Migraines are a common health condition experienced by many Ausralians daily. In fact, according to the Headache Australia Organisation, 4.9 million people in Australia suffer from migraines, with 87% of individuals experiencing migraines in the last year.

As common as they are, severe migraines can negatively impact an individual’s day-to-day life, especially if they occur daily. They can affect a person’s productivity at work and school, disrupt relationships and cause mental health problems (Migraine Trust Organisation). As a result, it’s important to have severe or chronic migraines be professionally diagnosed and treated.

There are currently many treatments available for migraines and medical professionals are always seeking new methods of care to suit different individual needs. From traditional western medication to lifestyle changes to alternative care methods such as medicinal cannabis, there are many management options for migraines.

What are Migraines?

Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Migraines are often accompanied by bright flashes of light, called auras. Auras typically occur before the headache begins, but they can also happen during the headache. Auras affect 20-40% of people with migraines, however, are not always part of migraine attacks.

Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days and can be so severe that they interfere with your ability to perform everyday activities. The exact causes of migraines are unknown, but they are thought to be the result of changes in brain activity.

Migraines can vary in frequency and intensity, and they can last for hours or even days. Some people only have a few migraines each year, while others may have them more often. Migraines can be extremely debilitating, and they can make it difficult to do everyday activities.

There are two main types of migraines:

1. Migraine with aura: This type of migraine is characterised by the presence of an aura before the headache begins. Auras usually last for 20-30 minutes and can include visual disturbances such as bright flashes of light or blind spots. Other aura symptoms include tingling in the hands or face, difficulty speaking, and weakness on one side of the body.
2. Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine and is characterized by a throbbing or pulsating headache that is usually on one side of the head. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound

There are also other types of migraines, such as hemiplegic migraines, episodic migraines, and chronic migraines. Hemiplegic migraines are the most severe type of migraine, and they can cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body. Episodic migraines are less severe and happen less often than chronic migraines. Chronic migraines are more severe and happen more often.

There is currently no concrete cure for migraines, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the pain and other symptoms. Depending on the type of migraine you suffer from, a medical practitioner may recommend a specific type of management or care method. If you suffer from migraines, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the Common Causes of Migraines?

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but there are certain factors that can trigger them. These triggers can be different for each person.

Some common triggers include:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause)
• Certain foods and drinks (e.g. caffeine)
• Sensory overload (bright lights, loud noises)
• Changes in sleep patterns

Other triggers that are less common in people with migraines are:

• Weather changes
• Strong smells
• Smoking

What are the Symptoms of Migraines?

Symptoms of migraines can be divided into prodrome (early signs) and during. Symptoms may vary from individual to individual, and can also depend on the trigger that caused it.

The most common symptom of migraines is a throbbing or pulsing headache that is often on one side of the head. The pain is usually moderate to severe. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Auras themselves are also common symptoms of migraines. Auras typically occur before the headache begins but can also happen during the headache. The most common aura symptom is seeing flashes of light or colorful geometric shapes. Other symptoms include blind spots, tingling in the hands or face, and difficulty speaking.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some prodrome symptoms of migraines are:

• Constipation
• Mood changes, from depression to euphoria
• Food cravings
• Neck stiffness
• Increased urination
• Fluid retention
• Frequent yawning

Common symptoms that accompany auras include:

• Vision loss
• Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg
• Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking

What are Treatments for Migraines?

There is no cure for migraines, but there are treatments that can help lessen the frequency and severity of attacks. Research on migraine management indicates that care should be administered as soon as possible, and that any drugs should be prescribed with their potential adverse effects on patients in mind.

These include medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Medications used to treat migraines fall into two categories - those that relieve symptoms and those that prevent attacks.

Symptom-relieving medications include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as prescription medications such as triptans. Preventive medications include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and seizure medications.

Lifestyle changes that may help prevent migraines include getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding triggers such as bright lights or loud noises. Complementary therapies that have been shown to be effective in some people include acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback. Medicinal cannabis is another care method that is being investigated for its effectiveness in dulling the effects of migraines.

Medicinal Cannabis and Migraines

Medicinal cannabis is a plant-based medicine that contains various compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, while THC is the compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use.

CBD-rich strains of cannabis are being increasingly investigated for their potential to treat various conditions, including migraines. CBD oil is one of the most popular forms of medicinal cannabis.

There is ongoing research surrounding the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis in managing and easing symptoms of migraines. A study published by the Australian Access Clinics demonstrated the effects of medicinal cannabis which may help with migraine symptom treatments, such as pain relief, easing nausea, reducing inflammation, and prevention of seizures. The study also reported that 76.7% of participants reduced two-thirds of their usual migraine medications after using medicinal cannabis.

A 2021 study published on Cureus also concluded that there are encouraging results on medicinal cannabis’ therapeutic effects on alleviating migraines. Taking medicinal cannabis helped patients in decreasing their dependence on their usual migraine medication as well as their level of pain intensity.

In Australia, CBD-rich medicinal cannabis can be legally prescribed for migraines, however, needs to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Legislation regarding the ability for medical professionals to access medicinal cannabis products vary from state to state (or territory).

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids for Migraines

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for migraines.

Is medical CBD legal in Australia?

Most medicinal cannabis products rich in CBD are legal in Australia. However, these products need to be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

A doctor can only prescribe medicinal cannabis for patients if they have exhausted all other conventional treatment options first and it is deemed clinically appropriate.

The process of prescribing medicinal cannabis in Australia can be complicated and time-consuming, due to a required application with the Special Access Scheme (for a particular patient), Authorised Prescriber Scheme (for a particular group of patients), or Clinical Trial Scheme (for a particular group of patients).

Can a GP prescribe CBD oil in Australia?

Yes, GPs and specialists in Australia can prescribe medicinal cannabis products after an approved application with the TGA. While CBD oil is legal in Australia, it cannot be sold as a therapeutic good or medicine. This means that it cannot be advertised or marketed for any therapeutic use, and only an appropriate medicinal cannabis product can be prescribed.

What is the main cause of migraine?

The main cause of migraines is still unknown. However, it is believed that they are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How are migraines diagnosed?

Migraines are usually diagnosed based on the symptoms that a person experiences. If you have migraines, your doctor will ask about your medical history and the symptoms that you have been experiencing. They may also order tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

What are the three types of migraines?

There are three main types of migraines: migraines with aura, migraines without aura, and chronic migraines. Migraines with auras are headaches that are preceded by visual or other neurological symptoms. These symptoms can include flashing lights, blind spots, or tingling in the hands and feet.

Migraines without aura are the most common type of migraine, and they do not have any warning signs. Chronic migraines are migraines that occur on 15 or more days per month, for at least three months.

What is the best thing to do for a migraine?

The best thing to do for a migraine will vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. However, some general treatments that may help include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin, relaxation techniques, and avoiding triggers such as bright lights, loud noises, and certain foods. If migraines are severe and frequent, prescription medication may be necessary.