Migraine is a common headache disease. It affects around 15% of men and 30% of women around the globe. Moreover, about 80% of the cases have a warning symptom. These symptoms are known as “aura” or “warning signs”. Symptoms can include visual disturbance, sensory aura, and motor aura. Nevertheless, if you experience an aura talk to your doctor for a suitable remedy.
What are migraine symptoms?
People often develop headaches. However, they may come with the following symptoms-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Intolerance to light
- Intolerance to sound
The pain may be moderate or severe. Moreover, it may be unilateral or bilateral. Symptoms last for 4-72 hours. However, most patients have only 1 to 2 headache attacks a month. Some cases are so severe. They occur twice a week. Moreover, headaches can occur even more often.
What is an aura?
This is a description of symptoms. Aura is the initial neurological event associated with the migraine headache itself. It is proof of focal cortical dysfunction. Moreover, abnormal brain activity can also be responsible. Any detectable neurological changes may occur during the aura phase. However, the most common forms are-
- Visual disturbance
- Sensory aura
- Motor aura
Other auras are –
- Olfactory aura
- Gustatory aura
- Auditory hallucinations
- Language disturbances
These symptoms can come during a headache. For that reason, if you notice them, use your treatment instantly. It may help prevent complications.
What causes migraines symptoms?
The cause of such headaches is still unknown. However, some factors can trigger uneasiness. They are-
- Stress
- Bright light
- Loud noise
- Food additives
- Skipped meals
- Foods such as alcohol, processed meats, aged cheeses, or smoked fish
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Menstruation
- Certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives)
- Weather patterns
- Odours and fragrances
What medications can help treat migraine?
Many drugs can help your migraine treatment. However, do not take them without the consultation of your doctor. Two types of medications can improve throbbing headaches. They are-
-
Acute medicines
-
Preventive medications
Some people use preventive medications. They can reduce their number of headaches. On the other hand, others prefer acute remedies.
Following are some effective acute treatments-
Anti-inflammatory medications
You can get anti-inflammatory medications over the counter. Moreover, they are also available by prescription. Ibuprofen and naproxen are the most frequent medications among them. However, these medicines can cause stomach irritation and bleeding. Use them with care.
Triptans
These medicines can help ease migraine symptoms. Triptans are available as a pill. However, the commonly used drugs are-
- Sumatriptan
- Zolmitriptan
- Naratriptan
- Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan
Doctors sometimes consider Imigran (sumatriptan) as an injection. It is when other medications do not work. Nevertheless, you can also use anti-nausea medication. It can prevent a feeling of being sick.
Ergots
Tension-type headache sufferers may benefit from Ergomar or Cafergot. Nevertheless, these drugs can cause some aftermaths. Also, do not take them for more than two doses a week. They can cause a medication-overuse headache.
Preventive medications
Some people use preventive medications daily. They decrease the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. However, doctors prescribe these medications in some cases. It is when other treatments do not work. There are multiple preventive medications. Nevertheless, the common among them are-
Beta-blockers
These medications can treat high blood pressure and heart problems. However, beta-blockers may also help with your healing.
Some beta-blockers are-
- Labetalol
- Carvedilol
- Nadolol
- Propranolol
- Timolol eye drops
- Atenolol
In addition, they can also prevent pulsating headaches.
Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants can prevent migraine symptoms. Moreover, amitriptyline can also put off the risk of both tension-type and menstrual headaches.
Anticonvulsants
These drugs have been used for epilepsy for many years. However, some of the anticonvulsants can also prevent such head pains. They work this way when taken at higher doses.
Calcium channel blockers (CCB)
These have been used for hypertension and chest pain. However, Calcium channel blockers may also help ease this condition. You can consult with an expert about this. Moreover, these drugs can also prevent headaches. They work this way when taken at a higher dose.
In addition, discuss with your doctor before using any tablets. He or she may tell you the potential benefits and risks involved. Moreover, your doctor may also help manage your condition. It may be in case of persistent side effects.
How can you prevent migraines?
There is no cure for your disease. Nevertheless, some measures can help avoid attacks. The effectiveness of these methods varies between people. Therefore, you need to try different strategies. It may help find the best one for you.
Moreover, they can also assist your healing procedure. Some effective measures are-
Keep a diary
Maintain an attack record. Keep track of when your headaches occur. Moreover, consider what you were doing before it started. It can help you identify potential triggers. However, the common culprits are stress, odors, weather, or missed meals.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration often causes migraine symptoms. For that reason, drink an abundance of water throughout the day. It can support your healing.
Eat small meals
Have frequent and small meals. It can avoid episodes of low blood sugar. Skipped meals can trigger attacks in some people.
Avoid certain foods
Shun foods that are high in tyramine. Doing so may reduce the frequency of these headaches. Nevertheless, foods high in tyramine are-
- Aged cheeses
- Processed meats
- Red wine
- Smoked fish
- Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, chocolate)
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Pickled foods
- Yeast products
Get over your stress
Reduce stress. You can practice relaxation techniques for migraine. Moreover, take breaks from work. Making time for your favourite activities can also assist in managing your stress.
Stay in a dark room
It can be comforting to lie in a dark room. Moreover, you can also use a cold pack on your head. It can relieve your headache.
Use preventive medication
Preventive medications help put off the risk of pulsating headaches. Therefore, if you have such medications, use them timely.
These are some useful preventive measures. You can use them to ease throbbing headaches. However, talk to your doctor if your migraine symptoms do not improve. He or she may tell you about other well-working hacks.
