Migraine : Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

Even the easiest daily tasks can become overwhelming for people suffering from migraines. Life may feel extremely difficult due to the severe pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and occasional nausea. It affects the individual and also people who are close to them, like friends and family. It is important to acknowledge the frustration and isolation that one experiences during the migraine attacks. Each episode can disrupt daily life, work, and social activities, leaving individuals feeling drained and discouraged. The sense of comfort during difficult times can make a big difference, so these people need the understanding and support of friends and family. Let’s try to understand migraine by looking at its common causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.

Migraine Meaning

Migraines are a type of headache that often comes with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. You might also notice some warning signs, like auras, that let you know a headache is on the way.

Migraine Symptoms

Migraine symptoms can be pretty different for everyone, but here are some common ones to look out for:

• A bad headache is typically felt as a pounding or throbbing pain, usually confined to one side of the head.
• Light and Sound Sensitivity, bright lights, and loud noises can make the pain worse.
• Many people experience nausea and vomiting during a migraine.
• Some people may have visual disturbances (like flashes of light) or other sensory changes before the headache starts. It's referred to as migraine with aura.
• You might feel tired or worn out, sometimes even before the headache starts.
• You could feel lightheaded or have trouble keeping your balance.
• Brain fog can make it difficult to focus or think straight during a migraine.

Migraine Causes

The exact cause of migraines is still unknown. Keeping a migraine diary can be a way to figure out what might be triggering yours. There is a higher possibility if you have a family history. Certain things can set off migraines, like:

• Starting their period
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• stress and being super tired
• Not eating regularly or skipping meals
• Too much caffeine
• Not exercising enough

Migraine Treatment: Medications

Migraine medications are designed to either prevent migraine headaches or relieve pain from current episodes. They come in various forms, including pills, injections, and nasal sprays. While there is no cure for migraines, certain medications can alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life. There are two main categories of migraine medications: 

• Acute medications, which provide relief during an episode, and 
• Preventive medications, which aim to decrease the frequency and severity of migraines. 

Treatment plans may vary, with some individuals requiring only acute treatment and others needing a combination of both types.

Medications for migraine include:

• Ergotamines, the first class of drugs developed for migraines, target specific receptors to constrict blood vessels but are less commonly used today due to the availability of more effective treatments.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen).  If OTC options are ineffective, doctors may prescribe stronger medications. 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can help alleviate migraine symptoms. 
• Triptans are medications that elevate serotonin levels in the brain to reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels and come in various forms, including pills, nasal sprays, injections, and dissolvable tablets, with common types being almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan. 
• Opioids may be given while a patient is in the hospital if other painkillers are ineffective for treating migraine pain and ergotamines or triptans are not recommended.
• CGRP antagonists, or gepants, are a new class of medications that target calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein linked to migraine pain. Currently approved CGRP antagonists for acute migraine treatment include rimegepant (Nurtec), ubrogepant (Ubrelvy), and zavegepant (Zavzpret).

5 Tips for Instant Migraine Relief

1. The effects of caffeine vary from person to person; some find it to be triggering while others find it to be calming or mildly relieving. Nonetheless, a survey indicates that sudden withdrawal can cause migraine attacks, and overuse may exacerbate migraine symptoms.
2. Tightness, stress, and migraine pain may be reduced by massaging the neck and shoulder muscles.
3. Using essential oils containing ingredients like lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and basil may be an option for some people seeking to reduce migraine symptoms. However, since some essential oils can be harmful to children, pregnant women, or asthma sufferers, more clinical trials are required in this area. Always seek medical advice, and inhale through a diffuser.
4. Ginger powder aids in easing the pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with migraines.
5. Warm or cold compresses applied to the head can lessen the symptoms of migraines.

Migraine Self-Care: Home Remedies for Migraine

• With acupressure, certain body points are stimulated by applying pressure, which reduces pain. The LI-14 point, located at the base of the left thumb and index finger, is helpful for headaches.
• You can benefit from changing your diet because certain foods, such as processed meat, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, may be triggering.
• Most people experience symptoms when under stress, and it can even start a cycle, so stress management is essential.
• By lowering the frequency, duration, and pain of migraine attacks, yoga can help those who are suffering from them. Additionally, it relieved stress, depression, and anxiety—all of which can exacerbate migraine attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is migraine? 

A migraine is significantly more than a severe headache. It can manifest as intense, pulsating pain localised to one side of the head, potentially incapacitating the individual for several days. Activities such as movement, exposure to bright lights, and loud noises may exacerbate the condition. Additionally, individuals may experience profound fatigue, nausea, irritability, and visual disturbances.

2. How do I get rid of a migraine?

To alleviate migraines, consider several methods or a combination of these:

Use a cold compress or take a warm shower, pain medication, caffeine, relaxation techniques like yoga or biofeedback, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat at consistent times; avoid triggers such as certain foods and strong odours; and also consider taking vitamins and herbs like riboflavin, magnesium, etc.