Quick checklist of signs of a migraine:
You may notice the following symptoms one or two days before a migraine, called the prodrome phase, and it may be absent in some individuals:
- Constipation.
- Mood shifts from depression to elation.
- Food cravings.
- Neck stiffness.
- Increased urination.
- Fluid retention.
- Frequent yawning.
Migraine aura includes:
- Visual changes, such as seeing shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light.
- Temporary vision loss.
- A sensation of pins and needles in an arm or leg.
During a migraine attack, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Pain usually occurs on one side of your head, but it can happen on both sides.
- Throbbing or pulsing pain.
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch.
- Nausea and vomiting.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a type of headache marked by severe, throbbing, or pulsating pain, usually affecting one side of the head. It often comes with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last from hours to days, and the pain can be so intense that it disrupts daily activities.
Some people experience a warning sign called an aura before or during a migraine. An aura may include visual phenomena such as flashes of light or blind spots. It can also cause tingling sensations on one side of the face or in an arm or leg, and may result in speech difficulties.
Medicines can prevent certain migraines and reduce their severity. Using medication along with self-help strategies and lifestyle adjustments may provide additional relief.
What are the causes of migraines?
Although the causes of migraines are not fully understood, specific triggers can cause migraines.
Multiple factors may trigger a migraine, such as:
- Hormonal changes: such as fluctuations in estrogen levels, often cause headaches in many people. Migraines may worsen during menstruation. They usually fluctuate in frequency during pregnancy. Many patients report reduced frequency and intensity of migraines during pregnancy. Symptoms may intensify during perimenopause. And typically improve after menopause.
- Alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol, especially wine, and excessive caffeine intake, such as in coffee, can trigger migraines.
- Stress: Stress at work or home can lead to migraines.
- Sensory stimuli: such as bright or flashing lights and loud sounds can trigger migraines. Additionally, strong odors such as perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke, and other scents may trigger migraines in some individuals.
- Sleep pattern changes: such as missing sleep or sleeping excessively, can trigger migraines in some individuals.
- Physical exertion: such as intense activity or sex, may trigger migraines.
- Weather changes: such as shifts in barometric pressure, can trigger migraines.
- Medicines: like oral contraceptives and vasodilators, including nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur, and others), may exacerbate migraines.
- Foods: such as aged cheeses and salty, processed items can trigger migraines. Skipping meals may also lead to migraines.
- Food additives: consist of sweeteners like aspartame and preservatives such as monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG. These substances are present in numerous food products.
What are the risk factors associated with migraines?
Several risk factors increase your likelihood of experiencing migraines, including:
- Family history: Having a family member with migraines increases your risk of developing them.
- Age: Migraine onset can occur at any age, but most often begins in your teenage years. They typically peak in your 30s and then gradually decrease in frequency.
- Gender: Women are three times more likely than men to experience migraines.
- Hormonal changes: can trigger migraines, which might start just before or shortly after your first menstrual period. They also might fluctuate during pregnancy or menopause. Migraines typically get better after menopause.
How is a migraine diagnosed?
Migraines are usually diagnosed by a neurologist, a specialist trained to treat headaches. The diagnosis depends on your medical history, symptoms, and the results from a physical and neurological exam.
If your condition is complicated or suddenly becomes worse, tests to rule out other causes of your pain might include:
- An MRI scan: or magnetic resonance imaging scan, helps diagnose tumors, strokes, brain bleeding, infections, and various other conditions impacting the brain and nervous system.
- A CT scan: or computed tomography scan, aids in diagnosing tumors, infections, brain injuries, bleeding, and other conditions that can cause headaches
What are the common treatments for migraines?
Migraine treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future attacks.
Medicines
Many medications have been developed to treat migraines, including:
- Pain-relief medicines: also known as acute or abortive treatments, are used during migraine attacks to reduce symptoms. These include medications such as Triptans, Ditans, Gepants, and Dihydroergotamine. Antiemetics may also be prescribed to manage nausea and vomiting associated with the condition.
- Preventive medicines: are taken regularly, often daily, to help reduce migraine symptoms. These medicines include anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, monoclonal antibodies, tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Your treatment options vary based on the frequency and severity of your headaches. They are also influenced by whether you experience nausea, vomiting, if your headaches are disabling, and if you have other medical conditions.
Home remedies:
You might be able to relieve symptoms by:
- Resting with your eyes shut in a dark, quiet room.
- Apply a cool compress or ice pack to your forehead.
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Applying a warm compress or washcloth to your head or the back of your neck
- Gently massage your neck, scalp, or temples.
- Meditating
Living with migraines:
Migraines differ from person to person. They are temporary, often recurring throughout life, and have no known cure. Your healthcare provider can help manage migraines to help them resolve more quickly and reduce their severity. It may take some time to find the most effective treatment. Inform your healthcare provider if your symptoms improve or worsen.
Frequently asked questions:
What is a migraine like?
Migraine headache pain can feel like throbbing, pulsing, pounding, or dull sensations. The impact of a migraine varies, with pain levels from mild to severe. It can begin on one side of the head and move to the other, and you might also feel pain around your eyes, temples, face, sinuses, jaw, or neck.
How often do migraines happen?
Migraine frequency differs from person to person. Some individuals may experience just one per year, while others may face weekly attacks. Typically, most individuals experience two to four migraines each month, frequently in the morning. Although migraines can be unpredictable, specific triggers such as menstruation or stress can sometimes alert you to an impending attack
What foods might cause migraines?
Your body may react negatively to certain chemicals and preservatives in foods. This sensitivity can increase the risk of migraines, especially when combined with other triggers. Common food triggers include (5Cs): aged cheese, coffee, citrus fruits, cola, chocolate, alcohol, additives such as nitrates and MSG, processed foods like hot dogs and pepperoni, as well as fermented or pickled items.
Are migraines inherited?
Yes, migraines often run in families, with up to 80% of people with the condition having a close biological relative who is also affected by the migraines.
How should I manage a migraine when it happens?
To relieve migraine symptoms, try resting in a dark, quiet, and cool room. Apply a cold or warm compress or washcloth to your forehead or neck. Gently massage your scalp and press in circles on your temples. Maintain calm through activities like meditation.
