Migraine

Migraine is a neurological disorder that can induce a variety of symptoms in addition to “very awful headaches.”

Researchers have yet to discover a definitive aetiology of migraine. However, they continue to believe that the illness is caused by “abnormal” brain activity that affects nerve communication, neurotransmitters, and blood vessels in the brain.

There are numerous migraine triggers that are frequently reported, including:

1. Bright lights.
2. Dehydration caused by intense heat or other conditions.
3. Hormone variations in those assigned female at birth, such as oestrogen and progesterone Fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
4. Excessive tension, loud noises, and strenuous physical activity.
5. Missing meals.
6. Sleep pattern changes.
7. Peculiar odours caused by the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives or nitroglycerin.
8. Specific foods.
9. Consuming alcoholic beverages when travelling.

If you have a migraine attack, your doctor may request that you keep a headache journal. Writing down what you were doing, what foods you ate, and what medications you were taking before the onset of your migraine attack will help you discover your triggers.

Migraine relief

Migraine cannot be cured, but your doctor can help you manage it by giving you tools to treat symptoms as they arise, which may lead to fewer attacks in general. Treatment can also help migraines become less severe.

Migraine is a neurological disorder that can induce a variety of symptoms in addition to “very awful headaches.”

The illness frequently runs in families and can affect people of various ages. People who are assigned female at birth are more likely to be diagnosed with migraine than people who are assigned male at birth.

Migraine is diagnosed based on clinical history, reported symptoms, and the exclusion of other causes. The most prevalent types of migraine headaches (or attacks) are episodic vs chronic, followed by those without and with aura.

How does a migraine feel?

It can feel like a strong, dull, and constant ache. The ache may begin mildly. However, if not treated, it can progress from mild to severe.

Migraine pain is most typically felt in the forehead. It normally affects one side of the head, however it might affect both sides or shift.

The average migraine attack lasts roughly 4 hours. They can linger for 72 hours to a week if they are not treated or do not respond to treatment. In migraine with aura, pain may overlap with or disappear entirely.

Migraine cannot be cured, but your doctor can help you manage it by giving you tools to treat symptoms as they arise, which may lead to fewer attacks in general. Treatment can also help migraines become less severe.

Your treatment plan is determined by: 

• Your chronological age.
• How frequently do you suffer migraine attacks.
• The type of migraine you suffer from.
• How severe they are – depending on how long they continue, how much pain you experience, and how frequently they prevent you from attending school or working.
• Whether they involve nausea and vomiting, in addition to other symptoms.
• Other medical conditions you may have and medications you may be taking.

Your treatment plan may include a combination of the following:

• Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and avoiding migraine triggers.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen are examples of over-the-counter pain or migraine remedies (Tylenol)
• Prescription migraine drugs that you take on a daily basis to assist prevent migraine headaches and minimise the frequency with which you experience headaches.
• Prescription migraine drugs that you take as soon as an attack begins in order to prevent it from getting severe and to alleviate symptoms.
• Prescription drugs for nausea and vomiting.
• If your migraines appear to be related to your menstrual cycle, you may benefit from hormone therapy.
• counselling.
• meditation, acupressure, or acupuncture are examples of complementary care.

If you’ve been diagnosed with migraine, you have a few alternatives for preventing an attack. Some may be more suitable for you than others:

• Learn which foods, fragrances, and situations set off your migraine attacks and avoid them whenever possible.
• Keep hydrated. Dehydration can cause dizziness and headaches.
• When possible, avoid skipping meals.
• Prioritize good sleep. A good night’s sleep is essential for healthy health.
• Stop smoking.
• Make stress reduction a priority in your life.
• Spend time and effort cultivating relaxation techniques.
• Regular exercise is essential. Exercise has been related to lower levels of stress.