Migraine is a type of headache that typically affects one side of the head, and is intense and extremely bothersome. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and changes in vision. A migraine attack can last from hours to days, and significantly impacts the quality of life of the affected individual.
Causes of Migraine
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Changes in the activity of nerves and blood vessels in the brain, particularly in the area of the trigeminal nerve, play a role in triggering migraines. Levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, also affect pain signal transmission.
Factors That Trigger Migraines
There are various factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing a migraine. These factors vary from person to person and do not directly cause migraines but can trigger them. Some of these factors include:
- Hormonal Changes: Migraine attacks may increase in intensity and frequency in some women before, during, or after menstruation, during ovulation, or during menopause. Hormonal changes due to contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy can also influence migraine conditions.
- Dietary Factors: Certain foods or drinks may trigger migraines in some individuals. Examples include processed, pickled, or spicy foods, fermented cheese, chocolate, foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrite-containing foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages. Skipping meals or fasting may also trigger migraines.
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional, psychological, or occupational stress can be a trigger for migraines in some individuals. A migraine may occur after a period of stress, such as during a weekend or vacation.
- Environmental Changes: Certain environmental conditions may impact migraine sufferers. These include changes in air pressure, temperature, or humidity, exposure to bright light or flashing lights, loud noises, strong or allergy-inducing smells, and traveling to areas with a different time zone.
- Lifestyle Changes: Changes in sleep patterns may trigger migraines. Both excessive or inadequate sleep can be triggers. Sudden or intense physical exercise can also lead to migraine attacks.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Migraine
There is no specific laboratory or imaging test that can accurately diagnose migraines. Therefore, the diagnosis relies on the patient’s medical history, clinical examination, and ruling out other potential causes of headaches. Your doctor may use imaging tests like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) to ensure there are no brain disorders causing the headache.
While there is no definitive cure for migraines, there are treatments aimed at reducing the severity and frequency of migraine attacks and improving the patient’s quality of life. These treatments include:
Prophylactic Treatment: This is a treatment used regularly to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. It may be used for individuals whose quality of life is significantly affected by migraines, those who experience more than four migraine attacks per month, or those who do not respond to acute treatments. Examples of medications used in prophylactic migraine treatment include certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and Botox in specific cases.
Abortive Treatment: This is used when a migraine attack begins to stop it or alleviate its symptoms. Examples of medications used in abortive treatment include common pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol, triptans that narrow blood vessels in the brain and improve pain signal transmission, ergotamine and dihydroergotamine that work similarly to triptans, and antiemetics that help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
Supportive Treatment: This treatment helps alleviate some of the accompanying symptoms of migraines or enhance the effectiveness of other treatments. Examples include the use of cold or hot compresses on the head, nasal drops or sprays to open the airways, eye drops to moisturize the eyes, or soothing essential oils like lavender or peppermint.
Tips for Preventing Migraines
In addition to using appropriate medications, migraine sufferers can make certain lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and intensity of their attacks. These changes include:
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, and avoiding foods and drinks that trigger migraines.
- Keeping a regular sleep routine, ensuring enough sleep, and avoiding excessive or inadequate sleep.
- Engaging in regular exercise, but in a moderate and gradual manner, avoiding intense or sudden workouts.
- Managing stress and anxiety through positive methods such as meditation, deep breathing, massage, or hobbies.
- Avoiding exposure to migraine-triggering environmental conditions, such as bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells, and using sunglasses, earplugs, or masks when necessary.
- Monitoring migraine signs and symptoms, keeping a journal or using a specific app, identifying triggers, recognizing patterns, and discussing an effective treatment plan with your doctor.
