Migraine

Causes

• Genetic factors - Migraines tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
• Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in estrogen can trigger migraines in women. Many women experience migraines before or during their periods, during pregnancy, or during menopause.
• Emotional triggers - Stress, depression, anxiety, excitement, and shock can all trigger a migraine.
• Physical triggers - Tiredness, poor quality sleep, shift work, poor posture, neck or shoulder tension, jet lag, and low blood sugar can all trigger migraines.
• Dietary triggers - Certain foods like chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, and foods containing the additive tyramine can trigger migraines. Irregular meals, dehydration, and alcohol can also be triggers.
• Environmental triggers - Bright lights, flickering screens, strong smells, secondhand smoke, loud noises, stuffy rooms, temperature changes, and strong perfumes can all set off migraines.
• Medications - Some medications, such as oral contraceptives and vasodilators, can aggravate migraines.
• Changes in weather or barometric pressure - Weather changes and changes in altitude can trigger migraines in some people.
• Sensory stimuli - Bright or flickering lights, strong smells, and loud sounds can induce migraines.
• Physical exertion - Intense physical activity, including sexual activity, might provoke migraines.

Signs and Symptoms

• Prodrome - One or two days before a migraine, you might notice subtle changes that warn of an upcoming migraine, including constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased thirst and urination, and frequent yawning.
• Aura - For some people, aura might occur before or during migraines. Auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. They're usually visual but can also include other disturbances. Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes, and lasts for 20 to 60 minutes.
• Attack - A migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. How often migraines occur varies from person to person. Migraines might occur rarely or strike several times a month.
• Pain - Usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides.
• Throbbing or pulsing pain - The pain is often described as intense and debilitating.
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch - These sensitivities can make the headache worse.
• Nausea and vomiting - Many people experience these symptoms during a migraine attack.
• Blurred vision - Vision changes can occur during a migraine.
• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting - Some people feel dizzy or faint during a migraine.
• Postdrome - The final phase, known as postdrome, occurs after a migraine attack. You might feel drained and washed out, while some people feel elated. For about 24 hours, you might experience confusion, moodiness, dizziness, weakness, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Home Remedies

Preventive Care

• Identify and avoid triggers - Keep a headache diary to help identify what triggers your migraines.
• Establish a consistent sleep schedule - Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Eat regular meals - Don't skip meals, as this can trigger migraines in some people.
• Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly - Regular physical activity can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
• Manage stress - Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.
• Limit estrogen medications - If you're a woman who has migraines and you take hormonal contraceptives, talk to your doctor about options.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol - Both can trigger migraines in some people.
• Get adequate sleep - Both too much and too little sleep can trigger migraines.
• Take preventive medications as prescribed - If your doctor has prescribed preventive medications, take them as directed.

Surgical Options