English for PTA

Migraine

Abbildung © Dušan Zidar - Fotolia.com © Dušan Zidar - Fotolia.com

Migraine, one of the most common forms of headache, is the term used to describe any one of a whole range of headache types. The less serious types are usually treatable with good OTC painkillers.

The incidence of migraine has increased in the last thirty to forty years which would indicate that environmental changes are also a factor in developing migraine. Women are much more likely to suffer from migraine than men, this is due in part to hormonal changes and imbalances. Certain foods have also been proven to trigger a migraine attack. This is one reason why a migraine sufferer should keep a headache diary to record what he or she ate or drank and what possibly caused the headache. Another reason for keeping a headache diary is to give the GP more specific information so that he or she can prescribe the correct medication.

Pharmacy customer: Good morning.
PTA: Good morning, what can I do for you?

I can feel a migraine coming on. It hasn’t turned into a proper migraine yet but I’ll certainly need painkillers to deal with it. Is there anything that you can recommend?
Yes, it is a good idea to take medication as soon as you suspect that you are going to get a headache. Do you have a prescription?

No, my migraine is neither very frequent nor is it usually very bad. I was hoping that you could recommend an over-the-counter product.
There are lots of different types of OTC products that I could give you. Do you mind me asking what type of migraine you have?

No, not at all. My migraine is with aura, you know those neon-type flashes and difficulty focussing.
One of the fast-acting types of medication is high-dosage acetylsalicylic acid. These effervescent tablets should be dissolved in water and especially fast at relieving the pain.

Is there anything that I should be careful about when I take them?
Well, they shouldn’t be taken too often as they can have a negative effect on the stomach lining. Some people are sensitive to acetylsalicylic acid but if you don’t have to take them too often it shouldn’t be a problem.

Are there any other types of pain-killer that are available as OTC products?
Yes, ibuprofen and paracetamol are very good non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The thing with most pain-killers is, if they are taken over a longer period and without medical advice, that they can cause so-called rebound headaches. They occur when headache medications not only stop relieving pain but actually cause headaches.

I don’t think there’s any danger of that with me. In fact, I only take painkillers when I really need them.
There is so much that you can do to prevent or alleviate headaches. Physical activity such as swimming or cycling can help. It’s necessary to consult your GP for advice on what is best for you.

Wasn’t there something about magnesium?
People with magnesium deficiency often have problems with migraine. If you notice that you have cramps, especially night-time cramps in the calf muscles, it is likely that you have magnesium deficiency.

Okay! So, I’ll take the acetylsalicylic tablets and magnesium.
Here you are.

Thank you. Goodbye.
Goodbye.

Vocabulary
headache Kopfschmerzen
range Reihe
incidence Häufigkeit, Vorkommen
imbalance Ungleichgewicht
proven nachgewiesen
trigger Auslöser
prescribe verschreiben
proper richtig
recommend empfehlen
suspect vermuten
prescription Rezept
neither … nor … weder … noch …
flashes Blitze
high-dosage hochdosiert
acid Säure
effervescent tablets Brausetabletten
stomach lining Magenschleimhaut
anti-inflammatory Antiphlogistikum, Entzündungshemmer
rebound Reaktion
alleviate lindern, mildern
consult um Rat fragen