Despite the variable and disabling nature of migraine attacks, numerous treatment andpreventive optionsare available.
This article will review essential facts about migraine, including symptoms, triggers, diagnosis, and treatment.
It will also provide insight into seeking migraine care.
Ljubaphoto / Getty Images
How Common Is Aura?
Around 15% to 30% of people with migraines experience an aura.
Migraines with aura are further categorized into subtypes depending on the specific symptoms of the aura.
These subtypes include:
Other types of migraines include:
What Are the Symptoms of a Migraine?
Migraineattacks cause intensely throbbing or pounding pain on one or both sides of the head.
Any movement commonly aggravates the pain, which can be severe enough to make you miss school or work.
These are:
Migraine Risk Factors
Several factors may make a person vulnerable to developing migraines.
One significant risk factor is having a family history of migraine.
Female sex(due to fluctuatingestrogenlevels) and age are additional migraine risk factors.
Migraines can develop at any age, but they are most common before age 45.
Specific lifestyle factors are linked to an increased risk for migraine.
They include caffeine misuse, smoking, and physical inactivity.
Various health conditions may also influence migraine development, although the connection is likely complex.
Examples of such conditions include:
What Triggers Migraines?
Migraine occurs as an episode or attack of symptoms followed by a recovery period.
A migraine attack can occur spontaneously or be triggered by an outside factor.
Two standard brain imaging tests arecomputed tomography (CT) scanandmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
They can help detect alternative diagnoses, such asstroke, brain bleeds, tumors, or blood vessel abnormalities.
Higher estrogen levels generally prevent migraines, whereas lower or fluctuating estrogen levels can trigger them.
How to Find Migraine Relief
There are severaltreatment options for migraine.
Keep in mind what works well for one person may or may not work well for another.
NSAIDs reduce the body’s production ofprostaglandins(chemicals that cause inflammation and pain).
NSAIDs are associated with possible health risks, such asulcersand an increasedrisk of heart attackor stroke.
Triptans are prescription medications targetingserotonindocking sites in the brain.
Serotonin is a chemical messenger relaying communication between nerve cells.
Home Remedies
Napping in a quiet, dark room and drinking water may help relieve migraine headaches.
A gentle scalp massage can also be soothing.
Keeping a Migraine Journal
Ajournal or diaryis often considered paramount to migraine management.
These drugs must be taken daily to work and have unique side effect profiles and effectiveness levels.
They include:
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) blockersare the newest preventive migraine drugs.
They are monoclonal antibodies that block the effects of CGRP, a protein involved in migraine pain transmission.
However, more studies are needed.
Always consult a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to discuss its safety and dosage.
Lastly,Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A)injections may be recommended if you are diagnosed with chronic migraine.
When to Seek Care for Migraine
Most migraines are not problematic.
2018 Jan;38(1):1-211. doi:10.1177/0333102417738202
Lucas C.Migraine with aura.Rev Neurol (Paris).
2021;177(7):779-784. doi:10.1016/j.neurol.2021.07.010
American Migraine Foundation.The timeline of a migraine attack.
American Migraine Foundation.The genetics of migraine.
2021;13(4):e14243.
doi:10.7759/cureus.14243
Rizzoli P, Mullally W.Headache.Am J Med.
2013;72(7):237-241.
Gazerani P.Migraine and diet.Nutrients.
2013;87(8):584-585.
Food & Drug Administration.FDA approves novel preventative treatment for migraine.
2020;94(21):e2203-e2212.
doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009473
American Migraine Foundation.Magnesium and migraine.
Kumar R.Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in pain treatment.Neuronal Signal.
2018;2(3):NS20180058.
