WHAT'S CAUSING YOUR HEADACHE?

With Migraine & Headache Awareness Month approaching, we look at the main triggers behind them - and the best remedies

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Headaches can be debilitating, whether they are linked to allergies, hormones, caffeine or hypertension.

Perhaps the hardest to cope with are migraines, which cause mild to severe pain, typically affecting one side of the head. They can also impact your vision and make you feel incredibly sick.

Doctor Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics (cosmedics.co.uk), says, "Migraines are a unique kind of headache, often characterised by pain on one side of the head, nausea, and visual disturbances such as flashing lights or temporary tunnel vision. You may also experience an aura, a sensation indicating that a migraine is about to occur.

"The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they're thought to be triggered by spasms of blood vessels in the brain or neck area. Factors like stress, alcohol and dehydration can exacerbate them, but sometimes they can happen for no apparent reason."

Doctor Perry explains that preventive treatments are the main approach to managing migraines, with medications available to help prevent their onset.