Do you suffer from migraine headaches? If so, you’re not alone. Over 38 million folks in the United States and an estimated 1 billion worldwide are diagnosed with migraine disorder.
Migraine is a neurological condition that has several known causes and can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. Eating unhealthy food, dehydration, stress and lack of sleep are some of the most common causes of migraines.
Other potential triggers include changes in hormone levels, certain medications, foods with additives or preservatives, and even environmental factors such as bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and certain foods or beverages like aged cheese and alcohol.
In this article, we will discuss migraine pain, its symptoms, types, how to deal with it, causes, and treatment for migraines with a brief conclusion.
About Migraine:
A migraine is a severe and often debilitating headache. More than just a “normal” headache, a migraine can produce intensely painful throbbing or pulsing in one particular area of the head. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
How to deal with it?
Dealing with migraines can be a real hassle, but there are a few tips you can use to make it easier. First, adjust your daily routines to decrease general stress – try some restorative yoga or relaxation techniques like deep breathing to help.
Secondly, determine what kinds of triggers may be causing your migraines, like certain foods or changes in the environment, and work on avoiding them as best you can. Thirdly, talk to your doctor about medications to help reduce pain and manage symptoms during migraine attacks.
Finally, learn about the different types of migraine treatments and therapies available so that you can find the most suitable solution for you. With these tips, you can manage your migraines and live a more comfortable life.
Migraine Symptoms
Have you ever had that pulsating headache that feels like it’s having a solo dance party inside your head? Yup, that’s a migraine for you! here are some types of common symptoms:
- Severe pain (often one-sided) in the head or neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, noise, and smells
- Visual disturbances like blind spots or temporary vision loss
- Food cravings
- Constipation
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Prodrome
- Aura
- Attack
- Post-drome
Types of Migraine:
There are several kinds of migraines.
- Migraine with aura:
This type of migraine is characterized by visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or blind spots that appear before the headache begins. It is sometimes called a “classic” migraine. - Migraine without aura:
This type of migraine does not include any visual disturbances and typically causes throbbing pain on one side of the head. - Hemiplegic Migraine:
This type of migraine is characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, as well as a severe headache. It can last from minutes to days and usually occurs in children and young adults. - Abdominal Migraine:
This type of migraine causes abdominal pain and nausea and typically occurs in children between the ages of 5-9. - Ocular migraine:
This type of migraine is characterized by temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye. It usually resolves within an hour and does not cause any permanent damage to the eyes. - Silent migraine:
This type of migraine does not cause any headache, but can still produce other symptoms, such as visual disturbances or temporary weakness. - Menstrual migraine:
This type of Common migraine is more in women and typically occurs before or during their menstrual cycle.
Causes of Migraine:
There are many causes of migraine:
- Hormonal changes in women: Hormonal changes can be responsible for the onset of migraine in many women. These shifts in hormones can cause migraines during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen can directly affect brain chemicals linked to headaches which is why hormonal changes are a trigger for a lot of women.
- Medications: Certain medications such as sleeping pills, oral contraceptives, nitroglycerin, vasodilators (blood pressure medications), and antidepressants can trigger migraines in some people.
- Lifestyle choices: Unhealthy lifestyle choices like poor diet, dehydration, lack of sleep, and stress can increase the likelihood of a migraine attack.
Foods: Certain foods such as aged cheese, processed meats, and food additives can trigger migraines in some people. Alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks can also bring on a migraine attack. - Sleep changes: Changes in sleep patterns can also be a trigger for migraines. Sleeping too much or not enough can cause changes in hormones and compounds which can cause the onset of a migraine.
- Weather changes: A migraine can be triggered by a change in weather or barometric pressure. Changes in the weather such as high humidity, sudden temperature changes, and barometric pressure can set off a migraine.
- Sensory stimuli: Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells can lead to migraine in some people. People who are sensitive to these external stimuli should try their best to avoid them.
- Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, and beer, can trigger migraines in some people. Caffeinated drinks can also bring on a migraine attack.
- Food additives: Certain food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrites can trigger migraines in some people.
- Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea can cause changes in hormones which can lead to migraines.
Migraine Treatments
There are numerous types of effective treatment for migraine are:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve or prevent migraines. These include prescription medications such as triptans, ergot alkaloids, opioids, and antiemetics.
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. These include getting enough sleep, avoiding potential triggers like foods or beverages that may bring on a migraine attack, exercising regularly exercise, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet.
- Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, relaxation techniques (such as yoga and meditation), biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
- Pain relief: OTC medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used when you have a migraine. Other pain-relieving techniques like hot or cold compresses, breathing exercises, massage, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques can also help reduce symptoms.
- Preventive medications: For people who experience frequent or severe migraine attacks, your doctor may recommend preventive medications. These medications are taken daily to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
- Self-care: It’s important to practice self-care when you have a migraine. Get enough rest and avoid potential triggers. If possible, take a break from daily activities and relax in a quiet, dark room. Drink plenty of fluids, eat regular meals, and avoid foods that may trigger migraines.
Conclusion:
Migraine is a common health condition that can severely affect your quality of life. While there is no cure, it is possible to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks with medications, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Here at Procure Physio, we specialize in helping people cope with the pain of migraines. We provide a combination of treatments, including techniques to reduce stress and lifestyle modifications that can help prevent migraine attacks.
FAQ:
Migraine headaches are not caused by structural abnormalities in the brain, so they typically don’t show up on MRI scans. However, your doctor may still order an MRI to rule out other potential types of headache pain.
The duration of a migraine attack varies from person to person, but it can last anywhere from four hours to several days. Treatment with medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of your migraine attacks.
Yes, certain foods or drinks may trigger a migraine in some people. It’s important to identify and avoid any potential triggers and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Also, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day.
Light exercise can help reduce the symptoms of a migraine attack, but it is important to listen to your body and take breaks if needed.
