Migraine Headache: is a sturdy headache that comes after sickness, vomiting, and sensitivity to noise and light.
What causes a migraine headache?
Previously scientists thought that blood flow in the brain causes migraine headaches. But they didn’t know what exactly activates migraine headaches.
As per current thinking, it may start when overactive nerve cells send signals that trigger the trigeminal nerve. And this gives sensation to the head.
It signals the body to release chemicals like serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP). It makes blood vessels swell in the lining of your brain. And then, because of neurotransmitters, you feel inflammation and pain.
However, the causes of Migraines vary from human to human.
- Genetics plays a role in migraine headaches. For instance, if one parent has this type of problem, there is a 50% chance that the child may get the same headache problem.
- Hormonal imbalance in woman trigger migraine headache.
- Stress, anxiety, excitement, or emotional state causes migraines.
- Some foods like dairy products, caffeine, nuts, cheese, or alcohol may stimulate migraine headaches.
- Medications like sleeping pills, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills are the reason.
- Environmental changes like temperature, humidity, congested area, bright lights, loud noises trigger a migraine.
- Also, the reason includes tiredness, sleeplessness, irregular eating time, jet lag, smoking, low blood sugar, and dehydration.
A headache and a migraine; what is the difference?
Headaches cause pain in the head, neck, or face. And it differs in intensity and frequency.
But Migraine is an immense aching disorder that starts with headache and aura. In addition, headache is the only symptom of migraines. Migraine usually affects one side of the brain, but many people feel it on both sides.
What are the symptoms of Migraine?
Different people may feel a distinct type of migraine symptoms. The symptoms include Prodrome, Aura, Attacks, and Postdromes.
- Prodrome: Prodrome is the significant changes that can be seen before a migraine. It includes mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, constipation, and frequent yawning.
- Aura: Aura is a warning signal of migraine headaches. It is a symptom of sensory-motor and speech symptoms. And it lasts for 60 minutes before or after a migraine. Aura symptoms include speech changes, vision problems, changes in smell or taste, the sound ringing in ears, and seeing black dots.
- Attacks: Migraine attacks start with a dull ache and slowly they throbs or pulses. The pain can move one side of the head from the other. And sometimes it can be in front of the head. People may feel vomiting, nausea, and fainting. It can last about 4-72 hours.
- Postdrome: It can last about a day after a headache. The symptoms include tiredness, unusually refreshed, lacking appetite or food craving, and muscle pain.
What are the migraine treatments? When to call a doctor?
Migraine can be treated and cured. It will be effective, if medicines are taken at the first sign of migraine or when the pain is mild.
Migraine preventive medicines are prescribed by the doctor or specialist. These medicines reduce the frequency or severity of migraine headaches and other symptoms.
If you have symptoms and signs of migraine regularly, then must visit a doctor. A doctor will prescribe the medicine or treatment you need. It may include some lifestyle changes.
It will be better to diagnose and treat migraines if you keep a record of signs, symptoms, and migraine occurring time or episodes.
