Migraine Headache

It is believed that the brains of people with migraines are more sensitive to environmental stimuli, which may come from both external and internal factors.Symptoms and signs include severe headaches that can interfere with daily activities. Some individuals may experience pain so intense that it causes tearing. Migraine attacks typically last 4-72 hours.The pain may worsen with head movement and is often accompanied by nausea, and in more severe cases, vomiting.Common triggers that can worsen migraines include bright lights, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), and loud noises.

Causes of Migraine HeadachesIt is believed that the brains of people with migraines are more sensitive to environmental stimuli, which may originate from both external factors (such as light, sound, or temperature) and internal factors within the body.

 

Symptoms and Signs of Migraine

     Migraine headaches can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities, and in some cases, the pain may be so intense that it causes tearing. Attacks typically last between 4-72 hours.The pain may worsen with head movement and is often accompanied by nausea, and in more severe cases, vomiting.Common triggers include bright light, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), and loud noise. Migraines are more commonly found in younger individuals.

 

Common Types of Migraine

1.Classic Migraine
This type often begins during adolescence. As individuals age, the frequency and severity of headaches may decrease and, in some cases, disappear. Some patients may experience aura symptoms before the headache, such as flashing lights, temporary vision loss, or numbness on one side of the body-this is referred to as a classic migraine.

2.Common Migraine
This type usually presents with pain in areas such as the forehead, around the eyes, temples, or jaw. The pain is often one-sided, and most patients do not experience aura before the headache.

Migraine is a condition that cannot be completely cured, but with proper understanding and management, it can be effectively controlled.

 

Less Common Types of Migraine

 - Hemiplegic Migraine
Temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (arm and leg) for a short period

 - Ophthalmoplegic Migraine
Headache accompanied by drooping eyelid and double vision

 - Basilar Migraine (Basilar Artery Migraine)
Symptoms before the headache may include dizziness, loss of balance, and double vision

 - Status Migrainosus
A severe migraine lasting more than 72 hours, often more intense than typical migraine episodes

 

Diagnosis is mainly based on medical history and physical examination. The diagnostic criteria are as follows

 - Must have experienced at least 5 headache episodes

 

 - Headache lasting 4-72 hours

 - The headache must have at least two of the following characteristics:

     - Unilateral (one-sided) pain

     - Throbbing or pulsating pain

     - Severe intensity, interfering with daily activities

 - The headache worsens with movement, such as climbing stairs

 - During the headache, at least one of the following must be present:

     - Nausea or vomiting

     - Sensitivity to bright light or loud sounds

 

 

Treatment of Migraine

1. Symptom Control and Trigger Management

Managing triggers is key to reducing migraine attacks:

 - Avoid trigger foods, such as alcohol (especially red wine), monosodium glutamate (MSG), butter, milk, chocolate, bananas, citrus fruits, coffee, and tea

 - Maintain regular sleep patterns

 - Avoid hormonal medications, such as contraceptive pills (if they trigger symptoms)

 - Manage stress through exercise or meditation

 - Control environmental factors, such as temperature changes, flashing lights, and strong odors

 

2. Medication Treatment

Most treatments involve medications to relieve and reduce pain. However, long-term use may have side effects, such as:

 - Stomach irritation

 - Liver damage

 

3. Non-Pharmacological Treatment

Non-drug approaches can also help relieve migraine symptoms, including:

 - Meditation

 - Stress management techniques

 - Acupuncture

 - Regular exercise

Combining lifestyle adjustments with appropriate treatment can help effectively manage migraine symptoms.

 

 

source : Vibhavadi Hospital