What is a migraine and what causes it?

ArabiaWeather - Migraine is a severe and painful health condition in the long term, as it is characterized by painful attacks affecting various parts of the body. Common symptoms of migraine during attacks are headache, vision disturbances such as seeing sparkling lights, extreme sensitivity to light, sounds and smells, and fatigue. Feeling nauseous and other symptoms. Through this article, we will provide an answer to the question: What is a migraine and what are the causes of it?

Causes of migraines

The most important causes of migraines are the following:

• Emotional stress, especially during stressful events, can trigger the release of chemicals in the brain to combat the situation, making a migraine more likely.
• Delaying meals or skipping mealtimes can encourage migraine attacks.
• Allergies to certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, alcohol, and food additives can trigger headaches in some individuals.
• Consuming caffeine in large quantities or suddenly withdrawing from it can cause headaches.
• Frequent use of pain medications can lead to rebound headaches.
• Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle in women may trigger migraines.
• Changes in weather conditions, excessive fatigue, and an irregular diet can increase the likelihood of headaches.
• Exposure to flashing lights, loud noises, and chemical odors can have an effect on headaches.
• Taking certain medications can cause blood vessels to swell and cause headaches.

Migraine symptoms

The main symptoms of migraine:

• Headache: The pain is sometimes described as throbbing or stabbing. It can start as a dull ache and progress to pulsating pain that is mild, moderate, or severe. If left untreated, the pain can become moderate to severe.
• The pain shifts from one side to the other, or it can affect the front of the head, the back, or feel as if it affects the entire head. Some people may feel pain around their eyes or forehead, and sometimes in their face, sinuses, jaw, or neck.

Other symptoms of migraine include:

• Sensitivity to light.
• the noise.
• Smells.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stomach upset.
• Abdominal pain.
• Anorexia.
• Feeling too hot (sweating) or cold (shivering).
• Pale skin tone.
• Feeling tired.
• Dizziness and blurred vision.
• Sensitive scalp.
• A rare symptom is diarrhea.
• Fever is rare.

Most migraines last about four hours, although severe cases can last longer, and each stage of a migraine attack can come with different symptoms:

Symptoms of the introductory stage:

• Difficulty concentrating.
• Nervousness and depression.
• Difficulty speaking and reading.
• Difficulty sleeping and yawning.
• Nausea.
• Tired.
• Sensitivity to light and sound.
• Desire to eat.
• Increased urination.
• Muscle stiffness.

Corona symptoms:

• Tingling and numbness.
• Visual disturbances.
• Temporary loss of vision.
• Weakness on one side of the body.
• Speech changes.

Headache symptoms:

• Neck pain and stiffness.
• Depression, dizziness and anxiety.
• Sensitivity to smell, light, sound and smell.
• Nasal congestion.
• Insomnia.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Post-headache symptoms:

• Inability to concentrate.
• Bad mood.
• Tired.
• Inability to understand.
• Mood Swings.

Diagnosis of migraine

If you suffer from migraines or have a family history of them, it becomes extremely important to direct your steps towards consultation with a neurologist who specializes in treating headaches, so that the doctor analyzes your condition based on the details of your medical history, the symptoms you suffer from, and the results of the physical and neurological examination.

If any unusual or complex changes appear or the pain suddenly worsens, additional tests may be ordered to rule out any other causes of this pain. Among these tests:

• MRI:

A technology that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create accurate images of the brain and blood vessels. This examination contributes to the diagnosis of diseases such as tumors, strokes, bleeding, and infections.

• Computed tomography:

It relies on a series of X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. This type of imaging is used to diagnose diseases such as tumors, infections, damage, and bleeding in the brain.

Migraine treatment

Common treatments for migraines:

• Over-the-counter pain relief:

1. Use over-the-counter medicines containing paracetamol, aspirin, caffeine or ibuprofen.
2. Avoid giving aspirin to individuals under the age of 19 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

• Prescription medications:

1. Consult your doctor for prescription options such as triptans, detans, and gepant.
2. Celecoxib (Celebrex, Elixib): This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory that blocks the production of certain hormones that can cause pain when they reach high levels in the blood.
3. Triptans: Balancing chemicals in the brain in various forms (pills, tablets that dissolve on the tongue, nasal spray, or injection).
4. CGRP receptor antagonists (rimegepant, ubrolipant) - used when other treatments are not effective.
5. Lasmiditan (Revo): Relieves pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound in pill form.
6. Ergotamine (Cafergot, Ergomar, Migergot): Also works on chemicals in the brain.
7. Medication for nausea: Your doctor can prescribe medication if you experience nausea along with a headache.

• Preventive medications:

1. Resort to preventive medications if other treatments are not effective, if your headaches are severe, or if you suffer from headaches four or more days a month.
2. Preventive medications may include epilepsy medications, blood pressure medications (such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers), some antidepressants, and botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections.
3. CGRP receptor antagonists such as (atogepant, eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab) can also help prevent headaches.

Alternative treatment for migraines

Some people find relief through treatments they use in addition to or instead of conventional medical treatment. These are referred to as “alternative or complementary therapies.” In the case of migraines, these treatments include:

• Biofeedback:

Helps you keep track of stressful situations that may trigger symptoms.

If your headache starts slowly, this technique can help stop an attack before it becomes fully severe.

• Corrective behavioral therapy (CBT):

A specialist can teach you how actions and thoughts affect your perception of pain.

• Nutritional supplements:

Research has shown that certain vitamins, minerals and herbs can prevent or treat migraines.

Among these supplements: riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, and melatonin. Butterbur can help avoid headaches, but be aware that it may also affect liver enzymes.

• Physical therapy:

Physical therapies such as massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, acupuncture, and craniosacral therapy may relieve headache symptoms.

Read also:

Are migraines related to weather changes? What are the ways of prevention?