A migraine is a neurological disease that can cause debilitating throbbing pain that can leave one in bed for days.
According to Mayo Clinic, a migraine is a strong headache which is usually associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with one’s daily activities
A migraine headache often begins as a dull ache and grows into throbbing pain. It usually gets worse during physical activity. The pain can move from one side of the head to the other, can be in the front of your head, or can feel like it’s affecting your entire head.
About 80% of people have nausea along with a headache, and about half vomit. One may also be pale and clammy or feel faint.
Most migraine headaches last about 4 hours, but severe ones can go for more than 3 days. It’s common to get two to four headaches per month. Some people may get migraine headaches every few days, while others get them once or twice a year.
NOTE THAT
There are various types of migraine.
A major distinguishing factor is whether they involve aura or not.
An aura is a group of sensory, motor and speech symptoms that usually act like warning signals that a migraine headache is about to begin.
TYPES OR KINDS OF MIGRAINE
I. MIGRAINE WITH AURA
Aura is a disturbance of the senses in the early stages of a migraine episode.
Aura can involve:
1. Having confusing thoughts or experiences
2. Seeing strange, sparkling, or flashing lights that are not there
3.Seeing zig-zagging lines of light
4. Having blind spots or blank patches in the field of vision
5. Having a pins and needles sensation in the limbs
6. Having difficulty speaking
7. Having weakness in the shoulders, neck, or limbs
8. Seeing things that are not there out of one eye, such as transparent strings of objects
9. Not being able to see part of something clearly
10. Having part of the field of vision disappear, then reappear
A visual aura may feel like the aftermath of a very bright camera flash, but the visual changes may last for several minutes or up to 1 hour.
Anyone experiencing an aura for the first time should contact a healthcare professional to rule out serious neurological problems, such as a stroke or a brain tumor.
II. MIGRAINE WITHOUT AURA
More commonly, a person experiences no sensory disturbances before an episode. According to the Migraine Trust, 70–90% of episodes occur without aura.
III. CHRONIC MIGRAINE:
This involves having an episode on more than 15 days per month.
IV. MENSTRUALMIGRAINE:
This occurs in a pattern that follows the menstrual cycle.
V. HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINE:
This causes temporary weakness on one side of the body, and it is very rare.
VI. ABDOMINAL MIGRAINE:
This involves migraine episodes with irregular function in the gut and abdomen, often with nausea or vomiting. It mainly affects children under 14 years of age.
VII. VESTIBULAR MIGRAINE:
Severe vertigo is a symptom of this type.
VIII. BASILAR MIGRAINE:
This rare type is also called “migraine with brainstem aura,” and it can affect neurological functions, such as speech.
IX. RETINAL MIGRAINE
(also called ocular migraines) cause changes in vision that are not related to aura vision changes. For retinal migraines, symptoms involve vision problems or even blindness in one eye. These symptoms do not last long. They can occur before or after head pain. If you experience this type of migraine, contact your doctor.
X. STATUS MIGRAINOSUS
This severe type of migraine can last more than 72 hours. The pain and nausea are so intense that you may need to go to the hospital. Sometimes, medicines or medication withdrawal can cause them.
CAUSES OR TRIGGERS OF MIGRAINE
1. Hormonal changes in women.
Fluctuations in estrogen, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause, seem to trigger headaches in many women.
Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives, also can worsen migraines. Some women, however, find that their migraines occur less often when taking these medications.
2. Drinks.
These include alcohol, especially wine, and too much caffeine, such as coffee.
3. Emotional stress.
Emotional stress is one of the most common triggers of migraine headaches. During stressful events, certain chemicals in the brain are released to combat the situation (known as the “flight or fight” response). The release of these chemicals can bring on a migraine.
Other emotions like anxiety, worry and excitement can increase muscle tension and dilate blood vessels that can make one’s migraine more severe.
4. Sensory stimuli.
Bright or flashing lights can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells — such as perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and others — trigger migraines in some people.
5. Sleep changes.
Missing sleep or getting too much sleep can trigger migraines in some people.
6. Physical factors.
Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, might provoke migraines.
7. Weather changes.
Changing weather conditions such as storm fronts, barometric pressure changes, strong winds or changes in altitude can prompt a migraine.
8. Medications.
Oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can aggravate migraines.
9. Daily use of pain-relieving medications. If you use medicine meant to relieve headache pain too often, that can cause a rebound headache.
10. Sensitivity to certain foods and beverages such as aged cheese, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and food additives such as nitrates (found in pepperoni, hot dogs and luncheon meats) and fermented foods may be responsible for triggering up to 30% of migraines.
11. Missing or delaying a meal might also trigger a migraine headache.
12. Caffeine.
Having too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine can cause headaches when the caffeine level abruptly drops. Your blood vessels seem to become sensitized to caffeine and when you don’t get it, a headache may occur. Caffeine is sometimes recommended by healthcare providers to help with treating acute migraine attacks but should not be used frequently.
13. Light. Flashing lights, fluorescent lights, light from the TV or computer and sunlight can trigger you.
14. Being overly tired. Overexertion.
15. Loud noises.
16. Exposure to smoke, perfumes or other odors.
PREDISPOSING OR RISK FACTORS
Several factors make one more prone to having migraines, including:
1. FAMILY HISTORY
If you have a family member with migraines, then you have a good chance of developing them too.
2. AGE
Migraines can begin at any age, though the first often occurs during adolescence. Migraines tend to peak during your 30s, and gradually become less severe and less frequent in the following decades.
3. SEX OR GENDER
Women are three times more likely than men to have migraines.
4. HORMONAL CHANGES
For women who have migraines, headaches might begin just before or shortly after onset of menstruation. They might also change during pregnancy or menopause. Migraines generally improve after menopause.
5. Depression,
6. Anxiety,
7. Bipolar disorder,
8. Sleep disorders,
9. Epilepsy
THE FOUR STAGES OR PHASES OF MIGRAINE
1. PRODROME
The first stage lasts a few hours, or it can last days. One may or may not experience it as it may not happen every time. Some know it as the “preheadache” or “premonitory” phase.
2. AURA
The aura phase can last as long as 60 minutes or as little as five. Most people don’t experience an aura, and some have both the aura and the headache at the same time.
3. HEADACHE
About four hours to 72 hours is how long the headache lasts. The word “ache” doesn’t do the pain justice because sometimes it’s mild, but usually, it’s described as drilling, throbbing or you may feel the sensation of an icepick in your head. Typically it starts on one side of your head and then spreads to the other side.
4. POSTDROME
The postdrome stage goes on for a day or two. It’s often called a migraine “hangover” and 80% of those who have migraines experience it.
It can take about 8 to 72 hours to go through the four stages.
SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINE
Migraines, which affect children and teenagers as well as adults, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. Not everyone who has migraines goes through all stages.
PRODROME SYMPTOMS
These occur one or two days before a migraine, the individual might notice subtle changes that warn of an upcoming migraine, including:
1. Constipation.
2. Mood changes, from depression to euphoria.
3. Food cravings.
4. Neck stiffness.
5. Increased urination.
6. Fluid retention.
7. Frequent yawning.
AURA SYMPTOMS
For some people, an aura might occur before or during migraines. Auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. They’re usually visual but can also include other disturbances. Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes and can last up to 60 minutes.
Examples of migraine auras include:
1. Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light.
2. Vision loss.
3. Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg.
4. Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body.
5. Difficulty speaking.
ATTACK SYMPTOMS
A migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. How often migraines occur varies from person to person. Migraines might occur rarely or strike several times a month.
During a migraine, you might have:
1. Pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides
2. Pain that throbs or pulses
3. Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch
4. Nausea and vomiting.
POST-DROME SYMPTOMS
After a migraine attack the individual might go through the following.
1. The individual might feel drained.
2. Confused
3.washed out for up to a day.
4. Some people report feeling elated.
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR MIGRAINE
1. AVOID CERTAIN FOODS
Diet plays a vital role in preventing migraine attacks. Many foods and beverages may be migraine triggers, examples are foods with nitrates, including hot dogs, deli meats, bacon, and sausage, chocolate
cheese that contains the naturally occurring compound tyramine, such as blue, feta, cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss
alcohol, especially red wine
foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer
foods that are very cold, such as ice cream or iced drinks
processed foods
pickled foods
beans
dried fruits
cultured dairy products, such as buttermilk, sour cream, and yogurt
A small amount of caffeine may ease migraine pain in some people. Caffeine is also in some migraine medications. But too much caffeine may cause a migraine attack. It may also lead to a severe caffeine withdrawal headache.
To figure out which foods and beverages trigger migraine attacks for an individual, one has to keep a daily food journal. Recording everything one consumes and notes how one feels afterward.
2. TRY ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture involves injecting very thin needles into certain parts of your skin to stimulate relief from a wide variety of health conditions.
A study carried out in the year 2020 found that 20 sessions of manual acupuncture along with usual care was more effective at preventing migraine in people with a history of episodic migraine without aura than sham acupuncture along with usual care. Sham acupuncture is a treatment where the needles are not inserted as deeply.
3. APPLICATION OF PEPPERMINT OIL
The chemical menthol found in peppermint oil may help prevent migraine episodes.
A 2019 randomized controlled studyTrusted Source compared the effects of nasal 4 percent lidocaine with 1.5 percent peppermint essential oil and a placebo for managing migraine symptoms.
The researchers found that 40 percent of people in the lidocaine and peppermint oil groups experienced considerable improvements in their symptoms, compared with only 4.9 percent of people in the placebo group.
4. USE OF GINGER
Ginger is known to ease nausea caused by many conditions, including migraine. It may have pain-relieving benefits for migraine attacks. According to a 2020 review of studiesTrusted Source, one randomized controlled study found evidence that ginger may have beneficial activity in the combat of migraine.
5. SIGN UP FOR YOGA
Yoga uses breathing, meditation, and body postures to promote health and well-being. A 2015 studyTrusted Source found yoga may relieve the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks. It’s thought to improve anxiety, release tension in migraine-trigger areas, and improve vascular health.
The researchers concluded that yoga could be beneficial as a complementary therapy for treating migraine.
6. TRY BIOFEEDBACK
Biofeedback is a relaxation method. It teaches one to control autonomic reactions to stress. During this therapy, electrodes are applied to the skin to monitor physiologic processes that change with stress, such as the heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
During a biofeedback session, one works with a therapist to manage stress using changes in one’s physiologic processes as feedback.
According to a 2019 studyTrusted Source, there’s good evidence to support the use of mind-body interventions such as biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy for treating migraine. These therapies are effectively free of side effects and may make a good alternative for medication for some people.
7. ADD MAGNESIUM TO DIET
Magnesium deficiency is linked to headaches and migraine. Magnesium oxide supplementation may help prevent migraine with aura. It may also prevent menstrual migraine (hormone headaches).
A 2021 studyTrusted Source found that 500 milligrams of magnesium oxide taken twice a day for 8 weeks was as effective as the medication valproate sodium for preventing migraine without significant side effects.
One can get magnesium from foods that include:
almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds,Brazil nuts, cashews, peanut butter, oatmeal, eggs and milk
8. GO IN FOR A GOOD MASSAGE
Massage may reduce migraine frequency. Migraine is associated with low serotonin in the brain, and massage has been shown to increase serotonin. There’s limited evidence to support the use of massage for migraine relief, but it’s generally safe and has a low risk of side effects.
9. TRYING ACUPRESSURE FOR MAIGRANE-RELATED NAUSEA
Acupressure is the practice of applying pressure with the fingers and hands to specific points on the body to relieve pain and other symptoms.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source found evidence that acupuncture may help manage migraine-related nausea during treatment, but that it doesn’t improve pain or quality of life.
10. APPLICATION OF STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
According to the American Headache Society, more than 80 percent of people with migraine report stress being a migraine trigger. Learning how to better manage a stress may help one decrease migraine frequency.
Some commonly used stress management techniques include:
A. Deep breathing exercises
B. Mental imagery
C. Music therapy or listening to relaxing music
D. Counseling or therapy
E. Meditating
F. Progressive muscle relaxation
G. Improving time management
H. Scheduling more time for relaxing activities
11. TAKE IN MORE FLUIDS OR DRINKS
According to the American Migraine Foundation, about a third of people with migraine report dehydration as a migraine trigger.
To prevent dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when exercising. On hot days, one may need to drink more water than usual.
12. ENJOYING GOOD NIGHT SLEEP
The connection between sleep and migraine still isn’t entirely clear. Research from 2016Trusted Source has found a correlation between high migraine frequency and poor sleep quality. This association is true in people with migraine with and without aura.
Going to bed at the same time each night, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed are some of the ways one can improve his or her sleep.
13. MEDICATIONS
Medications are the first thing many people look to when they have a headache, and migraine headaches are no different in this sense. There are many products that can help relieve migraine pain. These can include over-the-counter pain relievers and more targeted prescription therapies.
Below is a list of medications that are used for treating acute migraine pain:
1. Acetaminophen (Excedrin, Tylenol)
aspirin
2. Diclofenac (Cataflam)
3. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
4. Naproxen (Aleve)
5. Almotriptan (Axert)
6. Eletriptan (Relpax)
7. Frovatriptan (Frova)
8. Naratriptan (Amerge)
9. Rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT)
10. Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
11. Sumatriptan and naproxen (Treximet)
12. Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
13. Chlorpromazine
14. Droperidol
15. Metoclopramide (Reglan)
16. Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
17. Promethazine (Phenergan)
18. Dihydroergotamine (DHE-45, Migranal)
18. Ketorolac (Toradol)
Other medications may also be used, but the goal of these medications will be to prevent migraine rather than to treat them. Examples include:
19. Divalproex (Depakote)
20. Metoprolol (Lopressor)
21. Propranolol (Inderal)
22. Timolol (Istalol)
23. topiramate (Topimax)
24. Amitriptyline
25. Atenolol (Tenormin)
26. Nadolol (Corgard)
27. Naratriptan (amerge)
28. Vanlafaxine (Effexor)
Which of these medications — or combination of medications one uses will depend on the individua’sl health, other medications you’re taking, the severity of your migraine, an
14. TRY A B-COMPLEX VITAMIN
B vitamins are a group of water-soluble micronutrients that play many important roles in the body. For example, they contribute to neurotransmitter synthesis and help turn food into energy.
Some B vitamins may have a protective effect against headaches.
Several studies have shown that the B vitamin supplements riboflavin (B2), folate, B12 and pyridoxine (B6) may reduce headaches.
B-complex vitamins contain all eight of the B vitamins and are a safe, cost-effective way to naturally treat headache symptoms.
B vitamins are considered safe to take on a regular basis, as they are water soluble and any excess will be flushed out through the urine.
15. SOOTHES PAIN WITH A COLD Compress
Using a cold compress may help reduce your headache symptoms.
Applying cold or frozen compresses to the neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction and constricts blood vessels, all of which help reduce headache pain.
In one study in 28 women, applying a cold gel pack to the head significantly reduced migraine pain.p
To make a cold compress, fill a waterproof bag with ice and wrap it in a soft towel. Apply the compress to the back of the neck, head or temples for headache relief.
16. GET SOME EXERCISE
One of the simplest ways to reduce headache frequency and severity is to engage in physical activity.
For example, one study in 91 people found 40 minutes of indoor cycling three times per week was more effective than relaxation techniques at reducing headache frequency.
Another large study including more than 92,000 people showed that a low level of physical activity was clearly associated with an increased risk of headaches.
There are many ways to increase your activity level, but one of the easiest methods is to simply increase the amount of steps you take throughout the day.
17. AVOID STRONG SMELLS
Strong odors like those from perfumes and cleaning products can cause certain individuals to develop headaches.
A study that involved 400 people who experienced either migraine or tension headaches found that strong odors, especially perfumes, often triggered headaches (40Trusted Source).
This hypersensitivity to odors is called osmophobia and common in those with chronic migraines.
If one thinks he or she may be sensitive to smells then avoiding perfumes, cigarette smoke and strongly scented foods may help decrease the chance of getting a migraine.
18. AROMA THERAPY
Aromatherapy is the study of how certain smells can trigger positive and even healing responses in the brain.
Some smells are noted for soothing brain cells and reduce the incidence of headaches. These include peppermint extract, eucalyptus, and lavender oil.
FOODS TO EAT
Most cereals, except for those containing nuts, dried fruits, or aspartame
Quick bread, such as pumpernickel or zucchini bread
Most plain pretzels and potato chips
Unflavored crackers, such as saltines or Club crackers
White, wheat, rye, or pumpernickel bread from a store
Fresh beef
Chicken,
Fish.
Lamb, Pork, Turkey, or veal
Poppy seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Sunflower seeds without natural flavors
Fresh fruits
Fresh vegetables
Preservative-free bagged lettuce
Peppers,
Zucchini,
Fresh potatoes,
Carrots,
Cauliflower.
FOODS THAT CAN TRIGGER MIGRAINES
Aged cheeses
Alcohol, particularly beer and red wine
Chocolate
Cured meats
Food preservatives, such as nitrates, nitrites, MSG, and artificial sweeteners
Smoked fish
Yeast extract
Boxed instant mashed potatoes
Dried fruits containing sulfite preservatives
Citrus fruits
Lima beans
Navy beans
Onions
Sauerkraut
Bottled salad dressings
Pre-packaged dips, such as salsa, alfredo sauce, or mustard dips
Beef and chicken livers
Breaded meats
Marinated meats
Flavored popcorn
Nut butters
Flavored crackers, such as cheddar cheese crackers
Fresh bread that is homemade or from a grocer’s bakery
Pizza, as it is also a fresh bread
Highly flavored or seasoned chips
Soft pretzels
Fatty foods
Citrus fruits
REFERENCES
1.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
2.
https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-ways-to-reduce-migraines
3.
https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-migraines
4.
https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine
5.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/migraine-headaches
https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-headache-types
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/types-of-headaches
https://www.verywellhealth.com/different-types-of-migraines-1719576
7. https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-ways-to-reduce-migraines#magnesium
8. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/headache-remedies
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322814#Natural-remedies-for-migraine
10. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323161#what-foods-prevent-migraines
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