Do you suffer from Migraine? Here are root causes and triggers you should be aware of

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• May 19, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

Preventive measures and timely treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks...

Digital Desk: A migraine is a severe type of headache characterized by intense throbbing pain or pulsating sensations, typically localized on one side of the head. This debilitating condition often accompanies symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days, significantly impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.

Effective management of migraines often involves a combination of medications, self-help techniques, and lifestyle changes. Preventive measures and timely treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, allowing individuals to lead more manageable lives.

Stages of Migraine

Migraines typically progress through four stages, though not everyone will experience each stage during an attack:

Prodrome: This initial phase can begin up to 24 hours before the headache onset. Symptoms may include mood changes, constipation, food cravings, increased urination, neck stiffness, fluid retention, and frequent yawning. These subtle changes serve as early warning signs for many migraine sufferers.

Aura: Occurring before or during the headache, the aura phase involves sensory, motor, and/or verbal disturbances that can last from five to 60 minutes. Symptoms may include visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights or zigzag patterns, as well as tingling sensations in the limbs. However, not all migraine attacks include an aura.

Attack: The migraine headache itself can last from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. Pain intensity and duration vary from person to person. The headache is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, making it challenging to carry out daily activities.

Postdrome: Also known as the migraine hangover, this final phase can last from a few hours to 48 hours after the headache subsides. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and continued sensitivity to light and sound, resembling those of an alcohol-induced hangover.

Root causes and triggers

Migraines can be triggered by various factors and often have multiple underlying causes:

Gender Imbalance: Women are more prone to migraines than men, primarily due to hormonal variations related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Triggers: Common triggers include stress, sleep deprivation, weather changes, and strong odors. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can be crucial in managing migraines.

Genetic Link: Migraines often run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition. If one or both parents suffer from migraines, their children are more likely to experience them as well.

Auras: Some individuals experience auras, visual disturbances that occur before or during a migraine attack. However, not all migraines involve auras.

Dietary Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Managing Migraines

Prevention and management of migraines often require a multifaceted approach. Medications, both preventive and abortive, can be highly effective. Preventive medications are taken regularly to reduce the frequency of attacks, while abortive medications are used to relieve symptoms once an attack has begun. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as maintaining regular sleep patterns, managing stress, and avoiding known triggers can significantly reduce the impact of migraines. Self-help techniques, including relaxation exercises and dietary adjustments, also play a vital role in managing this chronic condition.

In summary, while migraines can be profoundly disruptive, understanding their stages and triggers, along with appropriate medical and lifestyle interventions, can greatly enhance the quality of life for those affected by this condition.