Migraine
Blog post description.
6/7/20262 min read
A migraine is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent attacks of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. It is more than "just a bad headache" because it involves changes in brain activity, nerves, and blood vessels.
Although the exact cause is not fully understood, migraines are thought to involve:
Abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signaling.
Activation of the trigeminal nerve, which transmits pain signals.
Release of inflammatory substances around the brain's blood vessels.
Genetic and environmental factors that make some people more susceptible.
Types of migraine
Migraine with aura
Headache is preceded or accompanied by neurological symptoms called an aura.
Aura may include:
Flashing lights or zigzag lines.
Blind spots.
Tingling or numbness.
Difficulty speaking.
Aura usually lasts 5–60 minutes.
Migraine without aura
The most common type.
Headache occurs without warning aura symptoms.
Chronic migraine
Headaches occur on 15 or more days per month for over 3 months, with migraine features on at least 8 of those days.
Hemiplegic migraine
A rare form causing temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
Symptoms
Migraine attacks often progress through four stages, though not everyone experiences all of them.
1. Prodrome (hours to days before)
Mood changes.
Food cravings.
Neck stiffness.
Frequent yawning.
Fatigue.
Increased thirst.
2. Aura (if present)
Visual disturbances.
Tingling sensations.
Speech difficulties.
Temporary weakness.
3. Headache phase
Typically:
Moderate to severe pain.
Usually one-sided, though it can affect both sides.
Throbbing or pulsating quality.
Lasts 4–72 hours if untreated.
Associated symptoms include:
Nausea and vomiting.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia).
Sensitivity to smells.
Dizziness.
4. Postdrome
After the headache:
Exhaustion.
Difficulty concentrating.
Mild residual headache.
Feeling mentally "foggy."
Common triggers
Triggers vary between individuals and may include:
Emotional stress.
Lack of sleep or oversleeping.
Skipping meals.
Dehydration.
Hormonal changes (especially around menstruation).
Bright lights.
Strong odors.
Loud noises.
Weather changes.
Certain foods such as aged cheese, processed meats, chocolate, or alcohol (especially red wine).
Excessive caffeine or caffeine withdrawal.
Diagnosis
There is no single test for migraine. Diagnosis is based on:
Medical history.
Description of symptoms.
Physical and neurological examination.
Brain imaging such as an MRI scan or CT scan may be recommended if symptoms are unusual or suggest another condition.
Treatment
During a migraine attack
Treatment may include:
Resting in a quiet, dark room.
Drinking fluids if dehydrated.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Paracetamol.
Prescription migraine-specific medicines such as Sumatriptan or other triptans.
Anti-nausea medications if needed.
Preventive treatment
For frequent or severe migraines, a healthcare professional may prescribe:
Blood pressure medications (such as beta blockers).
Certain antidepressants.
Certain anti-seizure medications.
OnabotulinumtoxinA injections for chronic migraine.
Newer medications targeting Calcitonin gene-related peptide pathways.
Lifestyle measures
Many people reduce migraine frequency by:
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
Eating meals consistently.
Staying well hydrated.
Exercising regularly.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques.
Keeping a headache diary to identify personal triggers.
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
A sudden, extremely severe ("thunderclap") headache.
A headache after a head injury.
Persistent weakness, confusion, or seizures.
Fever with neck stiffness and headache.
Vision loss that does not resolve.
A new severe headache after age 50.
A significant change in your usual migraine pattern.
Prognosis
The above content is generated by AI