Migraine is a neurological disease. It is chronic and has the potential to last your entire life, even if you seek treatment. Moreover, this disease is also associated with other health risks such as stroke and heart attack. The word migraine comes from the Greek word hemicrania, meaning “half the head.” It is the reason why people with these headaches often have pain on only one side of their heads. This is a type of headache that usually accompanies other symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. The pain can be debilitating. Moreover, it can significantly reduce a person’s ability to function at work or school. In severe cases, a headache episode can last from 4 hours to 3 days. It can be so critical that the person cannot walk or stand up.
In terms of gender, many pieces of research show that more women have migraines more than men do. However, men often experience more severe symptoms from their headaches. Effective remedies can help relieve the uneasiness.
What are migraine symptoms?
Symptoms include a throbbing sensation in the head, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances (auras), stiffness in the neck, irritability. Migraine attacks are of two types-
- With aura
- Without aura
The symptoms under Migraine with aura are-
- Zigzag lines or flashing lights
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck
The symptoms under Migraine without aura are-
- Throbbing sensation in the head
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sound Visual disturbances (auras)
What are the possible causes?
The exact cause of such throbbing headaches is not known. However, experts say a combination of environmental and genetic factors can play a vital role. Some possible migraine triggers include-
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Skipping meals
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy
- Exposure to bright lights or loud noises.
Although treatments can prevent the symptoms, triggers may worsen your condition. There is also some evidence to suggest that food allergies or sensitivities can trigger headaches in some people.
- Alcohol, especially red wine and beer
- Cured meats such as salami or prosciutto
- Chocolate
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Aspartame (a common artificial sweetener found in many diet soft drinks)
When do migraine attacks occur?
Migraine attacks can take place at any time. However, they are most common in the morning. Some people have throbbing headaches every day. On the other hand, others only have them a few times a year.
What are the warning symptoms?
An episode of headache can also accompany many warning symptoms. However, some include-
- Feeling tired and drained for a few hours before the headache begins
- Mood changes such as depression, irritability, restlessness, or anxiety
- Yawning more than usual
- Food cravings (especially carbohydrates)
- Fluid retention, which can lead to a feeling of bloating
- Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and smells
- A throbbing sensation in the temples or on one side of the head
What should you do if you think you are up to a migraine attack?
If you are experiencing any of the above warning symptoms, you are likely to have a pulsating headache. However, the best things you can do are-
- Resting in a dark, quiet room until the attack has passed
- Take some over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
If you are vomiting or have severe diarrhoea, seek medical advice. You may need medication to improve your condition.
What should you do in severe cases?
If you have critical head pain, it is significant to avoid any activities that could further aggravate your condition. They include smoking, drinking alcohol, and strenuous exercise. Moreover, it is also beneficial to avoid bright lights and loud noises. If you have to go out, wear sunglasses.
How long do migraine attacks last?
Such types of headaches can last from four hours to three days. However, the majority of the cases only last for a few hours. Take your medications when you experience the symptoms. Nevertheless, if your headache continues, contact your doctor.
What are the most common types of migraines?
There are many different types of such headaches. However, the most common are-
- Migraine with aura
- Migraine without aura
Aura is a sensory disturbance, which usually affects one side of the head. These symptoms include-
- Visual problems such as blurred vision or blind spots in your field of view
- Numbness or tingling on one side of your face or in your arm or leg
- Speech problems such as slurred speech
If you have any of these symptoms, you are likely experiencing an aura before your headache begins. In such cases, you should rest in a dark room until the attack has passed.
Migraine without aura is less common than migraine with aura. However, it affects around 1 in 4 people who experience such headaches. They are usually preceded by common warning symptoms such as those listed above. Taking treatments can help ease the symptoms. Nevertheless, if your condition turns severe, reach out to your doctor.
What are other types of migraines?
There are more types of migraine headaches. However, the less common headaches among them are-
Hemiplegic migraine
It is a rare form of migraine that causes weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
Ophthalmoplegic migraine
It is an infrequent form of migraine that affects the eyes.
Basilar migraine
It is a rare type of migraine that can cause difficulty walking, speaking, or swallowing.
What are the diagnostic tests for migraines?
The tests available such as blood work and CT scans can often be normal when a person has migraine symptoms. Neurologists prefer these tests when there is suspicion of another neurological condition. These conditions include stroke, which could be causing the person’s headache symptoms.
There are a few tests, which are more reliable in diagnosing these throbbing headaches.
EEG
This test can show changes in brain wave patterns associated with migraines.
Tilt table test
It can help rule out other conditions like orthostatic hypotension. This condition can have similar symptoms as a migraine headache.
After ruling out the possible cause, your doctor may begin your treatment. The best way to find out if you have these pulsating headaches is to keep track of your symptoms. Another step is to see a neurologist or headache specialist for a proper diagnosis.
What are the best treatments for such throbbing headaches?
There are many medications used for migraine treatment. Your doctor may prescribe different medicines for the treatment depending on your age. Moreover, he may also consider your health condition and headache condition.
Acute treatments
These medications for this neurological disease aim at decreasing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Acute treatments come in the form of medications. However, some of the more common prescription drugs include-
Triptans
These drugs help to narrow the blood vessels in the brain. Triptans come as pills, nasal sprays, or injections.
Sumatriptan
Ergotamines
These drugs also narrow the blood vessels in the brain. Ergotamines zcome as pills, nasal sprays, or injections.
Pain relievers
These medications can include over-the-counter medications. Pain relievers include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or prescription medications like opioids (such as morphine).
Anti-nausea medications
These drugs can include over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or prescription medications like ondansetron (Zofran).
Anti-seizure medications
These medicines can include over-the-counter medications like Valium or prescription medications like topiramate (Topamax).
However, if you have frequent or severe headaches, your doctor may recommend preventive migraine remedies. They prescribe using these drugs regularly to prevent pulsating headaches. Moreover, they often need to be taken every day, even when you are not having symptoms.
Preventive treatments
Amitriptyline
This medication is a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline can diminish the occurrence of your headaches. Moreover, Amitriptyline may also improve your mood and overall quality of life.
Botox
Botox is a type of botulinum toxin injected into the muscles around the head and neck. It can diminish the number of headaches you have. Moreover, Botox can reduce the severity and duration of each migraine.
Frovatriptan
This medication is a serotonin receptor agonist. It cuts off the frequency of severe headaches. Frovatriptan is available in tablet form and is taken once a day.
Propranolol
This medication is a beta-blocker. It also diminishes the number of headaches you have. Propranolol is available in tablet or oral solution form. Moreover, it usually needs to be taken three times a day.
Topiramate
This medication is an anticonvulsant. It prevents and cuts off the number of migraines you have. Topiramate is available in tablet form. Moreover, doctors prescribe taking it twice a day.
Valproate
This medication is an anticonvulsant. It is available in tablet or oral solution form. Moreover, Valproate usually needs to be taken twice a day.
Verapamil
This medication is a calcium channel blocker. It can trim down the frequency of your headaches. Verapamil is available in tablet form. Moreover, you need to take this medication three times a day.
On average, it can take several tries to find the accurate medication for you. If one drug does not work well, your doctor may try another. In addition, some people also find they need to use more than one type of medication to control their conditions. It is significant to work with your doctor to find the best migraine remedy for you.
