Migraine attacks are associated mainly with severe headaches but for most of the estimated six million sufferers in the country it is much more than that.

Visual disturbances and distorted sounds often accompany the sometimes frightening condition along with throbbing pain, nausea and vomiting in attacks which can last for up to three days.

It costs industry about £750 million each year in lost working time and affects twice as many women as men.

But according to the Migraine Action Association an estimated 60 per cent of sufferers fail to consult their GP even though a range of new drug treatments has come on the market in recent years making it for the first time a treatable condition.

Unfortunately the remedies have come too late for one sufferer. Madge Butler, of Bingley, has about two attacks each week but is unable to take advantage of the treatments which are unsuitable for older people.

Her migraines had become much worse after she had a hysterectomy 25 years ago and could be triggered if she became overtired, missed a meal or travelled on a long journey.

Other common causes can include chocolate, red wine, cheese, too much caffeine, menstruation, emotional stress and environmental factors.

She said the worst aspect of migraine was the aura effect which disturbed her vision and lasted up to half an hour.

She usually lost the sight in one eye during the episode and experienced a zig-zag effect with bright silver flashes or silver circles in front of her eyes. Then a severe headache developed which was only marginally dulled by painkillers and lasted until she went to sleep at night.

"It's always hovering in the background," she said. "The first symptoms are quite disturbing and you always wonder if the sight is going to come back.

"Then the pain starts and there is just no comparison with a normal headache and it never goes until night when I have been to bed.

"I always plough on because I do not really think you can give up otherwise you would just never be able to hold down a job or anything and I never had a day off work.

"There are a lot of new drugs now for migraine and a lot of people younger than me could do a lot to help themselves but when I first got it there really wasn't anything and now I just accept it."

Migraine Action Association director Ann Turner said: "Almost everyone knows a migraine sufferer but it's hard to realise just how badly they can be affected.

"One of the most unfortunate aspects of migraine is that many sufferers think nothing can be done to help them. We want them to know that this is a treatable condition and that effective remedies are now available."

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