Migraine Awareness Week 1st Sept - 8th Sept: Let's Challenge the Stigma

Sep 03, 2025 Migraine

Migraines affect millions of people in the UK, yet they are often misunderstood and dismissed as “just a bad headache”. During Migraine Awareness Week, from September 1st to 8th, it is essential to raise awareness about what migraines truly are, how they differ from headaches, and what can be done to manage and prevent them. This awareness is essential not just for migraine sufferers but also for employers and caregivers.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurrent attacks of moderate to severe head pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound or smells, and visual disturbances. Unlike a typical headache, a migraine can last from a few hours to several days and can significantly disrupt daily life.

According to the NHS, migraines affect around one in five women and one in fifteen men. While there is no cure, treatments and lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference. Knowing likely triggers and working to combat these also makes avoiding migraines or lessening their impact more likely.

Types of Migraine

Migraines are not all the same. Recognising the type of migraine you experience can help with finding the right treatment.

Migraine without aura: The most common type, causing throbbing head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine with aura: Includes warning signs such as flashing lights, blind spots, or tingling before the headache starts.
Silent migraine: Also known as “migraine aura without headache”, where aura symptoms occur but without head pain.
Chronic migraine: Defined as headaches on 15 or more days per month, of which at least eight are migraine.

The Migraine Trust provides additional information on these types of migraine and their effects, as well as support.

How to Know the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine

While headaches are unpleasant, they are generally less severe than migraines. Common headaches, such as tension headaches, usually involve a dull pressure on both sides of the head. Migraines, in comparison, tend to:

Affects one side of the head more than the other
Cause pulsating or throbbing pain
Lasts much longer than a standard headache
Be accompanied by additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound

Understanding this difference is key to accessing the right headache or migraine relief.

Migraine Treatments From Simply Meds Online

Effective treatment is crucial for those living with migraines. At Simply Meds Online, a range of migraine relief medicines from trusted brands and suppliers is available to help manage attacks and improve quality of life:

Sumatriptan Tablets – One of the most commonly prescribed triptans, Sumatriptan works by narrowing widened blood vessels in the brain, which helps ease the pain of a migraine. Relief often begins within 30 minutes, making it a reliable option for people who need fast results.
Imigran Tablets – These contain Sumatriptan and are particularly helpful for those whose migraines do not respond to standard painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. They are designed for acute treatment rather than prevention and are known for reducing the severity of symptoms.
Imigran Nasal Spray – A convenient alternative for those who struggle with nausea and vomiting during migraines. Because it bypasses the digestive system, it is absorbed quickly, often providing relief within 15 minutes.
Zomig 2.5mg Tablets – Containing Zolmitriptan, Zomig tablets are highly effective at reducing migraine symptoms. They are particularly beneficial for those who have not had success with other triptans and can provide long-lasting relief.
Zomig Rapimelt Orodispersible Tablets – A dissolvable form of Zomig that melts on the tongue, offering fast absorption and ease of use. These are a great option for people who need discreet, quick migraine relief in everyday situations.

You can browse other Triptan medications along with the full range of Migraine treatments here. Each of these trusted migraine medications can help you get back on your feet.

We offer a range of migraine treatment options, and our pharmacist can help you find the right medication. Already on migraine medication? Ask about our NHS Prescription scheme and enjoy the benefits of having your migraine and other medications delivered quickly and discreetly to your front door.

How to Prevent Migraines

While medication is key for treating migraine attacks, lifestyle changes can reduce how often they occur. Tips on how to prevent migraines include:

Identifying Triggers: Keep a diary to track foods, stress levels, sleep, and hormonal changes that may trigger migraines. While some triggers are common, others may not be. Driving in low sun, for example, can trigger migraines in some people. The better awareness of your triggers, the more likely it is that you can avoid or lessen migraines.
Maintaining Regular Sleep: Both too much and too little sleep can trigger attacks. It is important to maintain a regular, healthy sleep routine.
Staying Hydrated: Dehydration is a common cause of migraine. Drink regularly to reduce the risk of triggering a migraine attack.
Balanced Diet: Avoid skipping meals and limit caffeine and alcohol. Food and drinks can also be triggers for migraines. Keeping a record of what you are having at mealtimes and for snacks may help you avoid migraine flare-ups.
Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help. Working out the best stress management techniques for you may take a little “trial and error” but it is worth the effort to avoid or lessen migraines.
Regular Exercise: Gentle exercise like walking or swimming can reduce the frequency of attacks.

Learn more about how lifestyle changes can help alleviate Migraine symptoms with this NHS lifestyle guide here.

Raising Awareness During Migraine Awareness Week 1st Sept - 8th Sept

This Migraine Awareness Week, 1st Sept - 8th Sept, take the opportunity to learn more about migraines, support those affected, and challenge the stigma. By understanding the difference between headaches and migraines, recognising available treatments, and adopting preventive lifestyle changes, we can all play a role in improving the lives of migraine sufferers. Here at Simply Meds Online, we are committed to helping those who have to deal with migraines take back control.