Migraines are an episodic disorder that can cause severe throbbing or pulsing sensation often but not always on one side of the head. Migraines affect 12-15% of the general population and its most frequent in females than males. Migraines are a major cause of disability and are ranked second after low back pain worldwide among all diseases with respect to years of life lived with disability.
In this article, you will learn about the causes, types, and ways to reduce migraines and get relief from the condition.
Types of Migraines You Should Know About
There are various types of migraines you can suffer from. However, people mainly suffer from two migraine types, i.e., migraine with aura (classic migraine) and migraine without aura (common migraine)
- Migraine with Aura: A migraine where you have a warning sign “an aura” that a migraine attack is going to happen.
- Migraine without Aura: The most common type of migraine you can have. This form of migraine does not give any warning signs that a migraine episode is about to occur.
Other types of migraines
- Menstrual Migraines: Migraines that are linked to patients' menstrual cycle. this period usually encompasses two days before through three days after the onset of menstrual bleeding
- Silent Migraine (Acephalgic): Migraines that occur without head pain but may include symptoms like aura, nausea or light and sound sensitivity.
- Vestibular Migraine: This type of migraine causes episodic dizziness and balance issues. This can sometimes occur without the usual head pain.
- Abdominal Migraine: More commonly in children. This causes stomach pain, nausea and vomiting instead of head pain.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: This is a rare type of migraine causing temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body along with other migraine symptoms.
- Ocular Migraine: Involves visual issues like flashing lights or temporary blindness in one eye that are usually resolved within one hour.
- Migraine with Brainstem Aura: Uncommon, this affects the brain stem leading to symptoms like dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking and difficulty walking.
- Status Migrainosus: Debilitating migraine attack lasting for more than 72 hours (about 3 days).
- Ophthalmoplegic Migraine: Rare, this causes paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles along with other migraine symptoms.
Migraine Symptoms: A Comprehensive Overview
Migraine is a disorder of recurrent attacks. The attacks unfold through a cascade of events that occur over several hours to days. A typical migraine attack progresses through four phases: the prodrome, the aura, the headache, and the postdrome.
Migraine Phases and Symptoms
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Migraine Prodrome
The prodrome occurs in up to 77% of patients with migraine and consists of affective or vegetative symptoms that appear 24 to 48 hours prior to the onset of headache. Frequently reported symptoms include:
- Yawning/fatigue
- Depression
- Irritability
- Food cravings
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Neck stiffness
-
Migraine Aura
About 25% of people with migraines experience one or more focal neurologic symptoms in the second phase, called the migraine aura. Aura can happen before or during a migraine attack. This can cause disturbances such as:
- Visual (bright lines, shapes, objects)
- Auditory (ringing in ears, noises, music)
- Sensory (burning, pain, numbness and tingling)
- Language (word difficulty, trouble concentrating)
- Motor (jerking or repetitive rhythmic movements, muscle weakness)
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Migraine Attack, the Headache
The attack phase is the most intense or severe phase of the migraine cycle. This phase’s symptoms might linger for hours or even days. Symptoms include:
- Pain located on one side of the head
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Light and sound sensitivity
-
Migraine Postdrome
During the postdrome, patients often feel drained or exhausted, although some report a feeling of mild elation or euphoria.
Key Causes to Migraines
Understanding the underlying causes of migraines is essential for effective management. Here are some of the common triggers to be aware of:
- Genetic Factors: This may include your family history as well as genetic predisposition. If your parents or grandparents suffered from this condition, you are more likely to have migraines too.
- Environmental Triggers: Bright lights, loud noises and strong smells can act as sensory stimuli. Weather changes or specific foods and drinks like aged cheese and chocolate can also trigger migraines.
- Hormonal Influences: Menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations can trigger migraines in women. It can also occur in people who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
- Lifestyle Factors: Emotional stress, a lack of sleep, irregular eating patterns, and alcohol are lifestyle elements that can contribute to migraines.
- Medical Conditions: Certain chronic illnesses, medication induced reactions, and neurological factors such as changes in brain chemistry can also be key causes of migraines.
Effective Ways to Reduce Migraine Impact:
There are various ways to reduce the number of migraines that one can opt for. Here are some of the best ways to get migraine relief:
- Creating a Calm Environment: Creating a quiet and comfortable space to help ease migraine symptoms. Dim the lights, soothing sounds and a calm atmosphere can make a significant difference
- Temperature Therapy: You can experiment with temperature changes such as applying a cold or warm compress to the head or neck which might offer relief.
- Caffeine as an Ally: In moderation, caffeine can be a helpful companion in migraine relief. It is found in some pain relief medication.
- Ensuring Quality Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep routine to support overall well-being. Quality sleep is a crucial part in managing migraines; aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night
- Eating Wisely: Maintain a balanced diet by avoiding trigger foods as well as staying hydrated. Do not skip meals as regular meals and snacks help keep blood sugar levels stabilized as low blood sugar can cause migraines.
- Harnessing the Power of Exercise: Engage in moderate, regular exercise like walking or yoga. Physical activity can aid in reducing both the frequency and severity of migraines.
- Stress Management: Explore stress reducing techniques such as deep breathing, mediation or mindfulness to minimize emotional triggers and promote relaxation.
- The Joy of Relaxation: Take daily breaks to unwind. Incorporate activities you enjoy doing such as reading, listening to music or spending time in nature.
- Migraine Diary: A personal insight: keep a diary to track triggers, symptoms and patterns of migraines. This can be helpful to identify specific factors contributing to migraines.
- Striving for Balance: Maintain a balanced lifestyle by managing work, social activities and personal time. This can contribute to overall well-being and minimize migraine impact.
Get Specialized Treatment for Migraine at Michigan Neurology Associates & Pain Consultants
Are you looking for ways to reduce migraines? If yes, then visit us at Michigan Neurology Associates & Pain Consultants. We offer various treatment options for your migraine and help you get a better quality of life. For more information on the specialty services we offer, contact us today or call our office at (586) 445-9900 to request an appointment.
