{"id":61493,"date":"2026-01-15T16:02:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T08:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?post_type=health-article&#038;p=61493"},"modified":"2026-04-30T16:07:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:07:54","slug":"alleviating-severe-migraine","status":"publish","type":"health-article","link":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-severe-migraine\/","title":{"rendered":"Alleviating Severe Migraine"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"61493\" class=\"elementor elementor-61493\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8a5bd8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b8a5bd8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d5da91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7d5da91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A severe, throbbing headache that distorts vision, heightens sensitivity to sound, and disrupts daily life,\u00a0this is the reality for many migraine sufferers. In Malaysia, migraines affect nine to\u00a012 percent of the population, and for some, the pain becomes so intense that a visit to the emergency department (ED) becomes necessary.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But what actually happens when someone seeks emergency care for a migraine?\u00a0How do doctors distinguish it from more critical conditions like stroke or brain hemorrhage? And what treatments can provide\u00a0relief?\u00a0First,\u00a0let\u2019s\u00a0take a look\u00a0at the basics,\u00a0then delve into\u00a0a migraine scenario at the emergency department\u00a0and what follows suit.\u00a0Knowing what to expect can put your mind to rest; something every migraine patient needs!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72c36c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"72c36c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16be2dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"16be2dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic01\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Stages of a Migraine <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ca0bdd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8ca0bdd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Migraines typically go through four phases\/stages, although not everyone experiences all of them:<\/p><ol><li>Prodrome (Pre-headache) <br \/>This early warning stage can occur one to two days before the migraine. Symptoms include mood changes (such as irritability, depression or euphoria), food cravings, neck stiffness, increased urination, yawning, fatigue or hyperactivity and difficulty focusing. Recognizing these signs can help patients take early steps to prevent a full-blown attack.<\/li><li>Aura <br \/>Occurring about five to 60 minutes before or during the headache, the aura stage involves sensory disturbances such as visual flashes or heightened sound sensitivity. The symptoms in this stage are visual disturbances (like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots), sensory changes (numbness or tingling, especially in the face or hands), difficulty speaking or understanding speech (dysphasia), and in rare cases, muscle weakness (as in hemiplegic migraine where symptoms occur on one side of the body). Aura symptoms are reversible and typically develop gradually.<\/li><li>Attack<br \/>This is the most painful stage where the unilateral head pain and aversion to light and sound can last for four to 72 hours. The migraine attack phase is characterised by moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain (usually on one side), worsens with physical activity, nausea and\/or vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Many patients come to the ED during this phase.<\/li><li>Postdrome (Recovery)<br \/>This follows the attack and lingers up to one to two days. Patient will experience fatigue or exhaustion, confusion or difficulty concentrating (migraine &#8220;hangover&#8221;), mood changes, muscle weakness or pain.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83431a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"83431a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-886ed51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"886ed51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic02\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ruling Out Other Conditions (Differential Diagnosis) <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1829aa3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1829aa3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not all headaches are migraines. Some serious medical conditions can mimic migraine symptoms. Doctors must consider other possibilities such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tension headaches or cluster headaches<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brain infections (like meningitis) or bleeding (such as subarachnoid hemorrhage)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brain tumors, high brain pressure (idiopathic intracranial hypertension)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Glaucoma, sinus infections, and nerve-related pain (like trigeminal neuralgia)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Because some of these conditions can be life-threatening, it\u2019s important to get a proper diagnosis,\u00a0especially if symptoms are severe or unusual.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d107197 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d107197\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1e7a1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c1e7a1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-02.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-61496\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-02.png 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-02-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-02-768x367.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d817072 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d817072\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4765d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e4765d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic03\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Initial Assessment at the Emergency Department <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-814f050 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"814f050\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When a patient comes to the ED with a headache, doctors must determine whether it\u2019s a migraine or something more serious.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A detailed medical history is key. Doctors will ask about how long the headache has lasted, how severe it is, how often it happens, and if the patient has had similar headaches before. Migraine headaches are often throbbing, one-sided, and worsen with\u00a0routine physical activity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Common associated symptoms include\u00a0nausea, sensitivity to light\u00a0and\u00a0sound, and sometimes\u00a0sensory disturbances in the\u00a0aura\u00a0stage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Doctors also check for \u201cred flags\u201d,\u00a0signs that the headache may be due to a more dangerous condition. These can be remembered using the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">SNOOP<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0checklist:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">S<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ystemic symptoms (fever, weight loss) or conditions (cancer, low immunity)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">N<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eurological symptoms (confusion, weakness, loss of coordination)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">O<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nset that is sudden or feels like a &#8220;thunderclap&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">O<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lder age at first occurrence (&gt;50 years)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">P<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">revious headaches that have recently changed in pattern or severity<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If any of these red flags are present, further\u00a0investigations are\u00a0warranted to rule out other conditions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6a585a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c6a585a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-868aae7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"868aae7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic04\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Treatment in the Emergency Department <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36f8d6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"36f8d6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once a migraine diagnosis is confirmed, treatment in the Emergency Department focuses on relieving\u00a0moderate to severe migraine attacks\u00a0and associated symptoms such as nausea\u00a0and vomiting. If there are no concerning signs, or \u201cred flags,\u201d imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs are typically not needed. The first line of treatment usually includes medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),\u00a0and medications\u00a0which are specifically used for migraines and to control nausea.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition to medications, supportive care plays an important role in patient comfort and recovery. This includes\u00a0intravenous\u00a0(IV)\u00a0fluids to rehydrate patients who may have been vomiting or unable to eat or drink, as well as placing the patient in a dark, quiet room to minimize sensitivity to light and sound. In certain types of migraines,\u00a0such as\u00a0those with aura or cluster headache features,\u00a0oxygen therapy may also be beneficial and is typically given through a face mask at high flow rates.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the initial treatment does not relieve symptoms, second-line therapies may be considered\u00a0which\u00a0include IV medications. In more severe cases, hospital admission may be required,\u00a0particularly if the migraine does not respond to treatment, if there are strong suspicions of a more serious underlying condition, or if the patient shows neurological symptoms or altered consciousness.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34a9d6f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"34a9d6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd67df7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"bd67df7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-03-2.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-61498\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-03-2.png 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-03-2-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/alleviating-severe-migraine-in-emergency-setting-banner-03-2-768x367.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68b5f13 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"68b5f13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10f6dcb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"10f6dcb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic05\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cb5ead elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1cb5ead\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW89120899 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-MY\" xml:lang=\"EN-MY\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW89120899 BCX0\">Effective migraine management in Malaysian emergency departments\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW89120899 BCX0\">relies<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW89120899 BCX0\">\u00a0on prompt recognition, exclusion of life-threatening causes, and appropriate treatment. Local adaptation of international guidelines, continued medical education, and improved patient awareness are essential to improving outcomes. Establishing standardised protocols across Malaysian EDs will ensure consistent, evidence-based care for patients with migraine.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW89120899 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc9d6d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"dc9d6d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99b9ffa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"99b9ffa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">References<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5><ol><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Headache (MOH Malaysia)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">International Headache Society (IHS) Guidelines<\/span><\/li><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Silberstein SD, et al. Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment of migraine headache. Neurology.<\/span><\/li><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) CG150: Headaches in over 12s<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db51a02 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"db51a02\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c15c5ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c15c5ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>This article first appeared in <a href=\"https:\/\/stagingsea.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NST-Diagnosing-Treating-Migraine-Tebrau.pdf\">New Straits Times, 15 January 2026<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A severe, throbbing headache that distorts vision, heightens sensitivity to sound, and disrupts daily life, this is the reality for many migraine sufferers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":61494,"template":"","topic":[94],"language":[137],"class_list":["post-61493","health-article","type-health-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-health-wellness","language-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - 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