There are four phases to a typical migraine attack: the prodrome, the aura, the headache which may be accompanied by other symptoms, and the postdrome. From person to person, the exact course and symptoms vary.
Prodrome
Many people begin to experience symptoms 24 to 48 hours before a migraine attack. These might include more yawning, a euphoric sensation, depression, irritability, food cravings, constipation, and stiffness in the neck.
Aura
Prior to getting a migraine, about 25% of sufferers perceive an aura. Some aura symptoms include zigzag lines, flashing lights or bright spots, alterations in eyesight, and numbness or tingling in one hand’s fingers, lips, tongue, or lower face. Any of these aura symptoms could be present in you.
Headache
A migraine headache often starts off mildly, gets worse over the course of an hour or more, and then gradually gets better at the end of the episode. Usually, only one side of the head is affected. When mild to moderate, the headache is normally dull and continuous; when more severe, it becomes throbbing or pulsatile.
Light, sneezing, straining, continuous movement, shaking the head quickly, or physical activity can all make migraine headaches worse. Many individuals try to find relief by lying down in a silent, darker space. A migraine headache in an adult typically lasts a few hours, although it can last for up to 72 hours.
Your migraines’ frequency, severity, and symptoms will all influence your treatment. Regular migraine sufferers frequently require both immediate and long-term care: Acute therapy refers to medications you can use to provide quick pain relief from a migraine. The term preventive treatment refers to drugs that you can take regularly often daily to stave against migraines in the future.
Acute Care
It can be difficult to get rid of the pain associated with migraines. If you receive treatment at the earliest indication of an attack, it will most likely be effective. Before getting a migraine, some people routinely get an aura. As a result, an aura can act as a trustworthy precursor to a migraine headache and can serve as the cue to take migraine medicine.
Painkillers
Some painkillers, some of which are accessible without a prescription, may be effective in treating mild migraine attacks. These consist of: Aspirin, acetaminophen and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. One NSAID, indomethacin, is also offered as a rectal suppository with a prescription.
Devices that activate the brain and nervous system using magnetic waves or electric currents from electrodes known as neuromodulators. For those who would prefer not to take medicine, cannot take medication, or have symptoms that do not respond to medication, they might be a choice. For the treatment of migraines, a variety of neuromodulation devices are prescribed. Some need to be used at a hospital or clinic, while others can be used at home.
Preventive Care
Although the advantages may not become apparent for a few weeks, preventive care generally reduces the incidence of migraines in sufferers. Typically, your doctor will give you a low dose to start and then raise it until you feel the effects.
Migraine Headaches: Causes, Treatment & Symptoms
A migraine is much more than a headache. It’s a neurological condition that can cause severe symptoms, including pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are often misunderstood and undertreated. If you suffer from migraines, you know that they can have a significant impact on your quality of life. In this article, we will explore the causes, treatment, and symptoms of migraines in order to better understand this debilitating condition.
Causes of Migraine Headaches
There are many possible causes of migraine headaches. migraines may be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway. Imbalances in brain chemicals—including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in the nervous system—also may play a role. Hormonal changes in women are another possible cause.
Other possible causes include:
• food additives
• dehydration
• stress
• bright lights or loud noises
There are many possible triggers for migraines, and what triggers a migraine in one person may not trigger a migraine in another. Some common triggers include:
• skipping meals or fasting
• changes in sleep patterns
• weather changes or barometric pressure changes
• smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke
Symptoms of Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are characterized by a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head. The pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches can last for hours or even days.
Most migraine sufferers experience attacks that are preceded by warning signs, called aura. Aura may include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, and other neurological symptoms, such as tingling in the hands or feet.
Not everyone who experiences migraines will have aura, but many people do. Aura typically begins before the headache pain starts and lasts for 20-30 minutes.
Treatment for Migraine Headaches
There are a variety of treatments available for migraine headaches, and the best approach depends on the individual. Some people find that over-the-counter pain relievers are effective, while others may need prescription medication.
Some people find relief with home remedies, such as applying a cold compress to the forehead or neck or taking a warm bath. Other helpful measures include staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and avoiding triggers (such as bright lights or strong smells).
If migraines are frequent and disruptive, your doctor may recommend preventive treatment. This can involve medications taken daily to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines or other measures, such as relaxation therapy.
Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches
There are many home remedies that can help ease the symptoms of a migraine headache. Some people find relief from placing a cold pack on their forehead or neck. Others find that massaging their temples or scalp helps.
Some people find that certain smells can help relieve their migraines. For example, some people find that lavender or peppermint oil can help. Others find relief by drinking chamomile tea.
Certain foods can also trigger migraines in some people. Keeping a food diary can help you figure out which foods may be triggering your headaches. Once you know which foods to avoid, you can make sure to avoid them in the future.
When to See a Doctor for Migraine Headaches
If you have migraines, you should see a doctor if:
-You have severe headaches that are not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications
-You have headaches that are so severe that they interfere with your daily activities
-You have headaches that are accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or sound
-You have a family history of migraine headaches
-You are a woman of childbearing age and you have migraines that are getting worse or more frequent