Topics
Migraines are intense headaches characterised by strong throbbing or pulsating pain, often coupled with nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines are not typically considered dangerous, but they can be so debilitating that those affected may need to withdraw to a dark, quiet space until the symptoms ease.
The exact cause of migraines is unclear. Neurological, environmental, and hereditary factors are believed to play a role. Adult women are three times more likely to experience migraines compared to adult men.
Phases and symptoms of migraine
Migraines often follow a complex timeline, typically progressing through phases like prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. However, the duration and nature of these phases can vary significantly from person to person.
1. Prodrome
- May occur a day or two before the migraine starts.
- Symptoms: Mood changes, food cravings, inability to concentrate, fatigue and muscle stiffness, frequent yawning, smell, sound, or light sensitivity, changes in sleep patterns, nausea.
- Individuals prone to migraines should look out for symptoms during the prodrome phase to help prevent migraine episodes.
2. Aura
- Approximately one-third of individuals who have migraines encounter the aura phase.
- Typically develops gradually over a minimum of 5 minutes and can persist for up to 60 minutes.
- Symptoms: Seeing bursts of light, brilliant spots, wavy lines, or black dots; having “pins and needles” sensation; numbness or weakness in one side of the body or the face, speech changes, tinnitus.
- Individuals who are aware that a migraine will occur after an aura can determine when to take medicine that may lessen or stop migraine discomfort.
3. Headache
- Lasts for up to 72 hours or more if left untreated. Usually, it begins gradually and progresses into pulsing and throbbing on one or both sides of the head.
- Symptoms: Icepick in the head, sensitivity to light, smell, and sound, neck pain and stiffness, depression or anxiety, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and light-headedness and fainting.
4. Postdrome
- Causes individuals to experience symptoms lasting up to a day. Also known as “hungover migraine.”
- Symptoms: Fatigue, feelings of euphoria or mild depression, difficulty concentrating, body aches.
Managing migraines effectively
Managing migraines effectively include identifying and avoid potential triggers such as hormonal changes, alcohol, caffeine, stress, anxiety, sensory stimuli such as bright or flashing lights, loud sounds or strong smells, changes in sleep patterns, physical strain, weather changes, medications, certain foods and additives, and skipped meals.
Migraines are treatable. Acute treatment for migraines involves medications taken at the onset of an attack to alleviate pain and symptoms immediately. Medications to stop migraines include aspirin, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, ergots, and antiemetics.
Preventive treatment involves medications that are taken daily to reduce the frequency and severity of future migraine episodes. These medications include antiseizure medications, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers.
Lifestyle tips to prevent migraines
- Take a break: Migraines and stress are linked. Avoid overworking, stay positive, and engage in relaxing activities. Regular breaks can help prevent migraines or reduce symptoms if one is already developing.
- Healthy diet: While it may not eliminate migraines, a balanced diet can reduce their frequency and intensity. Focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid trans fats, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, aged cheeses, red wine, and processed meats. Stay hydrated, limit caffeine, and keep a food diary to identify triggers.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. To help you unwind, rest in a quiet, dark environment.
- Physical activity: Opt for aerobic exercises such as cycling, swimming, or walking. Keep in mind that vigorous exercise might trigger migraines, so begin at a gentle pace.
- Maintain a migraine diary: By recording details about headaches and related factors in a migraine diary, individuals can work with their doctor to identify patterns, determine triggers, and develop a personalised treatment plan.
When to see a doctor for migraine
A migraine typically lasts 4 to 72 hours if untreated. If it persists beyond 72 hours, consult a doctor for further evaluation and management.
Warning signs that a migraine may be more serious include:
- Severe pain unrelieved by over-the-counter medication or lasting more than three days.
- Migraines starting after age 50.
- Changes in headache pattern or severity.
- Headaches that worsen with coughing or movement.
- Personality or cognitive changes.
- Accompanying symptoms like fever, stiff neck, confusion, memory loss, neurological issues (e.g., seizures, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, vision changes).
- Headache following trauma.
- Headaches disrupting daily activities or waking you at night.
- Headaches in individuals with cancer or weakened immune systems.
Potential complications of migraine
The intensity of a migraine attack may cause concern about potential long-term damage. While brain scans of migraine sufferers sometimes show white matter lesions, a systematic review on migraines and brain structure changes indicates that these lesions generally do not link to neurological issues or increase the risk of cognitive decline.
Status migrainosus is a severe, debilitating migraine attack that prolongs over 72 hours. It is more prevalent in females and can happen in individuals who experience migraines, whether with or without aura.
Migrainous infarction is a rare type of stroke characterised by a migraine episode occurring in a person with migraine with aura, where one or more aura symptoms last for over an hour. Imaging test reveals an infarction in a pertinent brain region.
Persistent aura without infarction is described as aura symptoms lasting for a week or longer without any signs of infarction on neuroimaging and a migraine aura-triggered seizure refers to a seizure that occurs because of a migraine attack with aura.
In extremely rare cases, complications like swelling of the brain (cerebral oedema) or complications from medication overuse headaches can pose serious risks. Migraines can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to severe symptoms, but death directly caused by migraines is exceedingly rare.
Make an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Treatment options are available to manage migraines and improve your quality of life. If you or someone you know experiences migraines, it is crucial to take action to manage and alleviate symptoms effectively.
A dedicated and expert team of neurologists at Gleneagles Hospital is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions regarding migraines.
