Summary
What are migraines?
Migraines are a recurring type of headache. They cause moderate to severe trouble that is throbbing or pulsing. The pain is frequently on one side of your head. You may besides have other symptoms, such as nausea and weakness. You may be sensitive to light and sound .
What causes migraines?
Researchers believe that migraine has a genic cause. There are besides a act of factors that can trigger a migraine. These factors vary from person to person, and they include :
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Hormonal changes in women
- Bright or flashing lights
- Loud noises
- Strong smells
- Medicines
- Too much or not enough sleep
- Sudden changes in weather or environment
- Overexertion (too much physical activity)
- Tobacco
- Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
- Skipped meals
- Medication overuse (taking medicine for migraines too often)
Some people have found that certain foods or ingredients can trigger headaches, particularly when they are combined with other triggers. These foods and ingredients include :
Reading: Migraine | MedlinePlus
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Aged cheeses
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Some fruits and nuts
- Fermented or pickled goods
- Yeast
- Cured or processed meats
Who is at risk for migraines?
about 12 % of Americans get migraines. They can affect anyone, but you are more likely to have them if you :
- Are a woman. Women are three times more likely than men to get migraines.
- Have a family history of migraines. Most people with migraines have family members who have migraines.
- Have other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and epilepsy.
What are the symptoms of migraines?
There are four different phases of migraines. You may not always go through every phase each fourth dimension you have a migraine. :
- Prodome. This phase starts up to 24 hours before you get the migraine. You have early signs and symptoms, such as food cravings, unexplained mood changes, uncontrollable yawning, fluid retention, and increased urination.
- Aura. If you have this phase, you might see flashing or bright lights or zig-zag lines. You may have muscle weakness or feel like you are being touched or grabbed. An aura can happen just before or during a migraine.
- Headache. A migraine usually starts gradually and then becomes more severe. It typically causes throbbing or pulsing pain, which is often on one side of your head. But sometimes you can have a migraine without a headache. Other migraine symptoms may include
- Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and odors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Worsened pain when you move, cough, or sneeze
- Postdrome (following the headache). You may feel exhausted, weak, and confused after a migraine. This can last up to a day.
Migraines are more coarse in the morning ; people frequently wake up with them. Some people have migraines at predictable times, such as before menstruation or on weekends following a nerve-racking week of function .
How are migraines diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis, your health manage supplier will :
- Take your medical history
- Ask about your symptoms
- Do a physical and neurological exam
An significant separate of diagnosing migraines is to rule out other medical conditions which could be causing the symptoms. So you may besides have blood tests, an MRI or CT scan, or early tests.
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How are migraines treated?
There is no cure for migraines. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing extra attacks .
There are unlike types of medicines to relieve symptoms. They include triptan drugs, ergotamine drugs, and trouble relievers. The sooner you take the music, the more effective it is .
There are besides other things you can do to feel better :
- Resting with your eyes closed in a quiet, darkened room
- Placing a cool cloth or ice pack on your forehead
- Drinking fluids
There are some life style changes you can make to prevent migraines :
- Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback, may reduce the number and severity of migraines. Biofeedback uses electronic devices to teach you to control certain body functions, such as your heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
- Make a log of what seems to trigger your migraines. You can learn what you need to avoid, such as certain foods and medicines. It also help you figure out what you should do, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule and eating regular meals.
- Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle
- If you have obesity, losing weight may also be helpful
If you have frequent or dangerous migraines, you may need to take medicines to prevent far attacks. spill the beans with your health care provider about which drug would be proper for you .
Certain natural treatments, such as vitamin b2 ( vitamin B2 ) and coenzyme Q10, may help prevent migraines. If your magnesium level is abject, you can try taking magnesium. There is besides an herb, butterbur, which some people take to prevent migraines. But butterbur may not be condom for long-run manipulation. Always check with your health concern supplier before taking any supplements .
national institutes of health : National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
