Migraine is a headache that causes thumping and excruciating pain. It can either occur on one side of your head or both. The pain mostly occurs behind one eye or around temples. There is no definite time limit to which the pain can last. According to experts, it can continue up to anywhere between 4 to 72 hours. Migraine, like any other condition, has symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. It can affect people from 15 to 55 years.
According to the American Migraine Association, 36 million Americans experience migraines, which is 12 percent of the total population.
It is easy for some people to identify what triggers migraines for them while some people receive warning signs before they get a migraine. It can be possible to notice alarming signs and act upon them to avoid agonizing pain.
Certain symptoms accompany a migraine. For example, before getting a migraine, you’re more likely to have symptoms of stress. You will feel the tension in muscles, upset stomach, fatigue, depression, and increased heart rate. You may experience symptoms of migraine two or three days before it occurs, and these symptoms can include mood swings, fatigue, food cravings, neck stiffness, and constipation.
Sometimes people can have migraine with aura. Its symptoms can include seeing flashing lights, vibrant colors, and shapes, having difficulty in speaking, and even temporary loss of vision.
A full-blown attack of migraine can be hard to cope with if it is left untreated. Signs that a person can recognize before the attack include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light, sounds, and even touches, throbbing pain, and feeling lightheaded.
What Triggers Migraines?
When it comes to identifying triggers, anything can be a liability. But some common triggers are:
Changes in Routines
It is common to get a migraine due to changes in routines and sleeping patterns. Not having enough sleep for a more extended time can result in a migraine attack. You may have often heard people saying that they get migraines on weekends. This is due to a change in eating and sleeping patterns.
Stress
Stress is directly linked to migraines. People say that they experience migraines after reduced metal pressure. Any form of tension, anxiety, or excitement may lead to migraine.
Caffeine
Increased consumption of caffeine can be a call for a migraine attack. Drinking more than 4 to 5 cups of tea, coffee, or cola can be a trigger. It is also possible that if you stop the consumption of caffeine completely, you might have a migraine attack. It is better to decrease consumption gradually.
Hormonal Changes
In women, migraine attacks can start at the age of puberty, and they can be linked to the menstrual cycle directly. Menopause can also be hard for women with migraines. Triggering hormonal changes in women may explain why women experience migraines more than men.
Environment
Certain environmental factors can also trigger migraines such as high humidity, loud noises, exposure to bright lights, and other weather changes.
Sitting In front of Computer or TV screens for Long:
Looking at computers or TV screens for an extended time can be a trigger. Long hour work shifts that require the use of computers can be disadvantageous. It is better to sit comfortably, so you don’t feel any tension in the neck, head, or shoulders.
Lack of Food
Not keeping a balanced diet and consuming a lot of sugary food can trigger a migraine. Skipping a meal or two might not sound like a big deal, but it can affect your mental health and result in a migraine attack.
How To Treat Migraine:
There is no cure for migraine up till now, but certain medications can reduce the intensity of pain and prevent future full-blown attacks. Medicines for migraine fall under two categories, pain-relieving medications, and preventive medications. Pain-relieving medicine helps to cope with the pain and decrease symptoms, whereas preventive medications are often taken regularly to reduce the severity of migraine.
Some variations in your life can help you avoiding migraine as much as possible. Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, keep yourself relaxed, and stay away from stress-causing things. Some people also feel that a gluten-free diet can help with migraine. Some say that relaxing in a dark room can be soothing and comforting to treat migraine for a little time.
Consulting an expert is always the best option. You cannot identify what type of medication you need, but of course, an expert can analyze your condition and provide you with a treatment plan accordingly.