A migraine is a neurologic disorder that causes an intense headache followed by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. People who suffer from migraine feel pain in the form of a pulsing sensation on one side of the head; migraine may last for a few hours to a few days, and sometimes the pain can be so severe that it may interfere with daily activities.
For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other irritations, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking. Doctors believe that migraine pain could be as frequent as having two-three four migraine headaches in a month and rare as one headache in a year.
When a migraine headache is triggered, it leads to a chain of abnormal activity in the brain’s nerves and chemicals. These activities further affect the blood flow in the brain. Taking the proper medication at the right time to make it less painful, followed by self-help remedies and lifestyle changes can ease the pain.
What are the symptoms of migraines?
The common symptoms of migraine are highlighted below:
- Mood changes ranging from depression to euphoria
- Constipation and increased urination
- Hallucinations
- Ice-picking sensation in the head, arms, and legs
- Issues with the vision
- Stiffness in the neck and yawning at an increased rate
- Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
What are the types of migraines?
There are four types of migraines, as highlighted below:
Prodrome
This is the first stage of a migraine, and it can last for a few hours or some days and may happen less frequently that it might go unnoticed.
Aura
This stage can last for as long as 60 minutes or as long as five hours. For many people, there can be a situation with an aura migraine and a headache simultaneously.
Headache
This long headache can last for 72 hours; in this stage, people feel the throbbing and drilling pain in one side of their head and spreading to the other it may also give you a sensation like an icepick in your head.
Postdrome
This stage can last for one to two days and is called a migraine hangover, which happens when the actual migraine has almost all people who suffer from migraine go through this stage.
Who can get a migraine?
There is no specific research that can predict the exact reason for migraine. However, the below-mentioned factors may increase your risk factors:
Genetics
People with a family medical migraine history may be at an increased rate of getting it in their lifetime.
Gender
Women are more prone to migraines than men, mainly because of the influence of their hormones.
Stress level
People who lead a stressful lifestyle are at an increased risk of migraines, as stress is one of the leading causes of triggering migraine.
Whom to consult for migraine?
You must consult your primary care provider first, as they can diagnose headaches and may start your treatment. Additionally, your primary care provider may refer you to a neurologist who can use different measures to prevent and treat migraines.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written after performing in-depth secondary research related to the topic from various articles, blogs, and journals which have expertise in writing for healthcare. The content presented on this page should not be considered a substitute for medical expertise. We advise you to book an appointment with the doctor for any doubts about headaches, migraine, and more.
