What is Migraine?
Migraine is a type of severe, recurrent headache that can be accompanied by various neurological symptoms. It is characterized by intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head, and may also involve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can significantly impact daily life and productivity.
Types of Migraine
- Migraine Without Aura (Common Migraine): The most common type of migraine, characterized by headache pain without any preceding neurological symptoms. Symptoms include severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Migraine With Aura (Classic Migraine): This type includes visual or sensory disturbances that occur before the headache pain begins. Aura symptoms may involve visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or partial loss of vision, as well as sensory symptoms like tingling or numbness. These symptoms usually precede the headache by 20-60 minutes.
- Chronic Migraine: Characterized by headaches occurring 15 or more days per month, with at least 8 of those days meeting the criteria for migraine. Symptoms are similar to other migraines but occur more frequently and potentially with a greater impact on daily functioning.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: A rare type that includes temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, along with the headache. Symptoms may include aura symptoms, motor weakness, and severe headache pain. It can be mistaken for a stroke due to its symptoms.
- Retinal Migraine: Involves temporary loss of vision or visual disturbances in one eye, along with headache pain. Symptoms include visual disturbances in one eye, often accompanied by a headache. It can be serious and may require medical attention to rule out other conditions.
Symptoms of Migraine
• Headache Pain: Severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, though it can affect both sides.
• Aura: Visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or partial vision loss (for migraines with aura).
• Nausea and Vomiting: Common accompanying symptoms.
• Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia).
• Tingling or Numbness: May occur in the face or extremities, particularly with migraines with aura.
• Dizziness or Vertigo: A feeling of spinning or imbalance.
Precautions
- Identify Triggers: Keep a migraine diary to identify and avoid foods and drinks that may trigger migraines, such as caffeine, alcohol, aged cheeses, or processed meats. Avoid exposure to bright lights, strong odors, or loud noises that might provoke a migraine.
- Regular Sleep Patterns: Maintain regular sleep habits, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to avoid sleep deprivation.
- Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing methods such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help manage and reduce migraine frequency.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Engage in regular physical activity to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as dehydration can be a migraine trigger.
- Medications: For frequent migraines, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications to reduce the frequency or severity of attacks. Use medications designed to relieve migraine symptoms once an attack begins, such as triptans or over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid excessive use of pain medications to prevent rebound headaches or medication-overuse headaches.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment plans, especially if you experience frequent or severe migraines. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other therapies tailored to your needs.
About Migraine
Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by intense, recurrent headaches accompanied by a range of symptoms affecting the nervous system. This condition typically causes severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head and can last anywhere from 2 hours to 50 hours. In addition to the headache, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smell.
Migraines are increasingly common in today’s fast-paced world, often exacerbated by work stress and demanding schedules. This condition is recognized as a neurological disorder due to its complex nature and the way it disrupts normal brain function. While the exact causes of migraines are not fully understood, genetic and environmental factors are believed to play significant roles. Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, fatigue, hallucinations, depression, and gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea and constipation. The severe pain is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and exposure to light and sound can make the situation worse.
Foods That Can Trigger Migraine Attacks
- Caffeinated Beverages: Tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
- Processed and Junk Foods: Chips, candies, and fast food.
- Fermented Foods: Dosa, vada, bhatura, and idli.
- Certain Fruits: Grapes, lemons, bananas, and raisins.
- Certain Vegetables: Beans, onions, and garlic.
- Chinese Food: Particularly those high in MSG.
- Nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, and cashew nuts.