be caused by taking painkillers too often — known as medication-overuse headache.
The good news is that most headaches can be understood and managed. The first step is getting the type right, because each type is treated differently. A headache diary, kept for a few weeks, is one of the most useful tools there is.
What are the symptoms of migraine and headache?
- Throbbing or pounding pain, often on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light, noise or smells; nausea or vomiting
- Zig-zag lines, flashing lights or blind spots before the headache
- A tight, pressing band around the forehead or back of the head
- Headaches on most days, or needing painkillers more than two or three days a week
- Headaches triggered by missed meals, poor sleep, screens, stress or periods
One of these alone doesn't mean you have this condition; most symptoms have more than one cause. Not sure? When to see a neurologist
Emergency
Headaches that need a hospital, not a clinic
- A sudden, extremely severe headache that peaks within a minute — “the worst headache of my life”.
- Headache with fever, a stiff neck, a rash, confusion or drowsiness.
- Headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, loss of vision or a fit.
- A headache after a head injury, especially with vomiting or sleepiness.
Call 108 or 112 and go to the nearest hospital now.
How does Dr. Mailan K assess and treat migraine and headache?
Four steps, at Curewell Speciality Clinic, #125 MM Road, Frazer Town.
Step 1: Assessment
Dr. Mailan K takes a detailed headache history — where it hurts, how often, how long it lasts, what comes with it, what triggers it and which medicines you have tried. Blood pressure, eyes and the nervous system are examined.
Step 2: Diagnosis
Most headaches are diagnosed from the history and examination alone. A scan or other test is advised when there are warning features — for example a new headache later in life, a change in pattern, or abnormal findings on examination. You will be told why a test is or isn't needed.
Step 3: Treatment
The plan usually has three parts: treatment for attacks when they happen, preventive medicine if attacks are frequent, and practical changes around sleep, meals, hydration, screens and stress. If painkillers are being taken too often, a plan to reduce them safely is explained.
Step 4: Follow-up
Headaches are reviewed after a few weeks of treatment using your headache diary. Preventive medicines take time to work and are adjusted step by step. Because Dr. Mailan K is also trained in psychiatry, anxiety, low mood and poor sleep — which often travel with chronic headache — are looked at too.
What should I bring to my first visit?
- A headache diary for the last 2–4 weeks: dates, how bad, how long, what you took
- Every medicine and painkiller you use for headache, including over-the-counter ones
- Any previous scan reports or eye test reports
- Notes on possible triggers — food, sleep, periods, screens, stress
Questions about Migraine & Headache
When should I worry about a headache?
See a doctor promptly if headaches are new, getting worse, waking you from sleep, or changing pattern. Go to a hospital immediately for a sudden severe headache, or a headache with fever and stiff neck, weakness, confusion or a fit.
Do I need a CT or MRI scan for my headaches?
Most people with headaches do not need a scan. Dr. Mailan K will recommend one if your history or examination shows warning signs, and will explain the reason.
Can taking too many painkillers make headaches worse?
Yes. Taking painkillers on many days each month can lead to medication-overuse headache. A neurologist can help you reduce them safely and replace them with a better plan.
Is migraine curable?
Migraine is a long-term tendency rather than something that is cured, but attacks can often be made less frequent and less severe with the right treatment and changes in routine. How much each person improves varies.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mailan K
#125 MM Road, Frazer Town. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
