The Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Migraines

A migraine is a type of headache that causes severe pain and is often accompanied by light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. The duration of migraines varies, and the pain interferes with the normal routine. Some people usually have warning symptoms referred to as aura before the attack sets in. An aura includes visual disturbances like blind spots and other disturbances, e.g.,speech difficulties.

Symptoms

It isn't unusual for migraines to progress through the following four stages:

Pre-drome: During this stage, you will experience the warning signs of an impending attack. They include:

· Mood changes

· Constipation

· Neck stiffness

· Food cravings

· Frequent yawning

Aura: Although usually visual, auras also include other forms of disturbances. They include:

· Visual phenomena

· Loss of vision

· Numbness either on one half of your body or the face

· Difficulties in speaking

· Uncontrollable jerking

Attack: If left untreated, a migraine can last up to 72 hours. During the attack, you might experience:

· A severe headache

· A throbbing or pulsating pain

· Light and sound sensitivity

· Nausea

· Vomiting

It would be best if you rushed to an urgent care clinic before the condition worsens.

Post-drome: After the attack, the person feels drained and confused, and this could go on for even a day.

Causes

So, what exactly causes migraines? Although no scientific research has answered this question, doctors argue that environmental factors and genetics play a huge role.

Migraine Triggers

Several factors trigger migraines:

· Hormonal changes: Oestrogen fluctuations that occur before or during pregnancy, menstrual periods, and menopause in women trigger migraines. The same applies to hormonal medications like oral contraceptives

· Drinks such as excess coffee, wine, and alcohol

· Stress

· Sensory stimuli such as sun glare, loud sounds, strong smells, and bright lights

· Sleep changes: include jetlag, sleeping too much, or getting little sleep.

· Physical factors: strenuous workouts might trigger migraines

· Weather changes

· Medications such as vasodilators and oral contraceptives

· Processed foods and aged cheeses could trigger migraines

Treatment

Migraine treatment aims at relieving symptoms and avoiding any future attacks. Migraine medications lie into two categories:

· Pain-relievers: These are also referred to as abortive or acute treatment. These drugs are taken during the attack to combat the symptoms.

· Preventive medications: These medications are taken on a regular basis. Their objective is to reduce the frequency or severity of the migraines.

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