Migraine is a type of headache caused by neurological factors. However, the exact causes are still unknown behind this disorder. It is often characterized by symptoms like a bad headache, sensitivity to light, smell, sound, etc. It can run in the family, and people of all ages can be affected. The treatment also differs from one person to another. Keep reading the article to learn more about the symptoms, triggers, and available treatment strategies for Migraines to better understand this disorder and know what to do when you or someone near you faces an episode of migraines.
Migraine is known to have affected patients’ quality of life significantly, for example, lessening their work performance and effectiveness, social interactions, and hampering day-to-day activities. Feel frustration, isolation, and negative emotions like that. It is also quite common that Migraine has been reported to be associated with other severe fitness issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, etc. Migraine can coexist with other medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, etc. Treatment of Migraines is not cheap; thus, it can become an additional economic burden to those who belong to the middle, lower, or lower middle economic class.
Migraine is most commonly seen in adults; however, children and teenagers can also be affected. The symptoms for kids are usually different from those in adults, such as stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. Women are more susceptible to migraines than men due to hormonal differences in different stages of their lives.
Clinical research is ongoing on Migraines to reduce symptoms and difficulties, leading to new treatment and management options, some of which are discussed later in this post. Please hold lesson to discover release better around them.
Symptoms and Triggers of Migraine: The Signs and the Culprits
The key symptom of migraines is intense headaches, which can last several hours to days. This pain is usually located on one side of the head, feels pulsating in nature, and is triggered by physical activities. However, a migraine is more than just a pulsating headache. Symptoms like vomiting, nausea, photosensitivity, auditory sensitivity, and visual disturbances or aura often follow it.
Migraine usually comprises the following four phases
- Prodrome: This phase starts hours or days before the beginning of a migraine attack. The signs of this phase include alteration in energy level and appetite and slight mood changes.
- Aura usually refers to visual or sensory disturbances, and most migraine patients tend to suffer from this. People tend to experience a tingling sensation in limbs, including the face, blind spots in vision, see flashing lights, etc., during this period.
- Headache: The most common sign of Migraine is an intense headache lasting up to several days or, in other cases, just a few hours. Some other symptoms, such as severe pain, vomiting, etc., may also follow.
- Postdrome: The headache lessens to quite some extent. The patient may feel a general malaise, fatigue, tiredness, and confusion.
Migraine is triggered by many factors, including
- Diet: Certain foods can trigger migraines, such as aged cheese, chocolate, etc. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can also be triggering for Migraines.
- Environmental factors: Intense light, loud noise, changes in weather, and strong or foul odours are known to trigger Migraines.
- Hormonal fluctuations: This is especially applicable to women. During periods, pregnancy, or menopause, changes in estrogen hormone levels can trigger Migraines.
- Emotional factors: Negative emotional states like stress and anxiety can trigger Migraines. Even positive emotions like excitement can also lead to Migraines.
- Sleeping pattern: Little to excessive sleeping can contribute to migraine attacks.
- Lifestyle: Excessive and strenuous physical activities, irregular and improper eating habits, and not drinking enough water are also some of the issues with a daily lifestyle that can lead to Migraines.
Types of Migraine
Migraine can be of different types. The most common one is Migraine with aura. Other less frequent types include migraines without aura, chronic migraines, vestibular migraines, and hemiplegic migraines. Each of these types possesses its symptoms and effects.
Treatment of Migraine: How to effectively manage this?
There is no concrete cure for Migraines. You can use the available treatment options to manage the symptoms and lessen the intensity of these attacks. It is always best to consult an expert doctor or physician regarding this issue and get a personalized treatment plan from them. You can also try the following techniques :
- Medication: OTC pain relievers, anti-nausea medicine, triptan, etc., can provide temporary relief while you are going through an episode of a migraine attack. Sometimes doctors prescribe preventative medicines as well to reduce the frequency of migraines.
- Lifestyle change: Identify the habits and patterns that trigger Migraines. Change those habits at the earliest. Try to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, manage stress, and overall, try to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- Relaxation techniques: Many relaxation techniques and therapies are available that can help you manage physical responses to stress factors, eventually contributing to lessening the frequency of migraine attacks.
- Other therapies: Acupuncture, herbal supplements, etc., are used and declared effective by some people to manage migraine attacks and their symptoms. While the evidence supporting the efficacy of these methods in managing Migraines does not seem to be enough, it is worth trying under professional guidance.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation: This technique uses magnetic pulses to target distinct parts of the brain and reduce migraine symptoms, including pain. It has been proven effective for some people.
Final thoughts
Living with migraines might feel like quite the trouble, but rest assured that you can lead a better life with the right management techniques. It is important to recognize the symptoms, identify the triggering factors, and explore and employ appropriate management options available to reduce the severity of this health condition. If you or someone you know are a patient of migraines, it is best to seek professional help and consult a doctor before trying anything else on your own. Causes and treatments of Migraines vary from one person to another; thus, an individualized or personalized plan is effective in this case. Building a support network can also be helpful. Remember, you do not have to suffer alone; those who suffer from this illness can continue supporting each other and making things easier.