For over a decade, Perpetua Marabu has endured relentless throbbing headaches, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. What started as a simple headache in childhood has turned into a lifelong struggle, forcing her to navigate everyday life with caution. Triggers like bright lights, loud noises, and stress can instantly leave her debilitated for hours or even days. Despite visiting numerous hospitals and trying different treatments, she has yet to find lasting relief.
At one point, doctors suggested surgery as a solution, but she refused to go through with it. Instead, she relies on painkillers like Panadol Extra for temporary relief. Even at work, she sometimes has to step out of meetings to manage the overwhelming pain. In one incident, a migraine attack left her speaking incoherently, alarming those around her. Fortunately, her colleagues, aware of her condition, acted quickly to help her.
While some people, like Marabu, have identified their triggers, many rely on over-the-counter medication without understanding the root cause of their migraines. Douglas Muganyi, a driver, experiences frequent headaches due to long working hours, stress, and lack of sleep. His reliance on painkillers helps him push through, but he has never sought medical advice.
Health experts warn that frequent use of painkillers without proper diagnosis can have severe consequences, including medication overuse headaches and long-term damage to vital organs. Dr. Esther Mukuhi notes that many patients self-medicate rather than seeking proper treatment, often taking painkillers more than three times a week. She emphasizes the importance of medical tests to determine underlying causes rather than relying solely on medication.
Migraines can present with symptoms like throbbing headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and even numbness in the face or limbs. Despite their impact, many people do not receive proper diagnosis or treatment, relying instead on self-medication.
A study conducted among medical students in Kenya found that migraines affected 33.8% of the participants, with stress, studying, and physical activity being common triggers. Despite the high prevalence, only 40% sought medical help, while most relied on self-medication.
Research suggests that migraines affect around 33.8% of Kenya’s population. These headaches are not just painful but can also lead to more severe health risks, including an increased likelihood of strokes. Studies show that migraines with aura raise the risk of ischemic strokes, while those without aura are linked to hemorrhagic strokes.
Worldwide, headache disorders affect about 40% of the population, impacting people across all ages, genders, and income levels. Despite their widespread nature, many people do not receive adequate diagnosis or treatment. Migraines can severely impact quality of life, leading to emotional distress, financial strain, and even increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Effective management requires accurate diagnosis, access to proper treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and patient education. Without these, many will continue to suffer in silence, relying on temporary relief rather than finding lasting solutions.
