Migraine is a neurological disorder that affects many people worldwide. It’s a condition that not only consists of just a headache or pain in just one part of your head. This condition can also make you feel nauseous and cause an upset stomach.
Migraines have been recorded to cause multiple issues, like sensitivity to light, a phenomenon called aura, which can also be experienced and have a drastic effect on how a person smells or even compromise vision.
Let me try to provide a complete overview of Migraine, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and things that you can do at your home to manage this condition better.
How Prevalent is Migraine?
Migraines impact more than 12% of Americans aged 12 and older. Among adults, 17% of women and 6% of men experience migraines, making it about three times more common in women. The occurrence of migraines decreases after the age of 60.
Chronic Migraine is characterized by headaches that last more than a week or sometimes even more than 15 days in a month. It is astonishing to note that around 1% of people in the U.S. live with chronic migraine.
Did you know that approximately 1.5 million women and more than half a million men in the United States suffer from migraine?
It is a recorded statistic that people who experience this condition are mostly going through their midlife, which is between 18 and 44 years.
Stages and Symptoms of Migraine
There are usually 4 stages to a migraine episode:
- Prodrome: It occurs hours or days before the headache and consists of mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased yawning, and urination.
- Aura: In some people, aura may occur before or with the headache. Symptoms can include flashing lights, wavy lines, zigzag lines; blind spots, and blurred vision or tingling in your hand or face
- Headache: This is usually described as throbbing or pulsating and can occur on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light(s), and sound are also typically present.
- Postdrome: People can feel washed out and worn down after the headache has subsided. Postdrome is characterized by residual weakness and exhaustion or a “migraine hangover.”
Types of Migraine
- Migraine, with Aura: This kind includes changes before the headache starts, like seeing flashes or blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, or having trouble talking.
- Migraine without aura: This is the common type where there are no changes before the headache begins.
- Chronic Migraine: Described as having migraines on 15 or more days each month.
- Menstrual Migraine: Connected to the cycle and usually happens in a way.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: A rare type that causes paralysis on one side of the body.
- Abdominal Migraine: Commonly seen in children and involves stomach pain, feeling sick, and vomiting.
- Vestibular Migraine: Mainly related to dizziness and spinning sensations.
- Basilar Migraine: Also called migraine with brainstem aura affecting functions, like speech.
Causes and Triggers
It is somewhat unclear why people develop this condition during their midlife or even in their overall lifespan. However, there are some factors that researchers and physicians believe could be the cause behind migraines:
- Hereditary influence: More often than not it has been observed that if someone in the family suffers or has a history of migraines, it is more likely that the offspring would develop the condition as well
- Hormones: It has been noted in many trials that when women go through menstruation, their hormonal shift can trigger migraine episodes.
- Emotional Influences: In the last two decades, this factor has become one of the major reasons. Emotional distress caused due to stress, depression, anxiety, etc., can often become a trigger for migraines.
- Dietary Triggers: Beverages like alcohol, coffee, soda, and some caffeinated drinks, and foods like chocolate and cheese have also been known as triggers for migraines.
- Environmental Influences: In addition to the above, sensory triggers for the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth can also trigger migraines. These include watching flickering screens for a long time, pungent smells, breathing smoke or gases, high-decibel sounds, and extremely bright lights, which can be a trigger for migraines.
- Physical Factors: Insomnia is one of the leading causes, along with bad posture, less physical activity, poor eating habits, and bloated stomach can also become triggers for the onset of migraines.
Diagnosis and Risk Factors
The indications utilized by healthcare professionals to diagnose migraines without aura may be recited professionally as “5, 4, 3, 2, 1.”
This stands for the following: five or more incidents; four hours to three days of an untreated episode; two or more of the following: one-sided, pulsating, moderate-to-severe pain that is worsened by activity; and one additional sign.
People with depression, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and sleep disorders are more likely to be diagnosed with these symptoms.
Treatment Options
There exists no formalized enduring solution for migraines. However, treatments exist to assist in the amelioration of symptomatic expression and attenuate episodic regularity:
Pharmacological Interventions:
- Non-prescription Analgesics: Compounds such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are efficacious in mitigating nociception.
- Triptans: Pharmacological agents like sumatriptan are instrumental in counteracting cerebral alterations concomitant with migraine events.
- Antiemetic Agents: Utilized in the modulation of nausea and emesis.
- Gepants and Ditans: Engage with particularized proteins and receptors pertinent to algogenic and inflammatory processes.
Prophylactic Pharmacotherapy:
- Anticonvulsant Agents: Topiramate possesses the potential to diminish migraine episode frequency.
- Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents: For instance, propranolol, which is conventionally deployed in hypertension management.
- Antidepressive Agents: Can be employed in migraine prophylaxis.
- Botulinum Toxin Injections: Applied in cases of chronic migraines.
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Inhibitors: Specifically antagonize proteins integrally involved in migraine pathophysiology.
Domestic and Anticipated Remedies:
- Cryotherapy Applicators: Implementation of flexible cold packs can provide symptomatic relief.
- Seclusion in Minimally Stimulating Environments: Curtailment of luminous and auditory stimuli can facilitate symptom alleviation.
- Nutraceuticals: Magnesium, riboflavin, and phytotherapeutic substances such as feverfew might exhibit prophylactic benefits against migraines, albeit empirical validation remains marginal.
How to prevent a Migraine Episode?
There are a few things that you can do to lessen the frequency and intensity of a migraine episode. However, it might not be possible to prevent it every time:
The first thing that you can do is get some help from a family member or a caretaker in identifying the triggers or causes that bring on the onset of a migraine headache. Once you have identified a problem, try keeping a daily diary or a journal to track and narrow down the main triggers that you must avoid by compromising a bit on your lifestyle.
The second thing is to adjust to the new lifestyle. You have to ensure that you are getting enough sleep and taking positive steps to manage your mental health. For example, start meditation to manage your stress, drink water every hour to stay hydrated, and avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast.
Third, focus on your physical health. Create a routine of at least 30 minutes of walking and exercise per day. An active lifestyle can significantly help reduce the intensity and frequency of your migraines.
Lastly, focus on what you are eating. If you have identified any food-related triggers, especially the ones we mentioned above. Steer clear of them.
Addressing Disparities in Migraine Treatment
Few studies openly explore the disparities in migraine treatment. A study by Befus, D.R., Irby, M.B., Coeytaux, R.R. et al. highlighted the underestimation, underdiagnosis, and undertreatment of migraine, especially among historically marginalized groups (such as communities of color, women, and people experiencing poverty). They also highlight how the disparities exist in migraine incidence, prevalence, pain, disability, access to care, and quality of care among marginalized and underserved groups.
Another research on headache disorders by Kiarashi J, VanderPluym J, Szperka CL, et al. explored how disparities related to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography contribute to inequitable treatment of individuals diagnosed with headache disorders.
When should you see a doctor?
There are a few symptoms and situations where you must immediately get in touch with a healthcare professional.
- If your migraine episode seems to be getting worse than before.
- Secondly, if you experience an extremely intense headache accompanied by vision problems and loss of sensation, consult a physician or visit your doctor immediately if you have difficulty forming words and speaking.
Understanding migraines and their various aspects can empower you to manage this condition more effectively. If you suspect you have migraines or if your symptoms are changing, it's important to seek medical advice for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs
- Can children experience migraines?
Yes, children can experience migraines, often presenting as abdominal migraines characterized by stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- How long does a typical migraine episode last?
An untreated migraine episode can last from 4 to 72 hours.
- Are there natural remedies for migraines?
Some people find relief using natural remedies like magnesium supplements, feverfew, and riboflavin, although their effectiveness can vary.
- What should I do if I experience a migraine for the first time?
If you experience a migraine for the first time or if your symptoms worsen or change, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions.
- How is a migraine different from a regular headache?
Unlike a regular headache, a migraine is usually more severe and accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
