This Women’s Health Week, we’re shining a light on an issue that affects millions of Australian women every day: migraine. According to Jean Hailes’ 2025 National Women’s Health Survey, 1 in 3 Australian women live with migraine and it’s a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Migraine vs Headache: What’s the Difference?
Migraine is much more than “just a bad headache.” It is a complex neurological condition with multiple phases:
- Early warning signs: may include mood changes, digestive issues, drowsiness, sensitivity to light, food cravings and muscle pain (often in the neck and shoulders).
- Aura: experienced by 1 in 3 people and is more common in women. Aura may look or feel like blind spots, flashing lights, dizziness, difficulty speaking, or abdominal pain.
- Acute headache phase: a throbbing, (often one-sided) headache lasting up to 72 hours, usually worse with exercise. Nausea, vomiting, neck pain, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or smell are common.
- Post-migraine phase: brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, and sometimes a lingering headache.
Migraine Triggers
Several factors can contribute to migraine onset, including (but not limited to):
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Long exposure to screens
- Bright or flickering lights
- Dehydration
- High caffeine intake
- Hormonal changes (periods, pregnancy, menopause)
The Gender Pain Gap
Despite the prevalence of migraine, only one-third of people receive a formal diagnosis, and women make up the majority of those who go undiagnosed. Why?
- Women are often taken less seriously when reporting pain.
- They are less likely to receive adequate pain relief or prioritised care.
- Many are conditioned to believe that “putting up with pain” is just part of life. And as a result,
- They under-report the severity and disability of their headaches
Getting a Migraine Diagnosis
An official diagnosis opens the door to tailored treatment and management. To prepare for your GP appointment, you can:
- Fill out a migraine questionnaire.
- Keep a migraine diary.
- Be ready to discuss your medical history, mental health, sleep, and family history.
Migraine Treatment and Management
While there’s no cure for migraine, many strategies can help reduce frequency and severity. For example:
- Identifying and managing triggers.
- Preventive medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Having better understanding to better control your migraines.
- Specialist physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy for Migraine
At our clinic, Dr. Alastair Flett (FACP), Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, has a special interest in headaches and migraine. Dr. Flett not only helps patients manage migraine but also guides them through the diagnostic process, providing referrals to neurologists and recommendations for preventative treatments to discuss with their GP.
If you suspect you’re living with migraine, or another type of headache, but haven’t been able to get a diagnosis, we encourage you to reach out.
Be Kind to Yourself
Living with migraine can be physically and emotionally draining. Remember that it’s okay to seek multiple medical opinions and to lean on loved ones for support. With the right care and a clear diagnosis, you can take steps toward a better quality of life.
Contact us:
Make a booking with Alastair now via the button below, or if you’d like more information, you can call (03) 9639 2286 and speak to our friendly reception team.
