High intake of painkillers damages kidney: Expert

High intake of painkillers during migraine can lead to long-term side effects such as kidney damage and ulcers in the stomach, an Indian health expert said Thursday.

"Migraine is not normal headache. It needs special medical care to be managed and controlled. The intake of pain killers without the consultation of doctors can lead to the kidney damage and ulcers in stomach," said Rajashekar Reddi.

Reddi is a principal consultant, department of neurology at Max Hospitals in New Delhi.

"There is a lack of awareness about migraine in the society. It is important to educate people that migraines are not just another headache. The patients need to consult doctors and not gulp medicines on their own," he said in a statement.