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What is Migraine?

Migraine, a neurological condition causes multiple symptoms which is very frequently characterized by debilitating as well as intense headaches. Migraine symptoms include vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to sound, sensitivity to light, difficulty in speaking, numbness or tingling, etc. Usually this neurological condition, runs in the families and therefore may affect any ages.

Your doctor will typically find the diagnosis of migraine headaches by taking your medical history, reported symptoms as well as by ruling out other mentioned causes. You will face migraine symptoms such as a throbbing headache or a pulsing sensation, which often happens on one side of the head. Migraine pain is severe thereby interfering with your day-to-day activities. There are possibilities of a migraine attack lasting for several hours to days.

Causes of Migraine

Migraine causes even today aren't fully understood. But, genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role.

Any changes caused in the brainstem as well as its interactions with the trigeminal nerve which is a major pain pathway will be involved. This may cause imbalances in the brain chemicals that includes serotonin that helps in regulating pain in your nervous system. The role of serotonin in migraines is being studied by the researchers. There are certain other neurotransmitters that help in playing a role in the pain of migraine that includes calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

Migraine triggers

There are a number of migraine triggers, including:

  • Hormonal changes in women. Any fluctuations in the levels of estrogen, such as pre or post menstrual periods, menopause or pregnancy may seem to trigger headaches in many women. Also intake of oral contraceptives as well as other hormonal medications and hormone replacement therapy will also worsen migraines. However, this may depend case to case.
  • Alcohol. Over intake of alcohol mostly wine, and too much caffeine such as consumption of coffee.
  • Stress. Stress at home or work may cause migraines.
  • Sensory stimuli. Certain bright lights, sun glare and loud sounds are said to be the most common migraine causes induce migraines. Strong smells that includes paint thinner, perfume, secondhand smoke may also trigger migraines in some cases.
  • Sleep changes. Conditions such as jet lag, missing sleep as well as getting too much of sleep may trigger migraines in some people.
  • Physical factors. At times sexual activity which is too intense, may provoke migraines.
  • Weather changes. Barometric pressure as well as a change of weather may prompt a migraine.
  • Food: Cheese that is aged, salty as well as processed food will also trigger migraine attacks.

Types of Migraine

Mainly there are two types of migraine.

1. Migraine with aura

For most of the people who suffer from migraine, the auras are the main reasons leading to a headache soon. Most common effects of this type of migraine due to aura are:

  • confusing experiences
  • difficulty to talk
  • flashing lights
  • lines that are zig-zag in the visual field
  • pins and needles in a leg or an arm
  • unpleasant smells
  • stiffness experienced in the limbs, neck or shoulders
  • blind spots in the vision
  • blank patches in the vision

Mentioned below are some of the symptoms of migraine that you should not ignore:

  • throbbing and severe headache which is unusual
  • visual disturbance
  • difficulties in speaking
  • loss of sensation

There are chances that a person suffering from migraine due to aura, may start seeing things that are not present like transparent strings of objects.

2. Migraine without aura

This is a type of migraine that is experienced without any sensory disturbance that leads up to the attack.

Other types of migraine

Mentioned below are some of the other types of migraines that are related to specific syndromes or triggers that include:

  • Chronic migraine: This is a type of migraine triggering attacks on over 15 days of the month.
  • Menstrual migraine: This is a type of migraine triggering attacks that occur in a pattern which is connected to the menstrual cycle.
  • Hemiplegic migraine: This type of migraine leads to weakness on one side of the body for a period that is not permanent.
  • Abdominal migraine: This is a syndrome connecting migraine attacks to irregular function in abdomen and gut. Typically this type of migraine occurs in children who are under 14 years of age,
  • Migraine with brainstem aura: This is type of migraine which is very rare and may trigger various neurological symptoms such as affected speech.

It is important to consult a doctor at the soonest possible once you identify a migraine pattern in any headaches that you experience.

Treatment

How can you prevent migraine?

Migraine prevention can be done by following the below mentioned tactics:

  • Using preventive medications devices.
  • Making lifestyle changes.

Preventive Migraine Medications

These medications may be useful that may lead to fewer migraines, make your headache less abrupt and throbbing and also reduce the duration that a headache lasts. In case you are someone who gets migraine very often, this type of treatment may help. However, it is important that you reconsider to have these preventive medications in case you get migraine attacks more than 4 times and in case you face any bad side effects post taking these medications for migraine.

What are the available Migraine treatment options?

Migraine treatment is typically aimed at completely stopping the symptoms and preventing any future attacks.

There are many medications that have been designed for migraine treatment. Medications that are beneficial for combatting migraines are classified as below:

  • Pain-relieving medications. These are also called as acute or abortive migraine treatment. These help in stopping any migraine symptoms and therefore are taken at the time of migraine attacks.
  • Preventive medications. These types of drugs are usually taken regularly for reducing the severity or the frequency of migraines.

Your doctor may suggest migraine treatment based on the frequency and severity of your headaches. Also nausea and vomiting accompanied by headaches and your overall medical conditions will decide your further course of migraine treatment.

Are there are any natural or homemade remedies for Migraine?

You may try certain home remedies for Migraine treatment that may give you relief from the pain from your migraines:

  • Lying down in a dark room without any noise
  • Massaging your scalp or temples.
  • Placing a cold cloth behind your neck or over your forehead
  • Over the counter drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
  • Consuming coffee and certain other foods and drinks that may help you get some relief
  • Exercising regularly may help in migraine prevention
  • Consuming dark green vegetables, nuts and whole grains will help in migraine prevention
  • Get a good and sound sleep
  • Indulge in yoga sessions
  • When to see a doctor?

    Migraines are very commonly undiagnosed and therefore remain untreated. In case you face regular migraine symptoms, it is important that you keep a record of your migraine attacks and the way you treated them. You may then make an appointment with your doctor for discussing about your headaches.

    In case you suddenly feel different sort of headaches or if you have a history of headaches, see your doctor at the soonest possible. Mentioned below are some of the migraine symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored and therefore should be treated immediately:

    • An severe headache like a thunderclap or an abrupt headache
    • Headache accompanied with mental confusion, fever, stiff neck, weakness, seizures, double vision, numbness or difficulty in speaking
    • Headache post a head injury, especially in case the headache worsens
    • A chronic headache that worsens post coughing, exertion, a sudden movement or a straining
    • New headache pain post 50 years of age

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