Migraine causes severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Also accompanied by vomiting and nausea, migraine episodes can go on for a few hours to several days.

Migraine is a headache that is characterised by a pulsing sensation or severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, that can interfere with daily activities. Often, it also causes vomiting, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Notably, the episodes of migraine attacks can last for hours to days.

If you are facing similar issues, then consult a neurologist doctor in Hyderabad at Apollo Hospital Hyderabad Jubilee Hills. Read ahead to know more about migraine triggers, treatment and prevention. 

Type of Migraine

There are several types of migraine, and some of them are:

  • Migraine with aura (a phase of the migraine before head pain begins) or classic migraine
  • Migraine without aura or common migraine
  • Migraines in children or abdominal migraine
  • Chronic migraine
  • Hemiplegic migraine
  • Menstrual migraine
  • Migraine without headache or silent migraine
  • Retinal migraine or ocular migraine
  • Status migrainosus

Stages of Migraine

The following are the four phases of migraine:

  • Prodrome: Stays up to 24 hours before you experience a headache
  • Aura: Lasts as long as 60 minutes or as little as 5 minutes and involves a group of sensory, motor and/or speech symptoms that act as a warning sign
  • Headache: Stays from 4 hours to 72 hours
  • Postdrome or Migraine Hangover: Lasts from a few hours to 48 hours with symptoms similar to an alcohol-induced hangover

Symptoms of Migraine

The symptoms of migraine differ from stage to stage. Let’s have a look at them:

  • Prodrome: Mood changes, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, fatigue, nausea, increased hunger and thirst and frequent urination
  • Aura: Muscle weakness, vision changes, ringing in ears, sensitivity to touch, numbness, tingling, and difficulty speaking or concentrating
  • Headache: Head pain gradually gets more intense, nausea, vomiting, and light, sound and odour sensitivity
  • Postdrome: Fatigue, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty concentrating, nausea and dizziness

What Triggers a Migraine?

While researchers are not sure about the exact cause of migraines or behind specific nerves releasing inflammatory substances into your head’s nerves and blood vessels, studies show that genetics has a role to play.

Besides, the following are the most common migraine triggers:

  • Addictive substances like caffeine or tobacco
  • Certain medications
  • Changes to sleep patterns
  • Exposure to bright lights, loud noises or strong odours
  • Foods like aged cheese, beverages containing alcohol and chocolate
  • Food additives like nitrates and MSG
  • Hormonal changes
  • Missing a meal
  • Stress
  • Too much physical activity
  • Weather condition changes

Risk Factors for Migraine

While anyone at any age can experience migraine, the odds are higher for the people assigned female at birth. Other risk factors for experiencing a migraine include:

  • Biological family history
  • Underlying medical conditions like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety and epilepsy
  • Regular use of tobacco and related products

Alternative Migraine Remedies

The following are the alternative therapies that can help manage migraines:

  • Vitamins and minerals such as riboflavin and magnesium
  • Relaxation techniques like yoga
  • Acupuncture
  • Biofeedback
  • Botulinum toxin type A injections

Do not take any medications without consulting a doctor.

Prevention of Migraine

All types of migraines can’t be prevented. However, here are some of the common preventive migraine medications:

  • Antiseizure medications
  • Beta-blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Monoclonal antibodies
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

All in all, migraine leads to throbbing one-sided head pain along with fatigue and nausea. While no exact cause has been identified so far, stress, hormonal changes, and certain weather conditions and medications are amongst the common migraine triggers. If you are struggling with migraine, then connect with a neurologist doctor in Hyderabad at Apollo Hospital Hyderabad Jubilee Hills.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201

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Science / Health