WHAT ARE MIGRAINES?
Migraines can be defined as a recurring type of headache. Migraines cause moderate to severe types of pain that are throbbing in nature. Generally, the pain is on one side of the head. A person may feel other symptoms, such as nausea and weakness.
WHAT CAUSES MIGRAINES?
Researchers believe that in most cases migraine has a genetic cause. But, still, there are also a number of reasons that can trigger a migraine. The factors can vary from person to person, and they include :
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Hormonal changes in women
- Bright or flashing lights
- Loud noises
- Strong smells
- Medicines
- Too much or not enough sleep
- Sudden changes in weather or environment
- Overexertion
- Tobacco
- Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
- Skipped meals
- Medication overuse
In some people, it is found that certain foods or ingredients can trigger headaches, especially when the foods are combined with other triggers. These foods and ingredients are :
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Aged cheeses
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Some fruits and nuts
- Fermented or pickled goods
- Yeast
- Cured or processed meats
MIGRAINES ARE RISKY FOR WHOM?
About 13% of Americans have migraine-related issues. Migraine can affect anyone, but some are more likely to have migraines, that are :
- Women – Women have three times more chances than men to get migraines.
- Family History – A person may have a family history of migraines. Most people with migraines generally have family members who have migraines.
- Medical Conditions — A person has other medical conditions, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINES?
Migraines have four different phases. Every person might not always go through all phases each time. The four phases are –
- Prodrome – First phase starts up to 24 hours before anyone gets the migraine. A person has early signs and symptoms, such as an increase in appetite, mood swings, always yawning, fluid retention, and increased urination.
- Aura – Symptoms of this phase are a person might see flashing or bright lights or zig-zag lines, muscle weakness, etc. An aura phase starts just before or during a migraine.
- Attack – A migraine usually starts slowly and then becomes more severe as time passes. It causes severe pain on one side of the head.
- Postdrome – Symptoms of this phase is a person feeling exhausted, weak, and confused after a migraine. This situation can last up to 18-20 hours a day.
- Other migraine symptoms are –
- Increased sensitivity to noise, light, and odors.
- Nausea and feeling of vomiting.
- Pain gets worsened when a person moves, coughs, or sneezes.
Migraines are started generally in the morning as people wake. Other people have migraines at a particular time, such as before the menstruation cycle or on weekends following a stressful week of work.
HOW MIGRAINES CAN BE DIAGNOSED?
To diagnose migraines, health care providers like Specialty Care Clinic will :
- Ask about medical history
- Ask about the symptoms
- Take a physical and neurological test
An important way to diagnose migraines is to rule out the other medical conditions which are the reasons for migraine symptoms. So anyone can have blood tests, an MRI or CT scan, or other tests too.
HOW MIGRAINES CAN BE TREATED?
There is no permanent solution or treatment for migraines. Treatment of migraine basically focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing additional attacks.
To relieve symptoms of migraines, different types of medicines are used, which include triptan drugs, ergotamine drugs, and pain relievers. The sooner patient takes the medicine, the more effective it is.
Some other ways to get rid of migraines are –
- Take rest in a darkened room by closing your eyes.
- Put an ice pack or cool cloth on the forehead.
- Drink more fluids.
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE TO PREVENT MIGRAINES?
- Stress management activities – Stress management activities include exercises, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback, which reduce the number and severity of migraines. Biofeedback is a technique in which electronic devices are used to teach you to control certain body functions, such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
- Management skill – Make a log of the things that trigger the migraines. Patients should learn to avoid the things that trigger the migraines, such as certain foods, medicines, sleep schedules, etc
- Hormone therapy – This therapy is for women whose migraines seem to be linked to the menstrual cycle.
- Weight loss – If a person has obesity, weight loss is very helpful to get rid of migraines.
Certain natural treatments, such as proper magnesium levels can prevent migraines. An herb, butterbur, helps to prevent migraines. But butterbur is not safe for long-term use.
If anyone has frequent or severe migraine issues and needs to take medicines to prevent further attacks. Connect with us at Specialty Care Clinic platform to discuss the drug that would be right.
As we understand how dangerous migraine can be. Our experts at SCC are always there to help you to cope with migraine. Our specialist provides you with the best methods for migraine management. If anyone of you has migraine-related symptoms, connect with us at 469-545-9983.