Migraines are a common experience for many people. Some individuals may only experience one or two migraines in their lifetime, while others may have as many as 15-20 episodes per year. It is estimated that about 8% of adults suffer from this debilitating condition, and the number increases to 18% for those between the ages of 30 and 45 years old. Migraine pain can be so severe that it prevents patients from performing daily tasks such as going to work, caring for children, cooking dinner, doing household chores, etcetera. The most frustrating part is not knowing what causes migraines, which leads some sufferers to feel hopelessly lost with no possible solution in sight.
Migraine symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include:
– an intense throbbing sensation on one side of the head
– severe pain that can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting
– sensitivity to light and sound
– changes in mood or behaviour
– food cravings or lack of appetite
– constipation or diarrhea
Migraine triggers
Migraines are a fairly common neurological disorder that affects approximately 10% of the population. While there are many different migraine treatments available, not all migraines are treated the same. There are different types of migraines, with different symptoms and triggers. Some of the most common migraine triggers are:
- Hormonal fluctuations
Many women experience migraine attacks during or around their menstrual cycle, while they are pregnant or when they are ovulating. This happens due to a fluctuation in oestrogen and progesterone levels.
- Food habits
There’s a list of foods that are known to trigger migraine pain and attacks. These include food items containing histamine, monosodium glutamate (MSG), chocolate, aged cheese, food additives like artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and many more. In many cases, dehydration is also a trigger, leading to dizziness and confusion.
- Weather changes
Extreme weather conditions such as storms, barometric pressure, high humidity, and excessive heat can cause a migraine attack.
- Erratic sleep patterns
Irregular sleep patterns like too much, too little, or interrupted sleep can lead to migraine attacks. Following a sleep schedule regularly, including weekends and holidays, is a must for people living with migraines.
- Stress
Studies have suggested that stress is the major trigger for almost 70% of people fighting migraines. Regular exercise, meditation, and relaxation therapies can prove beneficial for stress management.
Migraine and its link with other ailments
While there isn’t strong evidence that migraine causes other medical issues, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart stroke, seizures, hearing loss, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety are often associated with migraine.
Preventive measures and migraine headache treatment
The best way to treat a migraine is to identify its type and then treat it accordingly. For example, if a migraine is caused by a specific food or beverage trigger, then avoiding that food or drink will help to prevent the migraine. Similarly, if a migraine is caused by stress, then techniques to reduce stress may be helpful in preventing the migraine.
There is no one-size-fits-all migraine treatment, but a variety of medications and therapies are available. Some people find relief from over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, while others may need prescription medications such as triptans or anti-inflammatories. Some people also find complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage helpful.There are also preventive measures that can be taken to help reduce the occurrence of migraines. These include avoiding known triggers, taking medications or supplements regularly, and practising stress-relieving techniques.
If you think you may have a migraine, it’s important to see a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. Here in Delhi, there are some of the best neurologists in the country who can help you get your migraines under control. Migraines can be very debilitating conditions, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, they can be managed successfully. Don’t suffer in silence-seek a second opinion from one of the best neurologists in Delhi today.
