Migraines

Symptoms

• Severe, throbbing headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Neck stiffness or pain

Causes

• Hormonal changes in women, such as during menstruation or menopause
• Certain foods and drinks, such as aged cheese, processed meats, and alcohol
• Environmental factors, such as bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells
• Changes in sleep patterns or lack of sleep
• Stress or anxiety
• Changes in weather or barometric pressure

Risk factors

• Family history: If you have a family history of migraines, you may be more likely to experience them.
• Gender: Women are more likely to experience migraines than men.
• Age: Migraines are most common in people between the ages of 15 and 55.
• Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, consuming large amounts of caffeine or alcohol, and not getting enough sleep, may increase your risk of migraines.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, may increase your risk of migraines.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation or menopause, can trigger migraines in some people.

Complications

• Migraine with aura: This type of migraine is characterised by visual changes or other sensory disturbances that occur before or during the headache.
• Status migrainosus: This is a rare and severe form of migraine that lasts for more than 72 hours and does not respond to treatment.
• Complications during pregnancy: Migraines during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of preterm labour and low birth weight.
• Increased risk of stroke: Some studies have suggested that people who experience migraines with aura may be at an increased risk of stroke, although this risk is still considered to be low.

How to diagnose it?

If you are experiencing frequent or severe migraines, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. To diagnose migraines, your healthcare provider will likely ask you about your medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also ask about your headache patterns, including the severity and duration of your headaches, as well as any other symptoms you are experiencing.

Your healthcare provider may also order certain tests to rule out other potential causes of your headaches, such as imaging tests (such as CT or MRI scans) or blood tests.

In some cases, a referral to a headache specialist (such as a neurologist) may be necessary to help diagnose and manage your migraines.

It is important to keep a headache diary or journal to help your healthcare provider better understand your headache patterns and triggers. You can record information about your headaches, including the severity and duration of the headache, as well as any other symptoms you are experiencing and any potential triggers you may have identified. This can help your healthcare provider determine the best course of treatment for your migraines.

• Identify and avoid triggers: Keep a headache diary to help identify any potential triggers for your migraines, such as certain foods, drinks, or environmental factors. Avoiding these triggers can help prevent migraines.
• Get enough sleep: Make sure to get plenty of sleep and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent migraines.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration, which can trigger migraines.
• Reduce stress: Find ways to manage and reduce stress, such as through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counselling.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help prevent migraines and improve overall health.
• Use relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and prevent migraines.

How to Prevent?

There are several things you can try to help prevent migraines:

• Identify and avoid triggers: Keep a headache diary to identify any patterns or triggers that may cause your migraines. Common triggers include certain foods, drinks, and activities.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Eat a healthy diet: Include a variety of foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
• Reduce stress: Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress.
• Consider taking preventive medications: If you have migraines frequently, your doctor may recommend taking a preventive medication to reduce the frequency of migraines. 

It's important to work with your doctor to find the best preventive strategies for you. They can help you determine the most effective treatment plan based on the frequency and severity of your migraines, as well as any underlying conditions you may have.

When to see a doctor?

It is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing frequent or severe migraines that are interfering with your daily activities and overall quality of life. It is also a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider if you have never experienced a headache before and are experiencing a new type of headache, or if you have any other concerns about your headaches.

FAQs