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A migraine is a type of headache characterized by moderate to severe pain, typically on one side of the head, that may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are often recurrent and can last for several hours or even days. The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the blood vessels in the head.
Migraine Levels
Migraine has three levels, which increase according to how it interferes with everyday life. The mild degree does not interfere with daily life and is easy to treat, while the most severe level disables the person from carrying out any activity.
What are the symptoms of Migraine?
Among the symptoms of migraine, we can highlight:
Localized pain in the head, usually in a single point. This pain can be moderate or severe and usually throbs;
Pain that worsens when the patient moves
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to sound
Sensitivity to smells
Irritability
Sickness
Nausea
Vomiting
Constant yawning
Dizziness
Fatigue
Concentration problems and difficulty finding words;
Changes in appetite
Liquid retention
Agitation
Depression.
Mood changes (aggressiveness, irritability)
Lethargy (drowsiness)
Changes in attention, concentration and memory
Runny nose and stuffy nose (runny, stuffy nose)
Face edema (swelling in the face, around the eyes)
Head feeling heavy or light.
Sensation that something is walking along the scalp.
Sensation that something is “dripping” through the head.
Plugged ears feeling.
Fear,Panic, Feeling of going crazy.
Visual, sensory or motor aura.
Decreased muscle strength.
In addition to these symptoms, some people may also experience an "aura" before a migraine, which can include visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights or blind spots, or other neurological symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the face or extremities.
It's worth noting that everyone's migraine experience is unique, some people may have different symptoms or different severity of symptoms.
Causes of migraines
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the blood vessels in the head. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of migraines include:
Genetics: Migraines tend to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic characteristics to the condition.Migraines must be quickly recognized in childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, in children of people who suffer from migraines, so that they can be treated appropriately,so it may not become chronic.
Lack of physical exercise. Performing exercises causes the body to produce endorphins, regulates the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, making the body healthier and more resistant to pain;
Excessive use of painkillers. Analgesics do not treat migraines, they only alleviate the intensity and duration of the crises. The use of analgesics can become chronic, worsen the migraine, making it more resistant and more frequent;
Hormonal changes: Migraines can be triggered by changes in estrogen levels, which can occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Environmental triggers: Certain environmental factors, such as stress, bright lights, loud noises, and certain foods and drinks, can trigger migraines in some people.
Changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face and head.
Imbalances in brain chemicals, particularly those related to pain, such as serotonin.
Too much caffeine. Drinking too much coffee, caffeinated drinks (coca-cola, black teas), chocolates, and even painkillers that contain caffeine are migraine triggers;
Sleep badly. Good sleep is a fundamental condition for general well-being, and also for the balance of migraines and other headaches. Sleeping too little, sleeping too much, taking too long to fall asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, snoring and being drowsy during the day, going to sleep and waking up too late are all possible triggers for headaches.
It's worth noting that causes can vary among people, so what may cause a migraine in one person may not cause one in another.
Some of the risk factors for developing migraines include:
Genetics: If a family member has migraines, you may be at a higher risk of developing them as well.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop migraines than men.
Age: Migraines most commonly begin in adolescence or early adulthood, although they can occur at any age.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can increase the risk of migraines.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, can increase the risk of migraines.
Environmental triggers: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as stress, bright lights, loud noises, and certain foods and drinks, can increase the risk of migraines.
Medications: Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk of migraines.
It's worth noting that not everyone with these risk factors will develop migraines and some people may develop migraines without any known risk factors.
Migraine triggers
Migraine triggers are different for everyone and can vary from person to person. Some common triggers include:
Stress: Emotional stress or tension can trigger migraines.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger migraines.
Weather changes: Barometric pressure changes, humidity, and temperature changes can trigger migraines.
Diet: Skipping meals, eating too much processed or sugary foods, consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can trigger migraines.
Sleep: Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns can trigger migraines.
Sensory stimuli: Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, and certain visual patterns can trigger migraines.
Medications: Certain medications such as oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and vasodilators can trigger migraines.
It's worth noting that identifying and avoiding triggers may help reduce the frequency of migraines. However, not all migraines have a clear trigger and it may be difficult to identify and avoid all triggers.
Types of migraines
There are several types of migraines, including:
Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine and is characterized by moderate to severe headache pain, often on one side of the head, along with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine with aura: This type of migraine is characterized by a series of visual, sensory, or motor disturbances, known as an "aura," that occur before or during the headache. The aura can include symptoms such as flashing lights, blind spots, and tingling in the face or extremities.
Chronic migraine: This is a migraine that occurs at least 15 or more days per month for at least three months, with at least eight of those headaches being migraines.
Vestibular migraine: This type of migraine is characterized by symptoms of vertigo (a spinning sensation) and/or imbalance, in addition to headache.
Hemiplegic migraine: This is a rare type of migraine similar to a stroke and characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, along with other migraine symptoms.
Retinal migraine: This is a rare type of migraine that is More common in women and can develop into more serious problems.It is characterized by temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye, along with other migraine symptoms.
Menstrual Migraine – Occurs days before or after the start of the menstrual cycle, with symptoms similar to the common migraine. Its appearance happens due to the reduction of estrogen levels in the body.
It's worth noting that not all migraines fit neatly into one category, and some people may experience symptoms of more than one type of migraine.
Migraine frequency
The frequency of migraines can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience migraines infrequently, while others may experience them several times a week.
Episodic migraines: This is when a person experiences migraines less than 15 days per month
Chronic migraines: This is when a person experiences migraines for 15 or more days per month for at least three months, with at least eight of those headaches being migraines.
It's worth noting that the frequency of migraines can change over time and may be influenced by various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and medications. Additionally, some people may experience more frequent migraines during certain periods of their lives and fewer migraines during other times.
Are migraines curable
Migraines are a chronic condition, and there is currently no cure for migraines. However, there are various treatment options available that can help to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines.
Are migraines Fatal
Migraines are not generally considered to be fatal, but in rare cases, a migraine can lead to serious complications that can be life-threatening.
Some of the rare but serious complications of migraines include:
Stroke: In rare cases, a migraine can increase the risk of stroke, particularly in people who have other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Brainstem infarction: This is a rare complication of migraines that can occur when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brainstem. This can lead to difficulty speaking or walking, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This is a rare but serious complication of migraines that can occur when an artery in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding in the space around the brain. This can lead to severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms, and it can be fatal if not treated quickly.
It's worth noting that these serious complications are very rare, and the majority of people who have migraines do not experience any serious complications. Additionally, many of the risk factors for these complications can be reduced through lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercise and avoiding triggers.
Migraine stages
Migraine is divided into four stages : premonitory, aura, headache and resolution. However, not all migraine sufferers experience all of these stages - with most already noticing symptoms in the third stage.
1st stage of migraine: premonitory (prodrome)
The first phase of migraine is called premonitory and presents symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, depression, constant yawning and difficulty concentrating for about 72 hours (three days). These symptoms appear before the throbbing headache.
2nd phase: aura
The second phase of migraine is defined by the presence of aura - a set of visual, sensory, speech, motor or other signals sent by the central nervous system that warn of an onset of migraine.
The most common aura signs are: blind spots, colored spots, flashes of light and flickers in the vision, mental confusion, tingling or pins and needles sensation in the head, which can spread to the face, and muscle weakness. The aura tends to last from five to ten minutes, up to 60 minutes.
3rd stage: headache
The third phase is the one that most symbolizes migraine and is also the most uncomfortable for patients. It is perceived due to the typical headache , that throbbing and intense one, which can last between four and 72 hours. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells.
4th phase: resolution (prodrome)
The fourth and final stage of migraine is called resolution (or prodrome and even "hangover"). In it, the patient presents symptoms similar to the first phase during the treatment or even after curing the migraine. Complaints of fatigue, drowsiness and mild headache are frequent for a period of up to 48 hours (two days).
Migraine diagnosis
Migraine diagnosis is based on a combination of a patient's medical history, symptoms, and physical examination. There is no specific test to diagnose migraines, and the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or a neurologist, based on the patient's symptoms and examination.
The process of migraine diagnosis typically includes the following steps:
Medical history: The healthcare professional will ask the patient about their symptoms, including the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines, as well as any triggers or factors that may make the migraines worse.
Physical examination: The healthcare professional will perform a physical examination, which may include a neurological examination to check for any signs of weakness or numbness in the face or extremities, as well as any other signs that may suggest a different condition is causing the headaches.
Diagnostic criteria: The healthcare professional will use diagnostic criteria, such as the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), to make a diagnosis of migraine based on the patient's symptoms.
Additional testing: In some cases, additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be ordered to rule out other causes of headaches, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.
It's worth noting that migraine diagnosis can be challenging and may take some time. Additionally, some people may have migraines that are resistant to treatment, and that in such cases, consulting with a neurologist or headache specialist may be helpful.
Treatment of Migraine
There are various treatment options available for migraines, including medications, non-medication treatments, and home remedies.
Medications:
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to relieve the pain of a migraine.
Triptans are a class of medications specifically designed to treat migraines. They can help to relieve the pain of a migraine, as well as other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Ergots are another class of medications that can be used to treat migraines.
Anti-nausea medications can be used to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with migraines.
Preventative medications can be taken daily to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Non-medication treatments:
Behavioral therapies, such as relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help to reduce migraines.
Preventative therapy such as diet, exercise and stress management can help reduce the frequency of migraines.
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care can also be helpful in reducing migraines.
Home remedies:
Resting in a quiet, dark room can help to relieve the symptoms of a migraine.
Drinking water or other fluids can help to prevent dehydration, which can trigger migraines.
Applying a cold pack or a warm compress to the head can help to relieve the pain of a migraine.
Some people find relief from migraines by taking a warm bath or shower.
Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing can help to reduce stress and tension, which can trigger migraines.
It's worth noting that the most effective treatment plan for migraines is often a combination of medications and non-medication treatments, and home remedies. Additionally, people may need to try different treatment options or combinations of treatments to find the most effective one for them. And it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medications or trying any new treatments.
Migraine prevention.
While there is no known way to completely prevent migraines, there are several strategies that can help to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines:
Identify and avoid triggers: Identifying and avoiding specific triggers, such as certain foods, drinks, or environmental factors, can help to reduce the number of migraines.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help to reduce the frequency of migraines.
Preventative medications: Preventative medications can be taken daily to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Behavioral therapies: Behavioral therapies such as relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care can also be helpful in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.
Keep a headache diary: Keeping track of your migraines in a headache diary can help you and your healthcare provider understand your triggers and plan a treatment strategy.
It's worth noting that not all of these strategies will work for everyone, and some people may need to try different strategies or combinations of strategies to find the most effective approach for them.
