Living with Migraines: Triggers, Symptoms, and Relief

A migraine is not simply a headache. It is a medical disorder impacting the brain. It often exists with substantial head pain, generally on one side of the head. It is generally described as having a pulsing or throbbing characteristic. People with this condition usually feel nauseous, vomit, and may be sensitive to light and sound.

Let’s learn about migraine headache meaning, common causes, symptoms, and how to relieve them.

Migraine Headache Definition and Difference Between a Typical Headache

A typical headache can cause a dull ache in your forehead, or maybe the back part of your head. A migraine can be much worse and last longer. Oftentimes, the headache can begin with blurry vision, mood change, or some strange smell. In many cases, the pain builds and stays around from hours to even days.

Migraine Headache Causes

There is no one reason for migraines. It usually occurs because of a combination of genetics, the brain’s chemistry, and various triggers from your environment and lifestyle. Some of the most common migraine causes are:

• • Hormonal changes, especially in women during menstruation
  • Not eating or eating at strange times
  • Excessive or sudden emotional stress
  • Inadequate sleep or excessive sleep
  • Excessive brightness, loud noises, or heavy scents
  • Changes in weather

• Certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, caffeine, or processed meats

Migraine Symptoms

Migraines usually progress through four phases, but not everyone experiences all four:

1. Prodrome: Hours or a day prior to the migraine, one may feel fatigued, experience food cravings, feel tension in the neck, or feel a change in mood.
2. Aura: Some experience light flashes, perhaps even vision loss, or tingling or sensation such as “pins and needles.” This phase typically only lasts up to an hour.
3. Attack: The actual migraine pain begins. This may last hours or even up to three days. The pain is usually one-sided and can be very severe. One may feel sick or even vomit during this phase.
4. Post-drome: One may feel confused or fatigued, unable to concentrate, following the pain.

Migraine Headache Reasons and Who has it

Anyone can experience migraines, but it is more likely to occur in:

• People with a family history of migraines

• Women, particularly between 15 and 55 years old

• People with a lot of stress or poor sleep patterns

Learning the cause of a migraine problem helps people to manage it more effectively.

Migraine Headache Treatment Opportunities

There is no complete migraine cure, but they can be managed effectively with appropriate actions. Migraine Headache Treatment generally includes medication, lifestyle changes, and avoidance of triggers 

1. Migraine Medicine 
2. A doctor may recommend one of the following two types of medications:
3. i) Pain Relief medication – Used during the attack to lessen the pain.  Such medication may include over the counter drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and prescription drugs. 
4. ii) Preventative medications– Used regularly to lessen the amount of attacks.  Such medication may include blood pressure medication, anti-depressants, or anti-seizure medications. 
5. Never self-medicate for migraines, always consult with a doctor to determine the best option for you.
6. Lifestyle Habits That Help

Following a routine is a good way to reduce migraine incidence. Here are some things to consider:

1. Eat meals regularly 
2. Drink appropriate amounts of water
3. Go to bed and wake up at the same, regular time 
4. Minimize exposure to migraine triggers -like loud noise or skipping meals.
5. Exercise regularly (like walking, swimming, or light jogging)
6. Migraine Fast Relief at Home

If you feel a migraine approaching, do the following:

• Lay down in a dark, quiet room.
• Put a cold or warm cloth on your forehead or neck.
• Drink water.
• Do deep breathing or light meditation.
• Take your prescribed medicine at the first sign.

4.Migraine Yoga and Natural Relief

Yoga can facilitate blood circulation and stress reduction that can positively impact the severity and frequency of migraines over time. Some beneficial yoga positions you might consider include:

• Child’s pose (Balasana)
• Legs-up-the-wall pose (Viparita Karani) 
• Cat-Cow stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
• Breathing techniques (Pranayama)  

These gentle movements enable you to relax your body while decreasing the intensity of headache pain.

Tracking Patterns of Migraines

• Keep a journal to record:
• When you experienced the migraine
• What you consumed that day 
• How long it lasted 

This identifies triggers and ultimately will assist with your physician’s treatment options.

Migraines can vastly affect your quality of life, but learning about your triggers, symptoms, and treatment options allow you to take some control. There is a lot you can do, from careful use of migraine medicine, to daily habits, and even migraine yoga.

If you are struggling with symptoms that continue or impact your day-to-day life, it is essential to get professional help. As a part of Sugam Hospital, we believe in individual care, with facility access and diagnostics. Whether you are seeking lifestyle changes or long-term migraine headache treatment, we are here to help. With the top neurologist in Chennai, we will help you find a way back to better health and real relief through expertly trained professional care. Contact us today to start your path in an effective migraine treatment plan that suits you.