Migraine and chronic migraine are caused by a variety of factors.
Symptoms of a migraine headache
Migraines are very uncomfortable for anybody who has ever had one. These severe headaches may lead to:
nausea \vomiting
sensitivity to noises sensitivity to odors sensitivity to vision changes
If you have migraines on a regular basis, the headache and symptoms may only last a day or two. If you have chronic migraines, you may have symptoms for 15 days or more per month.
What are the causes of migraines?
Migraine headaches are a puzzling condition. Researchers have discovered potential reasons, but no definite explanation has been found. The following are some possible theories:
When a migraine is provoked, it may be caused by an underlying central neurological condition.
Migraines are caused by abnormalities in the brain’s blood vessel system, or vascular system.
Migraines may be caused by a hereditary predisposition.
Migraine attacks may be caused by changes in brain chemistry and nerve pathways.
What causes a migraine?
Unfortunately, experts have yet to discover the root of the problem. The easiest method to prevent migraines is to avoid the triggers that cause them to begin with. Each individual’s migraine triggers are different, and it’s not unusual for a person to have many migraine triggers. The following are some of the most prevalent migraine triggers:
Food
Migraine headaches may be triggered by salty or aged foods, such as cheese and salami. Migraines may also be triggered by highly processed meals.
Meal skipping
Unless under the guidance of a doctor, those with a history of migraines should not skip meals or fast.
These headaches may be caused by consuming alcohol or caffeine.
Sweeteners and preservatives
Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, have been known to cause migraines. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common preservative, may also do this. To prevent them, read the labeling.
Stimulation of the senses
A migraine headache may be triggered by unusually bright lights, loud sounds, or strong odors; flashlights, bright sunlight, perfume, paint, and cigarette smoke are all typical triggers.
Hormonal shifts
For women, hormonal fluctuations are a typical migraine trigger. Many women have migraine headaches just before or during their menstruation. Others have complained of migraines brought on by hormones during pregnancy or menopause. This is because estrogen levels fluctuate at these times, which might lead to a migraine attack.
Hormone replacement therapy
Birth control and hormone replacement medicines, for example, may cause or intensify migraines. In certain situations, however, these medications may really help a woman’s migraine migraines.
Other prescription drugs
A migraine may be triggered by vasodilators like nitroglycerin.
Stress
Migraines may be caused by chronic emotional stress. Home and work life are two of the most prevalent causes of stress, and if you can’t manage it efficiently, it may harm your mind and body.
Stress on the body
Migraine headaches may be triggered by vigorous exercise, physical effort, or even sexual activity.
Changes in the sleep cycle
You may get more migraines if you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis. Don’t even think about attempting to “make up” for missed sleep on weekends. A headache may be caused by both too much and too little sleep.
Changes in weather
Mother Nature’s actions on the outside may have an impact on how you feel on the inside. A migraine may be triggered by changes in the weather or changes in barometric pressure.
Migraine-causing factors
Migraine triggers don’t cause headaches in everyone who is exposed to them. Some individuals, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to them. A number of risk variables may be used to determine who is more likely to suffer from migraine headaches. The following are some of the danger signs:
Age
Migraines may strike at any time in one’s life. The majority of individuals, however, will get their first migraine while they are in their adolescent years. Migraines normally improve after 30 years, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Ancestors and descendants
You’re more prone to have migraines if you have a close relative who does. In fact, 90% of migraine sufferers have a migraine family history. The greatest indicator of your risk is your parents. Your migraine risk is increased if one or both of your parents have had migraines.
Gender
Boys had more migraine headaches than girls throughout their youth. Women, on the other hand, have three times the risk of migraines as males after puberty.
Consult a physician.
If you’re suffering migraines, make an appointment with your doctor. They can determine whether there is an underlying problem and recommend treatments if there is one. Your doctor may also assist you in determining which lifestyle modifications are necessary to manage your symptoms.
With Chronic Migraine 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health
Arduous headaches, dizziness, light and sound sensitivity, vision problems, numbness, tingling, and the inability to think properly are just a few of the symptoms I’ve experienced as a result of chronic migraine.
In addition, it has been a near-constant companion for more than three decades.
In order to be diagnosed with chronic migraine, a person must have 15 or more headache days each month for three months, with at least eight of those days exhibiting migraine-like symptoms.
The fact is that those who suffer from chronic migraine will have symptoms on a majority of their days. And, more often than not, when one onslaught comes to a close, another is set to begin.
These unremitting symptoms have taken their toll on me, and they have at times taken up practically all of my time and attention. Migraine governs so much of our life and decides what we can and cannot achieve or accomplish.
In order to achieve and sustain excellent mental health, it may be necessary to regain some control over our responses to migraines.
I’ve developed a few ways to avoid chronic migraine from taking over my mental health and well-being.
Try guided meditation to see how it works.
I never saw myself as a supporter of guided meditation. I have a brain that works like a hamster on an exercise wheel – it’s always moving and never stops.
Guided meditation seemed to be beyond the capabilities of my hyperactive brain.
Since then, I’ve come to learn that meditation is all about repetition, not perfection, and that it’s not about being flawless. It’s just a matter of bringing my attention back to my breath and not evaluating my efforts.
There are a variety of meditation applications available that may assist you in guiding you through focused meditations and even assist you in sleeping at night.
Increase your physical activity throughout the day.
Exercise is often recommended to help reduce migraines as well as enhance mental wellness. The experts aren’t completely incorrect; it’s simply that the term “exercise” may need to be reframed.
I believe that the term “movement” is less daunting to those of us who suffer from migraine symptoms on a regular basis. Adding more movement to our everyday life seems to be less difficult than exercise, which is often linked with gyms, planned programs, and 5K events.
When I initially began exercising because of a persistent migraine, I had to pull myself out of bed and walk on a treadmill at a speed of 2 miles an hour. I would have to take many breaks to cope with nausea and then go back to work.
I would not have been able to do this if I had not made a commitment to moving every day. It was planned at the same time every day so that I could cross it off my to-do list. I was looking forward to it. It took a little longer for me to see a difference in my overall attitude on life, even though it did take a little longer to observe the advantages of decreased migraine symptoms.
Starting slowly and gradually increasing my speed worked for me. Not only was it bearable, but I also felt accomplished and in command of this element of my migraine life.
Trust those who make you feel good about yourself.
The person who helps you feel emotionally lighter, more focused, and less stressed.
When living with chronic migraine, spending more time with individuals who matter to you is a basic mental health suggestion to consider, but it may be difficult to put into action.
Discovering a day when you have few symptoms and can spend time with a mental health friend might be difficult. However, it is not always necessary to have a whole day of activities planned in advance. Sometimes all we need to perk up and regain our equilibrium is a phone call or a Zoom session. It is essential to be adaptable.
It is possible to retain a sense of balance inside our own chronic condition by reconnecting with others on a personal and emotional level, as well. When we recall that we are more than our disease, it is a great comfort.
Allow for genuine self-care to occur on a consistent basis.
In today’s society, self-care is a trendy concept that is constantly promoted on social media. In reality, what does it imply is
Prioritizing time for yourself is an important aspect of self-care. If you want to pamper yourself, you don’t have to take a bath with flower petals floating in the water and candles lighted all around — unless that’s exactly what you want!
A few examples of self-care include disconnecting from social media for a while, reprioritizing your work and home lives, reading a book, taking a sleep, walking the dog, watching your favorite program without interruption, or doing something creative like doing a craft project.
It’s practically everything that helps you feel at ease and content with your surroundings. In addition, you are well worth every minute of that effort.
Make a contribution to the well-being of another.
When I’m having a mild to moderate attack and am feeling a little overwhelmed by it, I may divert my attention away from the pain by concentrating on another person.
Baking for my children is my favorite kind of diversion, but I also like making them ice cream when the mood strikes.
In this approach, getting up and committing to it are the most difficult parts. As soon as I get up, I am so absorbed in the assignment that the pain and feeling of being overwhelmed by my migraine disappear. My mental health is further bolstered by the pleasure and appreciation I experience as a result of my actions.
What’s most important is that
These methods are very easy to put into action and may provide a significant return on your time and effort invested in them.
By regulating your reaction to migraine, you may regain some control over your headaches and your mental health. Decide on one technique to implement today and begin with it.
Migraines and Severe Migraines: A Guide to Treatment
Approximately 12 percent of the population of the United States is affected by migraines, which afflict more than 30 million individuals. Migraines are more common in women than in males, according to research. Despite this, up to half of those who suffer from migraines go undiagnosed for months. To find out whether you are one of the millions who suffer from severe migraines, keep reading!
Migraines that be severe and persistent
The symptoms of a severe or acute migraine include strong and frequently crippling pain, as well as intense throbbing in the head and neck. Nausea and vomiting, as well as increased sensitivity to noise and light, are common symptoms of panic attacks. Severe migraine attacks might last anywhere between four hours and three days.
With or without an aura, severe migraine may develop. As the term suggests, aura is a disruption in perception. Experiencing nonexistent odors, lights, or noises are just a few examples of what you could encounter. When pain, nausea, or other related symptoms prevent a person from engaging in typical daily activities, a migraine is sometimes referred to as being severe. It is also considered serious if the individual who has been afflicted has had two to five occurrences of the condition in the past. Migraines are most frequent in persons between the ages of 25 and 55, although they may affect anybody at any age, including children and adolescents.
A chronic migraine is defined as one that occurs at least 15 days a month for more than three months in one month. Trusted Source, this sort of migraine may cause a significant loss of productivity and can result in a decreased overall quality of life. Treatment of acute migraineTrusted Source is critical in order to avoid the development of chronic migraine.
In What Ways Do Headaches Differ from One Another?
Ordinary tension headaches affect almost everyone. Pain that feels like a tight band is compressing the head is characteristic of tension headaches. For example, the following might be a triggering factor:
tension in the muscles of the neck and head
Too little sleep and dehydration caused by caffeine withdrawal
In most cases, over-the-counter pain medications are effective in alleviating tension headaches.
Besides migraines, cluster headaches are a form of headache that is less prevalent. Compared to women, males are more likely to get cluster headaches. Severe headaches that occur suddenly behind or around one eye on one side of the head are defined by this occurrence. Within 10 minutes, the pain reaches its maximum intensity, although it may linger anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Headaches such as tension or cluster headaches are not considered migraines, which are thought to be a neurological condition.
There are two types of migraine triggers: the aura of a migraine and the triggers themselves.
The presence of warning signs in certain migraine sufferers has been noted. Migraine with aura is the term used to describe this condition. Before the commencement of an attack, you may notice symptoms such as impaired vision, seeing “stars,” or other strange sensations such as bad scents. People who are affected may also suffer slurred speech or other difficulty communicating in other languages. Another complication has been reported: a temporary loss of vision in just one eye.
Before the commencement of a migraine, auras might appear anywhere from 10 minutes to a day in advance. Sometimes a person can have an aura without experiencing a migraine, and this is what is referred to as a migraine aura. In comparison to migraine without an aura, migraine with aura is less severe and debilitating.
Many variables have been identified as contributing to the development of migraine attacks. At least one cause for migraines with aura has been identified by more than half of those who suffer from the condition. Among the many possible causes are the following:
Hormone levels that fluctuate (especially among women, and boys going through puberty)
Anxiety and stress
Foods that have been fermented or pickled
Salami and aged cheeses are two examples of cured meats.
Bananas, avocados, and citrus fruits are examples of such produce.
Meals that were skipped
sleep deprivation or over-intoxication
luminaires that are bright or powerful
Variations in atmospheric pressure as a result of changing meteorological conditions
using alcohol as a recreational substance
withdrawal from caffeine
Migraines: What the Science Says
An attack of migraine is caused by a complicated series of aberrant processes in the brain, which are yet not completely understood by scientists. According to the findings of the study team, the aberrant activity begins in the trigeminal nerve, which is the body’s biggest cranial nerve by size. In this cranial nerve, changes may occur that swiftly spread to a network of smaller nerves nearby. The dura mater, the fragile outer coating of the brain, is woven together by these nerves, which create a web across the whole structure.
Pain-sensing neurons in this network undergo chemical alterations as soon as a migraine starts, which may occur in as little as 10 minutes. They become hypersensitive to pressure as a result of this phenomenon. As blood pressure normally increases and falls with each pulse, this hair-trigger reaction results in throbbing agony. Aside from that, some arteries widen and blood flow is disrupted, resulting in the release of pain-producing chemicals. Certain changes may last for many days or weeks after the assault has ended.
A migraine is thought to be caused by the release of dopamine and serotonin, which are messenger chemicals in the brain.
The development of another new idea implies that migraines may be caused by “abnormal temperature regulation in certain parts of the brain.” According to the notion, “a migraine episode helps to restore the temperature of the brain.”
In the end, experts believe that a person’s vulnerability to having migraines is influenced by genetic characteristics and specific environmental factorsTrusted Source (as well as how those genes and environmental variables interact)
Severe Migraine Treatment
In recent study, it has been shown that there is a limited window of opportunity to halt the advancement of molecular alterations that cause migraines. Treatment must begin within 10 to 20 minutes after the onset of the first symptoms in order to be effective. Within one to two hours of the start of a headache, another window of opportunity closes as well. Face and scalp skin may become hypersensitive to touch as a result of this procedure. In order to have the best results, it’s critical to start therapy as soon as feasible. For the finest outcomes, go with a dependable source..
Migraine may be treated with a variety of medications. Mild to severe migraine attacks are often treated with a combination of over-the-counter medications such aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.
Aside from these medications, physicians may prescribe others. For instance, consider the following:
Depression medications and hypertension medications (beta-blockers)
anti-seizure \drugs
ergot \alkaloids
Triptans, a family of medications derived from the amino acid tryptamine, have been shown to be very successful in the treatment of chronic migraine headaches. Migraine therapy has showed some potential with several herbal treatments such as feverfew and butterbur.
When it comes to migraine therapy, there are two primary schools of thought. Treatments for migraine headaches that are occurring right now aim to stop them from occurring or to minimize their intensity or duration while they are occurring. In order to avoid headaches from occurring, preventive therapies are used. They also want to lessen the number of assaults and the severity of those that do happen. Ending a migraine headache or at least alleviating the pain and other symptoms are the most important things to do while one is in process.
How to Recognize the Signs of a Migraine
Headaches ranging from mild to severe intensity are common symptoms of migraine, which is a neurological disorder. In the United States, it is estimated that over 29.5 million people suffer from migraines.
Migraine symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to bright lights, in addition to a severe headache.
When a migraine episode begins, or just before it begins, some persons may have visual or sensory problems. Aura is the term used to describe this phenomenon..
An aura associated with a migraine is defined as follows:
Migraine auras are a group of symptoms that occur before to or concurrently with a migraine. Your eyesight, feeling, and speech may be affected by auras if you have one.
An estimated 25 to 30 percent of those who suffer from migraines have an aura, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
It is common for an aura to appear before a migraine attack begins, indicating that an attack is about to occur.
Typically, an aura develops approximately an hour before the onset of migraine headache and lasts less than 60 minutes in duration. Auras are not present in every migraine episode.
PRODROME VS. AURA is a battle between two opposing forces in the universe: Prodrome and Aurora.
In contrast to the aura stage, which occurs just before or during a migraine attack, the prodrome stage may begin days before an attack begins to signal the onset of one. Fatigue, irritation, and neck discomfort are all possible early-stage symptoms.
The most common symptoms are as follows:
Auras may manifest themselves in a number of ways.
Symptoms that are visible
As far as auras go, visual auras are the most prevalent. While experiencing a visual aura, some of the symptoms you may encounter are as follows:
partial vision loss or blind patches due to seeing jagged bursts of light, stars, or bright spots in your field of vision, as well as zigzagging lines or geometric forms in your field of vision (scotomas)
Symptoms involving the senses.
Changes in feeling may also be caused by aura. With or without a visual aura, these symptoms may develop.
An aura is characterized by sensations of numbness or tingling, as well as a sense of being pinched or pricked in the hands or feet.
An upward tingling sensation may begin in one arm and progress up the arm to the other arm. On one side of your face, your lips, or your tongue you may experience this sensation.
Symptoms involving speech and language
An aura symptom that is less prevalent is difficulty speaking or understanding what is being spoken. Among the signs and symptoms are:
speaking with slurred or mumbled speech because one is unable to produce the appropriate phrases
Why does a migraine aura occur, and what causes or triggers it.
An aura is a mysterious phenomenon that is yet not completely understood. An electrical wave that travels over the cortex of the brain is thought to be the source of this phenomenon.
A prolonged inhibition of nerve cell activity follows immediately after this wave. The effects of this may include a variety of modifications, such as alterations in blood flow, which might result in the occurrence of migraine symptoms.
The same triggers that might cause migraine episodes without an aura could also cause an aura in certain people who suffer from the condition. This list may comprise the following options:
Anxiety and stress
not getting enough sleep, not eating enough, or eating infrequently.
alcohol or caffeinated beverages consumption
a few foods, such as chocolate, aged cheeses, and preserved meats, are considered to be “healthy” foods
MSG and aspartame, for example, are examples of food additives.
Menstruation, for example, causes hormonal alterations.
lighting that is too bright or smelling too strongly, or loud sounds
changes in the weather and some drugs are caused by intense exercise
It is possible to have an aura without experiencing a headache.
Even if you do not have a migraine headache, it is possible to have an aura. Silent migraine is the term used to describe this kind of attack. Even if the migraine headache does not manifest itself, the aura symptoms alone may be distracting and cause problems with everyday tasks.
Ocular migraine, a form of migraine episode marked by visual symptoms, may occur without the presence of pain in certain cases, according to experts. Ocular migraine is sometimes referred to as migraine with aura or retinal migraine, depending on the circumstances.
Because the symptoms of migraine attacks and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and seizures are so similar, migraine episodes that occur without pain may sometimes be identified as such.
Can you tell me whether there are various kinds of migraines?
Aside from the pain associated with migraine, there are various different forms of migraine that include neurological symptoms, including the following:
With a migraine comes an aura in the brain stem. A uncommon kind of migraine in which the symptoms of the aura are caused by abnormalities in the cerebral cortex. Vertigo, ringing in the ears, and difficulty speaking are some of the symptoms that might be experienced.
Migraine with hemiplegia The headache is preceded by an aura characterized by one-sided weakness, numbness, and tingling on one side of the body. Both with and without migraine symptoms are possible outcomes.
Migraine in the vestibule. A condition characterized by the development of vertigo, disorientation, and problems with balance in a short amount of time. Vestibular migraine is a kind of headache that affects the balance and equilibrium of the brain.
migraine with a throbbing headache in the retina When you have an aura, you may have temporary visual loss in one eye.
Additionally, if you have migraine symptoms that occur 15 or more days in a month, you may be diagnosed with chronic migraine syndrome.
When it comes to migraines with aura, what is the most effective treatment?
Close your eyes and walk into a calm, dark room when you notice the onset of aura-like symptoms.
It may also be beneficial to apply a cold compress to the back of your neck or the front of your forehead to relieve the agony of a migraine.
A mixture of drugs is used to treat migraines with aura, just as it is with other forms of migraine. Preventative and symptomatic drugs are included in this category.
In order to prevent migraine attacks from happening, the following drugs should be considered:
Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, blood pressure medicines, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, anti-seizure medications, such as topiramate, medications for symptom relief, such as amitriptyline, medications for symptom relief, such as topiramate When the symptoms of an aura first appear, they are usually taken as quickly as possible.
Some of these drugs include, for example, the following.
A combination of over-the-counter pain treatments, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), triptans, such as rizatriptan and sumatriptan, dihydroergotamine anti-nausea drugs, and other medications
Other non-pharmacological approaches of managing migraine are also being explored. Biofeedback, acupuncture, and relaxation methods are examples of what is available in this category of treatment.
In what circumstances should you see a physician?
In the event that you have never had tingling or numbness on one side of your body, or if you have slurred speech or trouble speaking, it is critical that you get medical attention as soon as possible.
In addition to being markers of migraine aura, these symptoms may also be indicators of a stroke. To be sure you don’t have a lot more dangerous issue, you should get checked out.
If you get a headache that includes any of the following:
This condition manifests itself abruptly and severely and is followed by symptoms such as a stiff neck, fever, or rash. It occurs after a head injury and is characterized by symptoms such as disorientation, convulsions, or loss of consciousness.
As a general rule of thumb, schedule an appointment with your doctor if you get headaches that include any of the following characteristics:
frequent and last for hours to days, interfering with your normal activities.
When you used to be headache-free, headaches start to occur more regularly.
If you’re worried about your migraine and don’t have have a primary care physician, you may use the Healthline FindCare tool to look for doctors in your region who can help you.
Sources of information about Migraine
It is possible to have migraines that are disruptive and, in some situations, have a negative impact on one’s everyday life. Realizing that you’re not alone and that many other individuals are experiencing the same symptoms as you might be a comforting realization.
A number of applications are available for download if you are looking for migraine assistance and resources, such as the ones listed below.
Migraine Healthline is a free service that provides information about migraine symptoms. Receive the latest migraine news and health information, as well as the opportunity to interact with others via live group chats or one-on-one discussions.
This site is dedicated to Migraine Buddies (also known as Migraine Buddies). The Migraine Buddy community allows you to keep track of the details of your migraine episodes and to share your findings with others.
It is important to keep track of your migraine attacks. Manage migraine symptoms while communicating with physicians and other individuals who are suffering from the condition.
Getting to the Bottom of Migraines. Fill out a migraine log and you’ll get an analysis and score for each probable migraine trigger you encounter.
What’s most important is that
During a migraine attack, you may have difficulties in your vision, senses, or speech. It may occur before or during a migraine episode, and it usually lasts less than 60 minutes in most cases.
People who do not have a migraine headache may have an aura.
A mixture of drugs may be used to treat migraines with aura. Drugs that prevent migraine symptoms from arising, as well as medications that relieve acute symptoms when they do occur, are available.
Some of the symptoms of an aura are similar to those of more severe diseases such as stroke or seizure, so it’s important to recognize the difference. You should get medical assistance as soon as possible if you have never before suffered migraine with aura and you are experiencing numbness on one side of your body or difficulty speaking.
Also, if you have a severe headache that comes on abruptly, or if your headache is accompanied by other symptoms such as a stiff neck, fever, disorientation, or convulsions, you should seek emergency medical attention right away.
