Questions and Answers About Migraine Disease

What is migraine?

Migraine is a hereditary disease. neurological, or nervous system disorder, characterized by symptoms that can range from severe or persistent headache to nausea and vomiting. can impact cognitionchange sensory perceptionand even reduce balance and strength.

What is the difference between a headache and a migraine attack?

A headache implies a headache. A migraine attack is different because its origin is neurological and causes Symptoms other than headache.. Symptoms include throbbing, throbbing headache that can be moderate to severe in intensity, often affects only one side, and is aggravated by physical activity. But a migraine attack also involves other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea or even vomiting. One in 3 people experiences a aura, which is like a warning before a migraine attack. The most common type of aura is a change in vision. People describe flashes of light, bright colors, or blurred vision. Other auras include a change in sensation such as numbness, tingling, decreased strength, or loss of balance. Auras can last from five to 60 minutes.

How long do migraine attacks last?

Migraine attacks usually last between four and 72 hours, but in some cases they can last even longer.

How does migraine affect people’s work and personal lives?

Disabling pain can prevent people from going to work, social and family events, or school. In fact, migraine disease is the second most common cause of disability among people under 50 years of age and is the most common cause of disability in young women. Even between attacks, people with this disorder live with the psychological stress of worrying about the next episode, and that can lead to restricting activities out of fear.

How can someone find out what triggers their migraine attacks?

Migraine attacks can be motivated by external and internal factors, and the triggers are different for each person. People with migraines can begin to learn their own triggers by paying attention to external factors such as exposure to bright light, loud noises, and strong odors. tobacco smoke, for example, and changes in barometric pressure due to weather or air travel. Internal triggers can include eating certain foods, changing sleeping habits, skipping meals, consuming too much caffeine, or becoming dehydrated. The phases of the menstrual cycle can also trigger migraine attacks in some women.

Read: Can migraine attacks be triggered? >>

How can journaling be helpful for migraine patients?

By recording the triggers, frequency, duration, symptoms, and intensity of attacks, people can begin to recognize patterns and take steps to manage their illness. For example, if each serious attack occurs after you have traveled by plane, you can talk to your healthcare provider about options to help you before you fly.

What are the treatment options for migraine attacks?

Treatment is divided into two categories: acute and preventive. Acute medications treat an ongoing migraine and may include medications such as triptans, ditans and pants. You can also use general pain relievers, such as NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen.

Preventive medication is recommended for people who experience more than four days of migraine attacks each month. Preventive medications, approved by the American Academy of Neurology, include beta blockers, anti-seizure medicationssome antidepressants and onabotulinum toxin A, commonly known as Botox. Botox is used for people with chronic migraine, who have 15 or more migraine days per month. New therapies for prevention include drugs known as gepants and monoclonal antibodies that target a protein in the brain and nervous system called Calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP). The release of CGRP in the brain is thought to promote migraine attacks.

Can any medications (including birth control) make migraine attacks worse?

Yes, some medications can aggravate migraine attacks. Estrogen-based hormone therapy, like birth control pills, can increase migraine attacks in about 1 in 3 women who use them, either as contraception or to treat other conditions and symptoms of menopause. Additionally, any medication that opens blood vessels (for example, nitroglycerin tablets, used to treat chest pain) can aggravate the underlying migraine.

Is migraine hereditary?

Yes. About 6 in 10 people with migraine can identify a blood relative who also has the trait.

Is there a chance that migraine symptoms may go away with time or with hormonal changes such as menopause?

For most women, migraine attacks begin when they get their period and peaks when they are over 30 years old. Changes in estrogen levels in perimenopause can cause an increase in migraine attacks. This is why migraine attacks may improve in some postmenopausal women. However, about 1 in 3 women continue to experience symptoms.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent migraine attacks?

Having a regular schedule can help. Getting up at the same time, going to bed at the same time, eating regularly, and staying well hydrated can help prevent migraine attacks. even in 6 out of 10 In people with migraines, certain foods and drinks can trigger attacks. These include alcohol, aged cheese, meats with nitrates and nitritescitrus fruits and juices, bananas, chocolate and monosodium glutamate. Smoking cigarettes or vaping can aggravate migraine illness. It is important to identify your triggers. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight will also help in migraine prevention. Stress, whether good or bad, can trigger an attack. This can happen even when the source of the stress disappears. For example, students who stay healthy during exam week may suffer an attack afterwards.