Migraines
Migraines can cause severe headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense, debilitating headaches. These headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for hours to days, and the pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Symptoms of Migraines
Migraines typically progress through four stages, though not everyone experiences all stages:
- Prodrome: Subtle changes that warn of an upcoming migraine, such as mood swings, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased thirst and urination, and frequent yawning.
- Aura: Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or zigzag patterns, can occur before or during a migraine. Some people also experience sensory, motor, or speech disturbances.
- Attack: The actual migraine headache can last from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. Symptoms during this phase include:
- Throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch
- Postdrome: After the migraine attack, individuals often feel drained, confused, or fatigued for up to a day.
Causes of Migraines
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to play a role, including:
- Genetics: Migraines often run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, can trigger migraines.
- Environmental factors: Changes in weather, stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods and drinks can trigger migraines.
Triggers of Migraines
Common migraine triggers include:
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly in women, can trigger migraines.
- Foods: Aged cheeses, salty and processed foods, and food additives like aspartame and MSG.
- Drinks: Alcohol, especially wine, and caffeinated beverages.
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can provoke migraines.
- Sensory stimuli: Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells.
- Sleep changes: Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- Physical factors: Intense physical exertion.
- Medications: Certain medications can trigger or worsen migraines.
Diagnosis of Migraines
Diagnosing migraines involves a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and possibly imaging tests to rule out other causes of headaches. Keeping a headache diary can help track symptoms, frequency, and potential triggers.