A migraine, which is commonly associated with a headache, is a neurological disorder that is usually characterised by a throbbing headache or pulsating sensation on one side of the head. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. It is estimated that migraine affects more than 10% of the world population, most commonly occurring in those aged between 20 – 50 years of age and is three times more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of a Migraine
In general, the symptoms of migraine occur in stages. Not everyone who is affected by migraine undergoes all these stages.
Prodrome: These symptoms usually occur one or two days before a migraine and they indicate the changes that are to come. Before the occurrence of the migraine, you may notice that you are affected by:
Constipation
Mood changes
Food cravings
Neck stiffness
Increased urination
Frequent yawning
Aura: Some people are affected by the presence of an aura or an increased blur in their line of vision. These symptoms can begin gradually and can build up over time and they can last for an hour or so. They are usually characterised by symptoms that affect your vision and the other senses of your body, such as :
Various visual phenomena, such as seeing shapes, bright lights or flashes of lights
Vision loss
Feeling pins and needles sensations in the arms or legs
Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
Having difficulty speaking
A heavy feeling in your arms and legs
Hearing ringing in your ear
Noticing changes in smell, taste, or touch
Attack: A migraine usually lasts for about 72 hours if it is left untreated. The frequency in which it occurs differs from person to person as it might occur rarely or several times in a month, depending on its severity and your association with it.
During a migraine, you might experience:
The pain on one side of your head but it is not uncommon to experience it on both sides of your head
Pain that throbs or a pulsating sensation in your head
Increased sensitivity to light, sound, smell and touch
Nausea and vomiting
What Causes a Migraine?
While researchers haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause of a migraine, it is believed that it occurs due to abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signalling, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain. Some of the factors that can trigger a migraine include:
Excess stress
Loud sounds
Intense physical activity
Skipping meals
Changes in sleep patterns
Certain foods that might be unsuitable
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Bright lights
Dehydration
Extreme changes in weathe
Treating a Migraine:
Migraines often go undiagnosed or untreated so it’s advisable to maintain a record of how frequently it affects you and how you treated them for future medical reference and diagnosis. In case of a severe migraine, an MRI or CT scan can be taken to examine the cause and the area affected in detail. You should seek immediate treatment for a migraine if:
Feeling abrupt, severe headache that feels heavy and serious
Have a headache that is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness in any part of the body, which could also be a stroke
Have a headache after a head injury
A chronic headache that gets worse after coughing, straining or when exerting pressure or a sudden movement
Vomiting, numbness or weakness in the limbs
Trouble speakin
Treatment And Medications:
As mentioned above, migraines are usually left undiagnosed or treated at home without seeking medical help. In case you are seeking to treat your migraine at home, over-the-counter drugs and medications for prevention and pain relief usually work. Some home remedies such as sufficient rest, drinking plenty of liquids or putting a cool/ice pack over your forehead.
Some of these preventive medications for Migraine usually involve :
Pain relief: Medications like Acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine, and ibuprofen can work for migraines.
Triptans: Drugs to balance the chemicals in your brain such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), and zolmitriptan (Zomig).
Ergotamine: Work on the chemicals in your brain, which consists of Cafergot, Ergomar and Migergot.
Lasmiditan (Reyvow): This drug eases pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Besides medication, bodywork such as acupuncture, acupressure and craniosacral therapy can also be useful in combating migraines. Additionally, certain neuromodulation devices or extensive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT) with a therapist can also work for your migraines
Preventing Migraines:
Migraines can be easily prevented if you are aware of what triggers or causes them in your case and record their frequency and treatments. Besides, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, where you are mentally and physically sound can also help in reducing the risk and frequency of migraines.
In a general sense, some of the preventive measures for migraines involve:
Incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindful breathing into your daily routine to manage stress
Eating on a regular schedule
Drinking lots of fluids
Exercising regularly
This drug eases pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
As migraines are common, they are often not taken seriously and go unnoticed. However, to maintain sound health, it’s better to seek immediate treatment and undergo health check-ups to prevent the condition from becoming worse or more complicated. Medark Healthcare has the best general physicians to treat the conditions at the best!
