Anyone who has ever suffered a migraine attack will know just how debilitating it can be and with this in mind the Migraine Association of Ireland held an information day in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley in May.

Migraine affects approximately 400,000 people in Ireland and is the country’s most common neurological disorder.

It is a condition that, though it cannot be cured, can be managed, according to Peter Murphy, CEO of the Migraine Association. “If you suffer from migraine, the first step is to learn about the condition and how it can be managed,” he told NewsFour.

Migraine remains a misunderstood and under-managed condition. It differs from a ‘normal’ headache in that it generally features a one-sided throbbing headache which is episodic and lasts hours or even days with total freedom between attacks.

The headache is normally worsened by movement or routine physical activity. Migraine has been likened to a power cut, as the whole body seems to shut down until the attack is over. The headache is, of course, just one of the symptoms, albeit the most well-known.

An attack of migraine can be very frightening. The onset of classical migraine (migraine with aura) may be signalled by visual disturbances in what is called the ‘aura’ stage. This affects about 20% of sufferers. Common migraine (or migraine without aura) and classical migraine may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion and in rare cases temporary paralysis and loss of speech. Sensitivity to light, noise and strong smells is also frequently reported.

The Migraine Association of Ireland is organizing two seminars in September and further information can be obtained from the Migraine Helpline at 1850 200 378 or email info@migraine.ie or check out the website address: www.migraine.ie