Everything one needs to know about Migraine

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 3 mins read

It is a condition that includes severe headaches that reoccur over time. Before the onset of the headache, there are various sensory changes in various modalities that are called an aura.

A migraine episode is completely different from a headache that is unrelated to a migraine. A Migraine episode generally occurs in various stages that can last for many days. It does affect a person’s everyday life, as well as their capability to work or study.

Experts are still working to find ways to determine what causes migraine. Some of them believe that they may be intrigued by the changes in the brain that affect the:

• Communication among the nerves
• Chemical balances
• Blood vessels

Genes also play an important role in the onset of migraine, A person with a family history is more likely to have migraine episodes

Migraine triggers vary from person to person but they generally include:

• Hormonal imbalance, such as untimely menstruation
• Emotional triggers, like stress, depression, anxiety, and excitement.
• Diet, like consumption of alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits
• Medications, like sleeping pills, and birth control pills. etc.
• Environmental factors, like flickers, strong smells, second-hand smoke, loud noises, packed rooms, temperature variations, and strong lights.

Some of the other possible secondary triggers include:

• Tiredness
• A lack of sleep
• Shoulder and neck tension
• Poor posture
• Physical overexertion
• Low blood sugar
• Jet lag
• Irregular mealtimes
• Dehydration

Risk factors for developing migraine-

Anybody can have migraine but these are common in people who have these symptoms:

• Suffering from depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Fibromyalgia
• Urinary Incontinence
• Bowel Disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Anxiety

Homemade remedies can also prove to be of great help in controlling the symptoms that can trigger migraines, some of these remedies are mentioned below:

• Using cold packs
• Wearing masks and avowing strong smells like perfumes, incense sticks, mosquito repellents, etc.
• Staying quiet in a low-light room
• Sleeping

How can one identify and avoid triggers?

A migraine episode generally occurs when a person encounters some potential triggers. One can check on those triggers by keeping note of what and when they encountered the episode and what they were doing or eating or drinking before that episode.
These may also help to avoid the below-mentioned issues.

• low blood sugar
• physical exertion
• Anxiety and Stress
• certain foods, such as chocolate
• Some medications, including birth control pills
• flickering screens
• Bright lights

By following these little tips and monitoring the symptoms and episodes a person can control and reduce the occurrence of migraine episodes to a greater level.

Also, Read: Headache: Could It Be a Brain Tumor?