Migraine is more than just a bad headache. It is a complex neurological condition that can deeply impact daily life. It often brings intense throbbing pain on one side of the head that can be so severe it confines you to bed for days. From intense head pain to sensitivity to light and sound, migraines can be debilitating and unpredictable.
In this blog, we are going to learn about migraine, including its symptoms and stages, underlying causes, different types, treatment options, common triggers, and signs that it’s time to consult a doctor.
What is Migraine?
Migraine is a type of headache characterised by moderate to severe pain, often throbbing and on one side of the head. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sounds. Migraine attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to several days which severely affects daily life.
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Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), migraine affects more than one billion people each year across the world.
Symptoms and Stages of Migraine:
Migraines can affect people of all ages including children, teens, and adults. It can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. However, not everyone experiences all stages during a migraine episode.
1. Prodrome (Early Warning Signs):
A day or two before the migraine hits, you may notice subtle signs that a migraine is on the way. These early symptoms may include:
- Tiredness
- Frequent yawning
- Mood swings, from depression to euphoria
- Intense food cravings
- Increased thirst
- Neck stiffness
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Fluid retention
- Constipation
2. Aura (Sensory Disturbances):
For some people migraine is preceded or accompanied by an aura, which is a set of temporary neurological symptoms. These symptoms develop gradually, intensify over several minutes, and can last anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. While aura are most commonly visual, they can also affect other senses or motor functions.
Typical aura symptoms include:
- Visual phenomenon, such as seeing flashes of lights, bright spots, or different shapes
- Loss of vision
- Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- Tingling or pins and needles sensations in arms and legs
- Weakness or numbness in face or one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
- Dizziness
3. Attack (The Headache Phase):
This is the most debilitating phase. If left untreated, the headache can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. The frequency of migraine can vary. Some people experience them occasionally while others have them several times a month.
Common symptoms during this phase include:
- Pain usually on one side of the head, though both sides may be affected
- Throbbing or pulsating head pain
- Sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells or touch
- Nausea and vomiting
4. Post-drome (Migraine Hangover or Migraine Recovery):
After the headache subsides, many people go through a “migraine hangover”, also known as the post-drome. This phase can last a few hours or days, and can vary from person to person. Some people may not experience this phase.
In this phase, you may experience symptoms like:
- Feeling tired, drained, or confused
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mild euphoria in some cases
- Recurrence of brief head pain with sudden movements
Causes of Migraine:
The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood, but many factors can contribute:
- Genetics— migraines often run in families.
- Hormonal changes— estrogen fluctuations, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can contribute to migraines.
- Chemical Imbalances— fluctuations in neurotransmitters like serotonin may trigger migraines.
- Environmental factors— such as strong smells, or changes in weather can also be the culprits.
Common Migraine Triggers:
There are many things that can trigger migraines. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is important in effective management of migraine. Common triggers include:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep or irregular sleep
- Dehydration
- Skipping meals
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods like chocolate, aged cheese, processed meats, fermented and pickled foods
- Food additives like nitrates and MSG
- Alcohol, especially red wine
- Caffeine overuse of withdrawal
- Bright light
- Loud noises
- Weather changes
Types of Migraine:
There are different types of migraine, each with its own characteristics.
- Migraine without Aura— it is the most common type and is often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound but no warning signs (aura) before the attack.
- Migraine with Aura— it is preceded or accompanied by visual or sensory disturbances (aura) such as flashing lights or numbness.
- Chronic Migraine— it is defined as headache occurring on 15 or more days per month, with eight of these having migraine symptoms, for at least three months.
- Hemiplegic Migraine— it is a rare type in which a person experiences temporary weakness on one side of the body as part of the migraine attack.
- Menstrual Migraine— migraine attacks linked to your periods (menstrual cycle).
- Retinal Migraine (Ocular Migraine)— it is a rare type of migraine which causes temporary visual disturbances in one eye.
Treatment Options:
While there’s no cure for migraines, the good news is they can be managed effectively with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. Treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms during the attack and preventing future episodes.
1. Medications:
Migraine medication falls into two categories:
-
Medications to Stop Migraine:
These are taken at the first sign of migraine to relieve the symptoms like pain, nausea, or light sensitivity.
Common options include:
- Triptans
- Ditans
- Gepants
- Dihydroergotamine
- Antiemetics
-
Medications to Prevent Migraine:
These are prescribed for frequent or severe migraines and are taken regularly to reduce how often and how intensely migraines occur. Examples include:
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Note: All medications should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
2. Over-the-Counter Options:
For mild to moderate migraines, over the counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen may be effective. However, overuse can lead to rebound headaches or medication dependency, so regular use should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
3. Avoiding Triggers:
Identifying and avoiding personal migraine triggers is the key to prevention. You can keep a migraine diary or use a tracking app to spot patterns and triggers more easily.
For example, if stress is a trigger for you, try different strategies to reduce stress.
4. Alternative Therapies:
Some people find relief through natural and alternative therapies like:
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Botox injections (for chronic migraine)
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.
When to See a Doctor:
You should see your doctor if:
- Your migraine is getting severe or worse, or lasting longer than usual
- You have migraines more than once a week
- You are experiencing new or different headache patterns
- Your migraine symptoms are persisting despite the treatment
- You regularly get migraine before or during your period
- You are experiencing any neurological symptoms like slurred speech, vision loss,or numbness
Final Thoughts:
Migraines can not only affect your physical health but also your daily routine and overall quality of life. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding the stages, identifying your personal triggers, and exploring the right treatment options can make a big difference in managing this condition.
With the right support, you can take back control of your well-being and live a more comfortable life!
