Migraine is a headache that causes throbbing pain, usually in one or both sides of the head. There are various other kinds of headaches like tension headache, cluster headache, and thunderclap headache. They all have a specific reason behind their occurrence. However, migraine causes are still unknown. What results in causing these headaches is not clear.
However, experts identify the irregular flow of brain chemicals, genetic factors, and abnormal blood flow to the brain as the reasons for this neurological disease. Medications, home remedies, and avoidance of triggers can help in easing migraine symptoms.
What are the symptoms of these headaches?
The symptoms of one type of headache may vary from other types of head pain. It also shows diverse signs and symptoms. There are four stages of migraine symptoms; prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome.
Prodrome
These are the symptoms, which occur a few hours or days before you have the headache. Some of the symptoms of prodrome are-
- Constipation
- Increase thrust
- Sensitivity to sounds, smell, and light
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Unexpected modifications in mood
Aura
Aura-based migraines are common. These are the symptoms, which are related to surroundings like lights and sounds. People may develop the following symptoms in an aura-
- Ringing sound in ears
- Notice black dots and crimped lines
- Numbness in one side of the body
- Ponderous sensation in the arms and legs
- Inability to speak or see appropriately
Attack
It is the phase when people have a migraine. The attack stage may accompany the previous symptoms as well. Some people may experience an easy-going headache at the starting and observe turning them into a severe one with the passing minutes.
However, other people may develop acute head pain in one side, which progressively shifts to the other side or complete head.
Postdrome
Postdrome are the signs and symptoms that occur a few days after the headache. The following signs and symptoms may fall and the postdrome stage of migraine-
- Feeling of unhappiness
- Lack of appetite
- Tiredness
- Muscle pain or weakness
If you experience the following signs and symptoms, consult your doctor. He or she may diagnose your condition and rule out if you have these throbbing headaches. Migraine treatment is possible through medications and lifestyle adjustments. However, the initial and essential step is to consult your doctors and identify the condition.
What can trigger this pulsating pain in the head?
Although the causes of migraine are not clear, certain factors and things can trigger the headache. They may include the following-
- Foods and drinks like aged cheese, fatty, and spicy foodstuffs, alcohol, and caffeine
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Hormonal changes during menstruation, gestation period, or menopause
- Use of tobacco
- Physical or emotional stress
- Skipped meals
- Powerful smells, dazzling lights, and deafening sounds
What are the effective remedies for migraine symptoms?
The treatment of these pulsating headaches deals with managing the symptoms and preventing them from occurring back. Both medications and home remedies can be helpful. Nevertheless, take the advice of your doctor before you go for any form of treatment.
Medications
Medications are the primary treatment for this neurological disease. Various kinds of drugs are used for treating headaches, including over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. Nevertheless, you should always take the opinion of your doctor before using any medication. The most recommended and common tablets used for migraines are-
Beta-blockers
These medications ease symptoms of high blood pressure, fatigue, and drowsiness.
Triptans
Triptans like Zolmitriptan and Sumatriptan sustain the chemicals in the brain and provides relaxation to the blood vessels.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants work in the same way triptans do. They make a balance in the brain chemicals.
Ergots
Ergots are helpful in addressing migraines. They can relax the blood vessels as triptans do.
Botulinum toxins
Doctors prescribe botulinum toxins to people who develop head pain more than 15 times or even more in numbers in a month. These drugs are directly introduced into the body.
Analgesics
Analgesics ease off the head pain. This drug class includes both OTC and prescription medications.
Monoclonal antibody CGRP blockers
Monoclonal antibody CGRP blockers are particularly made to impede migraine headaches. They are injected into the body and hinder the molecule that entices the headache.
Among these medications, triptans, analgesics, ergots are the acute treatments for this neurological disease, which relieve the symptoms and treat the condition. However, beta-blockers, antidepressants, monoclonal antibody CGRP blockers, botulinum toxins fall under the category of preventive treatments. They decrease the frequency of headaches.
Doctors may prescribe both kinds of drugs if you have a migraine. However, in some situations, doctors only recommend one type of medication.
Stay in touch with your doctor and share the effectiveness of medications on your condition. If you see satisfactory results, it is good. However, if the medications are bringing you no relief, tell your doctor immediately. He or she may look for other better and stronger healing procedures.
Home remedies
Home remedies are wonderful treatments without any side effects. They can also ease migraine symptoms and prevent the condition from developing back. Some of the effective treatments you can do at home are-
Stress management
You can manage your stress through a head massage, yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Lavender oil
Applying lavender oil on the temples can ease migraine pain. Nevertheless, remember to dilute it before using it.
Ginger
Ginger can help relieve migraine symptoms like nausea. You can ginger in your tea or smell it frequently if you have the symptoms.
Magnesium-rich diet
Eat magnesium-rich foods such as oatmeal, almond, milk, Brazil nuts, eggs, and peanut butter.
Acupressure
Acupressure can help relieve migraine symptoms in people who develop severe headaches. It deals with applying force with hands and fingers on specific points. You can consult with your healthcare provider for this remedy.
Can you prevent these headaches?
Migraines are not always preventable. Once you have the condition, you can only work on managing the symptoms and try to put off the uneasiness from reviving back. There are some measures, which can help addressing this neurological disease.
You can talk to your doctor about the same. However, some of the preventive steps are also discussed below-
- Make a schedule of eating and doing other tasks
- Identify the triggers and try to avoid them
- Drink plenty of water
- Take rest whenever you need it
- Overcome stress through relaxation practices like yoga or meditation
Using medications on time, implementing helpful home remedies for migraines, and working on preventive measures can help your healing. However, if your condition still does not improve, talk to your doctor immediately. You may need a stronger and more durable healing procedure.
