Migraines are intense headaches characterized by throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head. This condition affects 47 million Americans, 75% of whom are women. A migraine headache typically lasts a minimum of four hours but can extend for days. It is aggravated by bright lights, loud noises, physical activity, and strong odors. Migraines can interfere with daily activities, impacting one's ability to fulfill personal and social responsibilities.
This blog reveals the causes and symptoms of migraines and how to treat them effectively to improve your life quality and overall wellness.
Here are the factors that can trigger them:
Common Triggers
Food Triggers
Besides, migraine headaches are hereditary. Around 80% of migraine patients have a close biological family member with the condition.
Migraine symptoms vary depending on the phases, including:
Prodrome Symptoms
The prodrome phase occurs a day before a headache attack and presents symptoms such as:
Aura Symptoms
Aura (a group of speech, motor, or sensory symptoms) that occurs 5 to 60 minutes during or before a headache with symptoms, including:
Headache lasts 4 to 72 hours and slowly aggravates, affecting one or both sides of your head. Headache can be associated with other symptoms:
Postdrome Symptoms
Postdrome phase is also known as migraine hangover, as its symptoms are similar to alcohol-induced hangover. It lasts for 2 days, presenting symptoms, including:
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam to look for swelling and tenderness in the head.
The following tests may be ordered for comprehensive diagnosis:
These are used to diagnose other conditions that cause facial pain and headaches, including iron deficiency, vitamin D and B12 deficiency, and thyroid problems.
A CT or MRI scan may be ordered to look for infections, stroke, tumors, and bleeding in the brain.
Your provider will check your muscle strength, senses, and reflexes to detect abnormalities in your neurological system.
Involves placing electrodes on your scalp, which are then connected to a machine that records electrical signals that your brain uses to communicate with the rest of the body. It detects an abnormality in your brain activity.
Treatment Approaches
These medications (Triptans, antiemetic medications, ditans, gepants, etc.) are prescribed to reduce or stop migraine symptoms like nausea, pain, sensitivity, etc.
These medications (anti-seizure medications, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, etc.) are prescribed if you have frequent migraines or your symptoms interfere with your daily activities.
These medicines (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin, and caffeine) help treat mild to moderate migraine symptoms.
Avoiding Triggers
Your healthcare professional might ask you to maintain a migraine diary that records the frequency of migraines, symptoms, and duration. You can also include information about your diet or daily activities to better understand your potential triggers. Once you identify a trigger, you can take measures to eliminate it. For instance, if stress is a trigger, seeking guidance from a mental health expert or practicing meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help you effectively cope with stress.
Alternative Remedies
You can manage your migraine headaches with the following alternative therapies:
Taking minerals, vitamins, or herbs like magnesium, feverfew, riboflavin (vitamin B2), butterbur, or co-enzyme Q10
Getting consent from your healthcare provider before starting any therapy is good.
Though you cannot get complete relief from migraines or prevent all migraines, you can follow these steps to reduce the severity and frequency of your migraine headaches:
Visit your urgent care provider if you experience:
Schedule an ER visit if you
While the exact cause of migraines is still not understood, the triggers and symptoms mentioned above can help you identify the onset of a migraine attack. By staying informed about the condition, you can take proactive steps to manage your symptoms, improving your overall life quality and minimizing the impact of migraines on your daily activities.
Is migraine headache disrupting your everyday life? Worry not! Visit Metro Urgent Care for effective and personalized migraine treatment. From advanced diagnostic testing to the latest treatments, we are dedicated to providing you with the relief you deserve. Contact us today to live a headache-free life!
Content Sources: PBSO NEWS HOUR
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