Migraine

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June 16, 2022

A headache that leads to a pulsing sensation or severe throbbing pain, generally on one side of the head is said to be as migraine. It is also followed by vomiting, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. The attack of migraine can last for hours to days. Moreover, the pain can be serious may affect your daily tasks.

Occurrence of a warning symptom called as an aura before or with the headache may be face by some people. It can include visual disturbances such as light or blind spot flashes or other disturbances, such as face tingling on one side or in leg or arm and speech difficulty.

Types of Migraines

There are several types of migraines as below:

Migraine with Aura: In this type of migraine, there are specific warning signs just before the start of migraine such as seeing flashing lights.

Migraine without Aura: Common type of migraine occurring without any particular warning signs.

Migraine Aura without Headache, also known as Silent Migraine: In this condition, the patient experiences an aura or other migraine symptoms, but doesn’t face headache.

Some people face migraines frequently, up to many times a week while others only have a migraine occasionally.

Causes of Migraines

The exact reason of migraines is unknown, but those are predicted as the result of temporary changes in the nerves, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain.

Approximately half of all people that experience migraine have close relative with similar condition and this predicts that gene may have role in this.

Migraine Triggers

Below are the types of migraine triggers:

Hormonal Changes in Women

There are fluctuations in estrogen either during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause are likely to trigger headaches in many women. Oral contraceptives which are hormonal medications can lead to heavier migraines. Some women experience fewer migraines after taking these medications.

Drinks

Intake of alcohol, especially wine, and too much caffeine, such as coffee are the cases of migraines.

Stress

Stress at work or home is also one of the causes of migraines.

Sensory Stimuli

Bright or flashing lights and loud sounds can trigger migraine. Apart from that, strong smells including paint thinner, perfume, second-hand smoke and others also trigger migraine.

Sleep Changes

Getting too much sleep or missing sleep can trigger migraines in some people.

Physical Factors

Intense physical exertion such as sexual activity, might lead to migraines.

Weather Changes

Weather changes or barometric pressure can also lead to a migraine.

Medications

Vasodilators or oral contraceptives such as nitroglycerin can intensify migraines.

Foods

Aged cheeses as well as salty and processed foods may lead to migraines. Even skipping meals can provoke migraines.

Food Additives

Food additives such as the sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in many foods also aggravate migraine.

When to see a doctor?

Many times migraines are undiagnosed and untreated. If you face migraine symptoms regularly, track your attacks and the way you treated them. Then plan an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headache problems.

Though you have history of headaches, if the pattern changes or your headaches are different than regular ones, you can see a doctor.

If you observe the below signs and symptoms, visit your doctor immediately:

An unexpected, severe headache such as a thunderclap
Headache followed by stiff neck, fever, confusion, double vision, seizures, numbness or body weakness in any part which could be a sign of a stroke
Headache after a head injury
A chronic headache that is severe after exertion, coughing, straining or a sudden movement.
New headache pain after crossing 50 years.