A migraine is a severe headache that usually feels like a throbbing or thumping pain on one side of the head and can last up to 72 hours. Nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and noise can accompany the headache. Medications can help relieve pain and other symptoms, and even prevent migraines. Coping strategies and lifestyle changes can also help.
General Information
Migraine is a form of recurring headache.They can be so severe that the pain is disabling and limits the quality of life of those affected.
Migraines are one of the most common diseases worldwide, affecting around 15% of people. Migraines usually first appear in adolescence or early adulthood. They can occur infrequently or several times a month; frequency varies from person to person. They usually peak by age 30 and become rarer and less severe in adulthood.Women suffer from migraines three times more often than men. The tendency to migraine seems to be hereditary, that is, migraine is hereditary.
Causes
The exact mechanism by which migraines occur is not known.The current theory is that it is a disorder of the nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Migraine attacks can be triggered by dietary, hormonal, emotional, physical, and environmental factors, including:
Certain sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells or perfumes, smoking, and second-hand smoke
Sudden intense exercise or other physical exertion, including sexual activity
Stress and anxiety at work or at home
Changes in sleep patterns, such as fermented foods and meats that contain nitrates (eg, bacon, hot dogs, salami)
Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners
Skipping meals or fasting
Changes in hormone levels during a menstrual cycle or when using oral contraceptives and/or hormone replacement therapy
Environmental fluctuations: A change in weather or atmospheric pressure
Signs and Symptoms
The main symptom of a migraine is usually a headache, which is aggravated by movement and prevents the person from engaging in normal activities.
A migraine attack can go through four phases, the signs and symptoms of which may overlap.
Early signs: Subtle changes a day or two before the onset of a migraine that indicate a migraine might be coming, including constipation, yawning, mood swings , food cravings and a stiff neck.
Aura: Some people experience an aura before or during a headache. Aura symptoms that develop over five minutes and last up to an hour may include: visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or blind spots; numbness or tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg; and dizziness or loss of balance.
Headache: This phase can last from 2 to 72 hours and is defined by a moderate to severe headache that is throbbing or throbbing and usually occurs on only one side of the head.A person may also be more sensitive to light, sound, smell, and touch; and suffer from chills and sweats, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision and dizziness.
Hangover: After a migraine attack, a person can feel drained and drained. You may also experience confusion, mood swings, dizziness, weakness, and sensitivity to light and sound the next day.
You should see your doctor or go to an A&E clinic right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms that could indicate a more serious medical problem, such as: a ruptured brain aneurysm, stroke, or meningitis: Pain that causes severe pain Exertion, exertion, or sudden movement. Age over 50 and onset of severe headache.
Diagnosis
There is no specific test to diagnose a migraine.To make a diagnosis, your GP will need to take your medical history and identify a pattern of recurring headaches and associated symptoms.
Keeping a journal of your migraine attacks can help with diagnosis and treatment. A migraine diary should record the date, time, and activity of the migraine onset, duration of the migraine, symptoms, any medications taken, and their effects.
Your GP may also recommend tests to rule out other possible causes of your headache if your condition is unusual, complex, or suddenly severe.
You may be referred to a neurologist (brain and nervous system specialist) for further evaluation and treatment if the diagnosis is unclear, if you have chronic migraines (occurring for 15 or more days per month), or if the initial treatment couldn't control migraine symptoms.
Treatment
There is no cure for migraines: the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms as soon as they appear and try to prevent new attacks. More than one treatment can help, and it may take time to determine which treatments work best. This involves trying different types or combinations of medications.
Painkillers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms.They tend to be most effective when taken when signs and symptoms of a migraine attack first appear.
Triptans
These are prescription medications specifically designed for migraines. Triptans are thought to relieve migraine pain and other symptoms by blocking pain pathways and constricting blood vessels in the brain. Some people find combining a triptan with a pain reliever effective.
Antiemetics
Anti-nausea medications, known as antiemetics, can reduce vomiting and nausea associated with migraines.They may even be beneficial in people who don't experience nausea or vomiting during their migraine attack. Antiemetics are prescription drugs and are usually taken with pain relievers and triptans.
Preventive Medications
Preventive medications may be prescribed to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines. They are used when other drugs are not working; if migraines are severe, prolonged, or frequent; and avoiding potential triggers has not helped prevent migraine attacks. These include various drugs originally developed and used to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy, treat angina and high blood pressure, and antidepressants.
Medication Overuse
Taking too many painkillers to treat migraines and other types of headaches can cause a rebound headache, which can feel like a tension headache or a migraine-like attack. Rebound headaches usually improve within two to four weeks after stopping the overused medication.
Self-Help
Some simple self-help measures may help relieve migraine signs and symptoms:
Sleep or lie in a quiet, cool, dark room
Avoid strenuous activities
Place a cold washcloth on your neck or forehead
Avoid alcohol or sugary drinks
Try to relax by listening to music or meditating
Don't read, watch TV or drive.
Prevention
The following lifestyle changes and coping strategies may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines:
Identify what triggers your migraines and try to avoid or minimize them. Keeping a headache diary can help identify your headache triggers.
Create a daily routine of regular sleep patterns and regular meals
Relaxation and stress reduction exercises like yoga, tai chi, and meditation can help reduce stress
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other coping strategies may also be helpful.
Exercise regularly; Aerobic exercise (e.g. walking, swimming, cycling) helps reduce stress.But it's important to warm up slowly, since sudden intense exercise can trigger migraines.
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Obesity May Be a Factor in Migraines
If you are a woman who has migraines that appear to be estrogen-triggered or made worse, talk to your doctor about avoiding or reducing estrogen-containing medications.
Stop that severe headache before it stops you, Thanks for reading, sayonara 🖐
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