Migraine is a common condition these days, and people are suffering a lot from it. This interferes with their regular lifestyle and does not let them feel comfortable at all. According to research, more than 65% of people are suffering from migraines and are taking regular medication to prevent the same. When you approach the migraine specialist nearby, he will help you with knowing certain aspects related to the same and will try to understand the causes behind it. But some people also have the curiosity to know how a migraine happens. Here in this article, we will be discussing how a migraine happens, helping you to know about the same in detail!
Phases of Migraine
There are four phases of migraine, and people go through all of them before experiencing the same thing. These are:-
Phase 1: Onset
The different triggers for a migraine start from outside or inside and can be one of many aspects, such as lack of sleep, increased stress, changing diet, and more. These send signals to the brain and cause neurons in it to fire in an abnormal way. This marks the start of my migraines.
Phase 2: Hypersensitivity
Abnormal, spontaneous brain activity can lead to hyperexcitability in various parts of the brain. This results in symptoms that affect the mood, senses, and finely-coordinated ability. Nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, as well as difficulty speaking, are common.
Some people experience an aura with a migraine, which is typically a visual disturbance that manifests as lights or lines. Alternatively, it can lead to temporary loss of vision. It’s important to talk with your doctor and rule out other conditions and diseases if you’ve been experiencing migraines for more than 10 days per month.
Phase 3: Attack
Scientists believe that migraines might happen because of a drop in the body’s levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This leads to the release of other chemicals called neuropeptides, which are often characterized by head pain. Low serotonin levels can lead to a decrease in the amount of blood flowing in and around your head, which can result in pressure and throbbing in your head.
Phase 4: Aftereffects
Most migraines last around 4 hours or so, but your body needs time to recover. For the day following a migraine, impaired concentration, fatigue, and even weakness are all normal. It’s not uncommon to feel tired for the next few days, so take it easy and get plenty of rest.
The next few days are critical for your recovery. Try to keep away from any stressful situations and just rest. Remember to continue with your medication.
Types of Migraine
There are also different types of migraine. such as:
Visual Migraine
A migraine is identified as a painful headache that occurs on one side of the head and can cause involuntary movements such as blinking, tearing, or wincing. Migraines can also be characterized by nausea, sensitivity to light, noise, or touch and visual disturbances
Migraine without vision
A common type of migraine is also called a migraine without vision. People may have some problems associated with this, including vomiting, mood swings, etc.
Chronic Migraine
Chronic migraine is also known as a mixed headache because of the tissue appearance of migraine and tension headache. You might be more likely to develop this type of headache if you consume more medicines.
Optical Migraine
It is also known as an Eye Migraine, which affects one eye. There is a possibility of eye damage if you don’t seek medical help as soon as possible.
3 Remedies for Migraine
Here are some important things to keep in mind when dealing with migraines. They are measures to prevent it, such as food sensitivities & spicy foods, and the bioavailability of different painkillers you may have been prescribed.
1. Getting enough sleep-
According to experts, most adults need at least 6 hours of sleep every day. Not getting enough sleep can cause health problems, particularly for people with migraines.
2. Exercise-
Daily exercise can be a tremendous benefit to your health. When it comes to reducing the chances of migraine, it’s best if you go outside, not just because of the serenity nature provides but also because it boosts dopamine levels that reduce pain and tension. Making exercise a habit can improve your overall health & well-being.
3. Keeping the routine balanced-
Migraines can be prevented by a systematic routine. Along with this, there are many other things that are important for preventing migraines and for improving general health conditions. An example of such a task would be to sleep/wake up at a routine time as well as take regular breaks in between work/activities.
Some important points related to Migraine
1. This type of problem is seen more in women & children than men. Apart from this, the disease is also found in children.
2. The length of time the effects of this problem last can vary but it is usually between a short few hours to a few days.
3. As people get older, their mental capacities start to decline in some cases.
How a Migraine Happens?
Migraines are intense headaches that can last for hours or days.
A migraine headache is typically severe, sometimes debilitating, and throbbing. Occasionally, they are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. During a migraine, the blood vessels in the head dilate (expand), leading to an increase in the amount of blood flowing through them. This may cause visual disturbances or lead to light sensitivity (photophobia).
How do migraines feel (Symptoms of Migraine)
Migraine headaches typically cause pain on one side of the head, but it is not uncommon for them to start on both sides and move to one side during an attack. Some common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, while some people may also experience disorientation or hallucinations that may occur during an attack.
The severity of a migraine attack can vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual and other factors such as stress, environment, medication taken, or food eaten.
Why are migraines so painful?
A migraine is a pain in the head, usually on one side. This pain is often throbbing. It can cause nausea and vomiting. They are more common in people who have a family history of migraines or who drink alcohol, smoke, or take birth control pills.
Migraines happen when blood vessels inside your head swell and press on nerves there. The swollen blood vessels make the pain worse and irritate the nerves in your brain that sense pain, touch, and other sensations. It can also make you sensitive to light, sound, smells, or taste.
What to eat in Migraine?
- You can use apple cider vinegar during a migraine. Add honey to one glass of water and drink it for days to prevent or treat migraines. When you have a migraine, you might feel better if you mix in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with the 2 tablespoons of honey before drinking it.
- Ginger can be used as a medication for migraines. It not only relieves the pain, but it can even help stop the headache altogether. You can take it off your tongue and put it in your mouth like a regular food or drink it with sugar or honey.
- It is important to eat a wide variety of food throughout any vacation you take. These foods will help you stay healthy, balanced, and in a good mood.
What not to eat in Migraine?
- Migraines can be uncomfortable for those who experience them. If possible, try to avoid junk food and canned products due to their high sodium levels. Migraines can be dangerous by using these things.
- Avoid foods that feature too many chili spices. It can also be hard to drink things like tea, coffee, and cold drinks when you have a fever. You should talk to your doctor for further advice on the matter
When to see a doctor?
Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of the situation. If you notice any condition, approach the doctor promptly. You can approach a neurologist in Jaipur.
Yes, Dr. Vikram Bohra is a specialized neurologist with years of experience in treating people with such conditions. Fix an appointment with him and start the treatment immediately!
Most Asked Questions
Q. How do migraines feel?
Ans: Migraines are painful and debilitating. They normally start with intense tenderness, or even bleeding in the brain, along with pounding pangs in the forehead and auras around the eyes. They progressively get worse with time.
Q. Can you get a migraine from eating something?
Ans: The answer is a definitive no. Migraines are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or certain foods.
Q. What are the types of headaches one can have an encounter with?
Ans: Three types of headaches exist:
- Mild headaches
- Moderate headache
- severe headaches
Q. How can I prevent a migraine?
Ans: Sometimes, they are hard to predict, and the only way is to be prepared. Headaches can be caused by stress or lack of sleep, but sometimes they are triggered by food allergies, hormonal changes (before or during your period), or bright lights. Thus, itis important to pay attention to the triggers and get rid of it
Q. What are some treatment options for migraines?
Ans: Some treatment options for migraines include over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, prescription medications like Sumatriptan, and alternative treatments like acupuncture.
Q. How do you make a migraine go away?
Ans: Some people also use a cold pack on the forehead, apply a warm compress to the neck, or sip ginger tea to relieve symptoms. If these treatments don’t work, some people take migraine medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These drugs can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
