Migraine Causes and Symptoms
Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes severe, throbbing pain on one side of your head. Migraines are not just headaches; they can cause severe head pain.
What are the Types of Migraines?
There are many types of migraines and they can present in different ways. The two primary types of migraines are:
Common Migraine (Migraine without Aura)
- The most common form of migraine doesn't have the preceding aura.
- Symptoms include a severe headache, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to sound and light.
Classic Migraine (Migraine with Aura)
- The migraine includes auras with specific neurological symptoms that typically occur before the headache phase.
- Auras can affect vision, sensation, and speech.
- The most typical aura symptom is visual disruptions like lines that zigzag or flashing lights.
In addition to these primary types, there are some other types and subtypes of migraines:
- Chronic Migraine: In this type, a person experiences a headache fifteen or more days a month for at least three months. Eight of those headaches are migraines.
- Menstrual Migraine: Migraines that are specifically linked to the menstrual cycle, often occurring just before, during, or after menstruation.
- Vestibular Migraine: This primarily affects the balance system and may cause symptoms such as vertigo ( dizziness), disequilibrium (Feeling off balance) and problems with coordination.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: Temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, accompanied by other neurological symptoms, often mistaken for stroke.
- Retinal Migraine: Rare type causing temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye, often with significant visual disturbances.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Symptoms of Migraine?
Here are the most common symptoms of Migraine:
- Severe Headache
- Aura
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
- Sensitivity to Sound (Phonophobia)
- Pain on One Side
- Pain Worsened by Activity
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Neck Stiffness
What are the Main Causes of Migraine?
The cause of migraines isn't fully understood, but environmental and genetic factors appear to play a role. Changes in the brainstem may affect the trigeminal nerve, a critical pain pathway, along with neurotransmitter imbalances like serotonin. Studies are exploring serotonin's role in migraines, as well as other neurotransmitters like CGRP.
Here are a few conditions when migraine might trigger;
- Hormonal changes in women
- Drinks
- Stress
- Sensory stimuli
- Sleep changes
- Physical factors
- Weather changes
- Medication
- Foods & Food additives
When to see a doctor?
See a doctor if you have severe or frequent headaches, especially with unusual symptoms or if they disrupt your daily life. Seek medical help if you're unsure about the cause or have health concerns.
What are the Risk Factors for Migraines?
The factors that make you more vulnerable to migraines include:
- Family history: Having a family member with migraines? Then you have a good chance of developing it.
- Age: Migraines can start at any age, although the first often occurs in adolescence. It peaks in your 30s and gradually becomes less severe and less frequent over the following decades.
- Gender: Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines compared to men.
- Hormonal changes: For women, the headaches may start right before or shortly after the start of their period and may change with menopause or pregnancy. Migraines typically improve after menopause.
What are the Complications of Migraine?
- Chronic migraine: Having a headache on 15 or more days per month for at least three months, with eight of those being migraines, posing significant challenges in management.
- Medication Overuse Headache (MOH): Overusing pain or migraine-specific medications can increase headaches through medication rebound effects.
- Disrupted daily life: Migraines disrupt daily activities, work, and social life, causing missed workdays, reduced productivity, and impaired social interactions.
- Depression and Anxiety: Chronic migraines and their debilitating pain increase the risk of depression and anxiety due to emotional distress.
- Reduced quality of Life: Migraines significantly diminish overall quality of life, affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being.
- Secondary health issues: Frequent migraines may elevate the risk of secondary health problems like sleep disturbances, cardiovascular issues, and digestive disorders.
- Decreased physical activity: Limiting physical activities leads to a sedentary lifestyle and associated health risks.
How to Diagnose Migraine?
A headache specialist (neurologist) will most likely diagnose them based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination.
Screening to rule out other causes of pain may be performed if your disease is uncommon, complex, or develops seriously quickly.
What are the Treatments Available for Migraine?
Migraine treatment aims to alleviate symptoms during an attack, prevent future episodes, and improve overall quality of life. Treatment options include:
Acute or Abortive Medications: These are taken during an attack to relieve pain and associated symptoms, including;
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen sodium)
- Prescription triptans (e.g., sumatriptan)
- Anti-nausea medications (e.g., ondansetron)
- Combination drugs
Preventive Medications: Medications help in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks if taken regularly. These include;
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
- Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
- Anti-seizure medications (e.g., topiramate, valproate)
- CGRP inhibitors
Lifestyle Modifications: Identifying triggers, maintaining sleep schedules, managing stress, and staying hydrated can help manage migraines.
Behavioural Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and biofeedback can help manage migraines.
Botox Injections:b> Botox Injections are recommended as a preventive treatment for chronic migraines.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Non-invasive method using magnetic pulses to prevent migraines.
Supplements and Nutraceuticals: Some find relief from magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), or CoQ10, but consulting a healthcare provider is crucial.
Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal remedies may complement migraine treatment for some individuals.
How to Prevent Migraine?
There is no cure for Migraine. But you can take an active role in reducing your migraine frequency and severity by following these tips:
- Keep a migraine diary and note any foods and other triggers that cause a migraine. Change the diet and avoid known triggers to prevent migraine.
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep at night.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Don't skip meals.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
- Learn stress control techniques such as meditation, yoga, relaxation, or mindful breathing.
- Take your medications as directed by your doctor.
- For migraines related to your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor about hormone therapy.
- Consider trying a transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation device.
What are the Do's of Migraine?
- Identify potential triggers and help you avoid or manage them.
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule of 7-9 hours.
- Manage stress.
- Consider dietary modifications if you suspect food triggers.
- Engage in regular, moderate exercises.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Make your surroundings migraine-friendly.
- Keep up-to-date with migraine research and treatment options.
- Migraines can be isolating, but staying connected with friends and family can provide emotional support.
What are the Don'ts of Migraine?
- Maintain regular meal times and avoid long periods without food.
- Monitor your caffeine intake and avoid caffeine sources close to bedtime.
- Don't overuse pain relievers or migraine-specific medications.
- Consult a healthcare provider before starting or changing medications.
- Consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it if it triggers migraines.
- If you smoke, consider quitting.
- Avoid excessive stressors and practice stress-reduction techniques.
Migraine Care at Medicover Hospitals
Medicover Hospitals offer comprehensive migraine care, providing advanced treatment options and expert medical professionals to alleviate migraine symptoms and improve patient's quality of life.
Our dedicated team specialises in
- Diagnosing and managing migraines
- Tailoring individualised treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs
- We ensure effective relief from this debilitating condition.
Experience compassionate and effective migraine care at Medicover Hospitals, where your well-being is our top priority.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Various factors such as hormonal changes, stress, and dietary triggers can cause migraines in females.
Some instant migraine relief tips include resting in a quiet, dark room, applying cold packs to the head, staying hydrated, practicing relaxation techniques, and taking over-the-counter pain medication.
There is currently no known permanent cure for migraines, but certain lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies can help manage and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Pressure points such as the temples, the base of the skull, and the space between the thumb and index finger can provide relief from migraine symptoms when gently massaged or pressed.
Migraines during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the baby, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper management and treatment options.
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