Why does a migraine appear and how is it treated? The doctor called effective methods.
Alina Krasikova August 21, 2023, 15:30 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
These recommendations will help get rid of painful symptoms.
general practitioner, family doctor at VSK Digital Clinic
Migraine is a serious neurological condition characterized by acute attacks of intense headache. The symptoms and signs of the disease are different for each person, but these are some of the most common.
migraine symptoms
The main symptom of a migraine is severe, throbbing, or shooting pain, usually on one side of the head. It can be so intense that it limits the patient’s normal activities. The duration of the attacks varies from several hours to several days. However, most often they last from 4 to 72 hours. Many patients with the disease become overly sensitive to light (photophobia) and sounds (sound hyperacusis) during pain.
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Migraines can be accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting. These symptoms can be so severe that even drinking water can cause discomfort. Some people may experience what is known as an aura, temporary neurological symptoms such as visual changes (lightning, distortion), tinnitus, dizziness, and numbness in the hands or face. This can be a warning that a migraine is on the way and can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. After an attack, patients often feel general weakness and fatigue, which can persist for several days.
Causes of a migraine
The onset of migraine is associated with many factors, and its exact causes are not fully known. However, there are a number of factors and triggers that can contribute to the development of the disease in susceptible individuals:
family history plays an important role. If your family members have had migraines, you are also at higher risk of developing the condition; changes in neurochemical processes in the brain, such as an imbalance of neurotransmitters (eg, serotonin), may play a role in the development of the disease; migraine may be associated with temporary vascular changes in the brain, such as dilation and narrowing of blood vessels (vascular dysfunction);
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some foods and food ingredients, including chocolate, cheeses, red wine, and artificial additives, can trigger seizures in some people; intense stress, anxiety and emotional stress can be triggers; intense physical activity or sudden changes in activity cause seizures. lack of sleep or changing the sleep regime can also trigger migraines; bright lights, strong odors, changes in barometric pressure, and other environmental factors contribute to pain.
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It’s important to understand that each person may have their own unique triggers, and what causes a migraine in one person may not affect another. If you’re prone to headaches, it’s important to talk to your doctor about strategies for treating and managing the condition.
Features of migraine in women
Migraine in women can have some specific features associated with hormonal changes, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy.
Here are some of them:
many women experience the so-called menstrual migraine, which is associated with cyclical changes. It can start a few days before the start of menstruation and continue until the first days of menstruation. This form of migraine is usually more intense and prolonged; Hormonal changes in a woman’s body, such as changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, can influence the onset of migraine. For example, many report an increase in headaches during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives;
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In some women, migraines worsen during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. However, for others, the pain may lessen or even disappear; after menopause, migraines disappear completely for some, possibly due to a decrease in hormonal changes.
If you have a migraine and notice that it is associated with certain phases of the menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes, it is important that you consult a specialist.
migraine in children
Migraine can also occur in children, although its manifestations and characteristics may differ from those seen in adults.
These are some characteristics of migraine in children:
Unlike longer attacks in adults, headaches in children often last less than an hour. in children, migraine may be accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea; there is a possibility of irritability, apathy or changes in behavior during an attack. one or both parents have migraine, this increases a child’s risk of migraine.
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It is important to note that diagnosing migraine in children can be difficult due to the way the symptoms are expressed. The doctor will perform the necessary tests and help develop a management plan for your child.
What to do with a migraine
Make sure you are in a calm and quiet environment. Resting indoors without bright light helps reduce discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the forehead or back of the head reduces pain. Wrap the ice in a soft cloth to prevent frostbite to the skin. Some people find relief from migraines by applying heat, such as a warm compress, to the head or neck. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques also reduce stress and tension, which can reduce migraines. Be sure to drink enough water. To avoid dehydration, which can make your symptoms worse, try to identify the factors that are contributing to your migraine and try to avoid them. This can include certain foods, stress, sleep changes, and more. Depending on the intensity and frequency of your migraine attacks, your doctor will prescribe specific medications to relieve symptoms or prevent attacks.
Also read:
Is it necessary to take pills if you have a headache? the doctor answers
migraine treatment
Evidence-based migraine treatment involves different approaches, depending on the intensity of the symptoms, the frequency of attacks, and the individual patient.
A person’s lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of migraine attacks:
go to the doctor and take the medicines as prescribed; sleeping regularly and creating a stable sleep-wake schedule reduces the risk of migraine; avoiding trigger foods (eg chocolate, cheese, red wine) and eating regularly can prevent migraines; regular exercise can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy help reduce stress and disease attacks.
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It is important to remember that the effectiveness of these methods varies depending on the individual and the severity of the migraine. If you have frequent attacks or are accompanied by severe pain and other symptoms, it is recommended that you see a doctor for advice and diagnosis.
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