A migraine is a life-long, painful headache that can be recurrent. The intensity of migraines can vary between moderate to severe, and they are usually accompanied by throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head.
The onset of a migraine usually lasts between 4 to 72 hours, and people often experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and even sensitivity to sound and smell during the migraine. If you are a person who enjoys physical activity, movement can only make the migraine worse. Coughing or sneezing can also worsen the pain and intensify your migraine.
Migraines often occur in the morning, around the time of waking. A lot of people can tell when they are going to have migraines because they consistently occur at predictable times. This blog will go through the symptoms, triggers, prevention, and treatment of migraines. Let’s dive right in.
Symptoms of Migraine
Migraines can affect children, teenagers, and adults equally. The symptoms of migraine can cross through four separate stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. Not every migraine goes through these four stages, but this is how a migraine usually progresses when it presents itself.
Prodrome
A few days before a migraine occurs, you might notice the following oncoming signs:
- Constipation
- Food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Mood changes
- Fluid retention
- Frequent yawning
- Increased urination
Aura
This is the second stage of symptoms of a migraine. Auras can happen either before or during a migraine. They occur as a result of a stimulated nervous system and usually disappear once the migraine is done.
An aura is a visual disturbance you can feel as the migraine occurs. However, it can also be non-visual depending on the severity and type of migraine that occurs. Here are some examples of migraine auras:
- Visual abnormalities, such as seeing shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light
- Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
- Vision loss
- Difficulty speaking
- A sensation of prickling pins and needles in the arms or legs
Attack
Migraines can last anywhere between 4 to 72 hours. The frequency varies based on the individual. During the migraine attack, you may experience:
Nausea and vomiting
Pain on one side of your head, sometimes on both sides.
Pulsating or throbbing pain
Sensitivity to light and sound, sometimes even smell and touch
Postdrome
This is the period after the migraine. You might feel drained and confused, unable to continue on with your day. Others have reported feeling relieved and elated. You should be careful during the postdrome phase because sudden head movements can bring the pain rushing back.
Migraine Triggers
A trigger is something that will spark the symptoms into action. Your healthcare provider or physician can help you determine whether or not you have certain triggers that can set off a migraine.
There are common migraine triggers, and there are also certain foods that can prompt a migraine into action, so let’s take a look.
Common triggers
The most common triggers of migraine are:
- Stress
- Changes to your sleep
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes
- Excessive Physical activity (overexertion)
- Weather condition changes
- Tobacco
- Exposure to bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors
Foods that trigger migraines
The human body is sensitive to a lot of specific chemical compounds and food preservatives. A migraine can happen if these sensitivities are stimulated. Some of the common food-related migraine triggers include:
- Aged Cheese
- Chocolate
- Food additives (like nitrates and MSG)
- Beverages that contain alcohol
- Fermented or pickled foods
- Processed or cured foods (ham, pepperoni, sausages, etc.)
If you are prone to migraines, you should consume these foods sparingly to avoid an attack.
Types of Migraines
Migraines come in many forms. The way they present themselves varies, and the effect they have on the individual also varies drastically. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of migraines and what they are.
Migraine without Aura
This is one of the more common variants of the migraine. This migraine presents with pain that can be moderate to severe, usually on one side of the head. Symptoms that can occur during this type of migraine are nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, etc.
Migraine with Aura
This is a type of migraine that is accompanied by an aura, as discussed above. Auras occur before the migraine kicks in and can be accompanied by flashes of light, blind spots, and other visual disturbances. You may also experience sensory changes and difficulties in speech.
Chronic Migraine
Migraines are considered if you experience headaches for 15 or more days per month. In addition, 8 of those days must contain symptoms of migraines. If these conditions occur for a continued period of 3 months, the migraine is considered chronic. Chronic migraines can be less severe than other migraines, but they occur more frequently.
Migraine with Brainstem Aura (formerly Basilar-type Migraine)
This is a rare type of migraine. The aura symptoms of this type of migraine present with auras that originate from the brainstem. Brainstem auras can cause difficulty in speech, dizziness, double vision, and a lack of coordination. The headache usually occurs at the back of the head.
Hemiplegic Migraine
Hemiplegic migraines can be hereditary. This type of migraine can cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body. Aura symptoms like speech difficulties and visual disturbances may also occur during hemiplegic migraines.
Retinal Migraine
Before a migraine presents itself, you may experience temporary vision loss. This is called a retinal migraine. Vision loss can last between minutes and hours, depending on the severity of the migraine.
Menstrual Migraine
This type of migraine is closely associated with the menstrual cycle. It typically occurs in the days leading up to a woman’s period. In some cases, it can occur during a woman’s period as well. It is believed that these migraines are brought on by hormonal changes.
Abdominal Migraine
Abdominal migraines are specific to children. A child with an abdominal migraine can experience episodes of nausea, vomiting, and pain. It can occur with or without a headache, and the symptoms can last between a few hours to a few days.
Effective Remedies for Migraines
Your migraine doesn’t have to be the end of your world. There are many ways to tackle your migraine and ensure that it occurs less frequently or disappears altogether. This can include lifestyle changes and home remedies that can provide relief. Let’s take a look at some of the best methods to deal with migraine.
1. Home Remedies for Migraine Pain
Exercise
Exercise is not recommended during a migraine—it can make the pain worse. However, exercising apart from the migraine can help you manage your stress levels and tone down the frequency of the migraines that you regularly experience. It is an effective preventative measure.
Dark Rooms
Migraines usually present with sensitivity to light. A dark room can provide sensory deprivation that can provide relief to your headache and reduce the intensity of your migraine episode.
Ice Packs
Your body and your head can run hot during a migraine. Ice packs can constrict blood flow and provide temporary relief from the pain you experience.
Caffeine
Caffeine can provide great relief from a migraine headache. In fact, caffeine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter migraine medications. A little dose of caffeine during a migraine can soothe the pain and provide immediate relief. Do not overindulge in caffeine—it can lead to caffeine withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to another headache down the line.
2. Alternative Therapies for Migraine
Yoga
Studies have shown that yoga, along with prescribed medications, has been extremely beneficial for people who experience migraines. Yoga can lower your stress levels and boost your mood more than most intense exercises.
Acupuncture
As per research conducted, acupuncture has been found to trigger chemical responses in the body. It can help your body release chemicals like endorphins and other hormones that block pain. What makes this form of treatment unique is the fact that its effects are long-lasting.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves essential oils like lavender, chamomile, sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, etc. Treatments suggest either breathing in these oils or rubbing them on your skin to change your perception of pain. Lavender and rosemary are especially effective in relieving migraine symptoms.
Note: Never consume essential oils or put them in the reach of children and pets. Undiluted oil can burn or irritate your skin.
3. Over-the-counter (OTC) mediation
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen works by blocking certain chemicals that help you sense pain. By blocking pain, you can effectively function throughout the duration of your migraine.
Precaution: If you have liver problems, you should not be using acetaminophen.
Maximum Dosage: Adults should not take more than 3000 mg to 4000 mg in a 24-hour period.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can block the effects of an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX), which causes inflammation in the body. Reducing internal swelling is beneficial to dealing with migraines.
Precaution: High doses of ibuprofen can lead to heart attack, stroke, stomach bleeds, and kidney damage. Be wary of your intake.
Maximum Dosage: 1200 mg in a day
Panadol Migraine
Panadol Migraine is an over-the-counter medication specifically formulated to relieve migraine pain. It contains a combination of active ingredients, including Paracetamol, Acetylsalicylic acid, Caffeine, etc.
Precautions: If you have liver problems, you should not be using panadol.
Maximum dosage: Do not exceed 8 capsules in a 24-hour period.
Migraine Stopper
A portable pneumatic medical device that is self-operated. It is designed to provide relief from migraine pain, often within minutes of use. Users have reported varying levels of effectiveness, with some finding it significantly helpful in reducing the frequency and intensity of their migraines.
Roll-on Pain Relievers
Roll-on migraine relievers are designed to be applied directly to the temples, forehead, and sides of the neck. This targeted application allows the active ingredients to be absorbed through the skin and work directly on the areas where migraine pain is most concentrated.
Precautions: If you have skin allergies, nausea, etc., use roll-ons sparingly
Examples: Stopain Clinical Migraine & Headache Gel
4. Vitamins and Supplements
Magnesium
Individuals who suffer from migraines have been found to have lower levels of magnesium in their systems. Magnesium supplements have shown great promise for preventing migraines.
Foods like spinach, whole grains, and nuts are naturally rich in magnesium. You can also take about 400 mg of magnesium supplements per day to improve your levels.
Warning: Excessive use of supplements can lead to
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin can make your migraines less frequent and less severe. You can find vitamin B2 naturally in foods like eggs, meat, green leafy vegetables, nuts, enriched grains, milk, etc. You can also find it as a vitamin supplement.
Metabolism in people with migraines does not occur as expected. This is a contributing factor to migraines. Riboflavin can help you regulate your metabolism better and prevent migraines from occurring. To help prevent migraines, you should take about 400 milligrams of riboflavin a day.
Warning: If you are taking tetracycline antibiotics, riboflavin can interfere with them. Caution is advised.
Migraine Myths and Facts
Tips for Managing Migraines
Whether you are at work or dealing with a lot of stress in your life, there are some tips that can help you prevent and manage your migraines. This can come in handy for dealing with migraines in situations where you need to get ahead of the problem.
- Avoid food triggers like excessive caffeine and alcohol
- Get sufficient sleep and exercise regularly
- Take naps
- Spend more time in natural light during the day
- Use relaxation techniques like meditation
- Balance your diet with vitamins and minerals to improve digestion
Wrapping Up
Migraines can be a persistent interruption to our daily routine. That does not have to be the case. If you are someone who is prone to migraines, take the time to build a support system around your symptoms using the right mix of diet, exercise, and medications.
Talk to your physician to determine the type of migraine that you have. This can help you figure out the right course of action to prevent migraines and reduce their severity. By doing so, you can manage your migraines and live your life without the worry of having to put it on hold every time you experience a migraine attack.
Always keep a watchful eye on your stress levels, and manage your diet to live a life free from migraines and their pains.
