Migraine is one of the most common medical conditions that causes disability in the world. Many people suffer for years and years from frequent headaches and do not realize that they might be suffering from a migraine.

What Is a Migraine?

• A migraine is typically a one-sided headache (though in 40% of all cases, such headaches are bilateral) that lasts for 4 to 72 hours.

• The headache is typically throbbing or pulsating in nature. It starts slowly and becomes severe as the hours go by.

• The headache is usually associated with either light or noise sensitivity or both. Typically due to this, all the person wants to do is lay in a dark room with their eyes closed.

• The headache is usually accompanied by the feeling of nausea leading to vomiting in some people. Many people describe having relief in their pain on vomiting.

If someone has any of the above symptoms when they have a headache, they most likely have a migraine. Migraine headaches can cause significant pain that can last from hours to days affecting both, the personal and professional lives of people who suffer from them. It can affect the quality of life, at times causing migraineurs to miss out on important events due to the severe pain.

Causes of Migraines

The doctors haven’t been able to identify set causes for migraines but they have found contributing factors that can trigger the condition. Some of these factors are:

• Bright lights
• Severe heat, or other extremes in weather
• Dehydration
• Changes in pressure
• Hormonal changes
• Excess stress
• Loud sounds
• Intense physical activity
• Skipping meals
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Use of certain medications,
• Unusual smells
• Certain foods
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Traveling

Phases of a Migraine Attack

 A migraine consists of 4 phases that the brain goes through:

1. Prodrome: This phase may start up to 12 hours before an actual headache starts. Symptoms include feeling irritable, tired and constant yawning. It is almost like a ‘warning sign’ for a migraine that is soon to begin.
2. Aura: The aura occurs right before a headache starts and typically lasts for five to 60 minutes. Common auras include zigzag lines, flashing lights, changes in vision, numbness or tingling of fingers and hands. Rarely it can cause symptoms like trouble with speech or weakness.
3. Pain /Headache: Right after the aura, the headache starts gradually. Initially being dull and then worsening over the next few hours. It can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. It is usually accompanied by nausea and extreme light or noise sensitivity.
4. Postdrome: This is the last phase of a migraine. Even after the pain is gone, it can take up to another 24 hours to feel completely back to normal. People usually complain of feeling tired and exhausted after their migraine attack is over.

Migraine Treatment

There is no treatment for migraine but it can be managedso that migraine attacks are less often and the symptoms can be treated effectively. The intensity of the pain can also be reduced.

The treatment plan depends on:

• The age
• The frequency of the migraines
• Kind of migraine
• Severity of the pain – whether they hamper your day-to-day activities
• Whether they include nausea or vomiting, as well as other symptoms
• Other health conditions

Migraine Prevention

All of the following steps can help prevent the migraine:

• Learn what triggers your migraines and avoid those things
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid skipping meals
• Get quality sleep
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress better
• Learn relaxation skills
• Exercise regularly

 Conclusion

It is evident that a Migraine, if left untreated, can be quite debilitating. Hence, it is highly recommended that you visit a medical expert if your headaches last longer than normal and are accompanied by the symptoms discussed above. With the right treatment, you can easily take control of Migraine headaches.