Migraine
Overview
It can cause debilitating throbbing pain in the head that can leave you in bed for days. Movement, light, sound and other triggers may cause symptoms like pain, tiredness, nausea, visual disturbances, numbness, tingling, irritability, difficulty in speaking, temporary loss of vision and many more.
A migraine is a primary headache means there is no blood test or imaging to diagnose it.
An aura is present which means a group of sensory, motor and speech symptoms act like warning signals that headache is about to begin. An aura can last from 10 to 60 minutes.
Aura Symptoms are
- Seeing bright flashing dots, sparkles.
- Blind spot.
- Numb or tingling skin, speech change, tinnitus.
- Change in smell and taste.
Stages of Migraine
- Prodrome – Last for few hours or days.
- Aura – Last as long as 60 minutes.
- Headache – Typically start on one side of your head.
- Postdrome – Often called as migraine hangover go for a day or two.
Risk factors
- 80% of people who get migraine have a first degree relative with disease.
- Happen to women more than men.
- High stress trigger migraine.
- Smoking.
Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite.
- Pale skin colour.
- Feeling tired.
- Dizziness.
- Blurred vision.
- Diarrhoea.
- Fever.
- Tender scalp.
- Feeling warm or cold.
Triggers of Migraine
- Emotional stress.
- Missing a meal.
- Sensitivity to specific chemical and preservatives in food.
- Caffeine.
- Daily use of pain killers.
- Hormonal changes in women.
- Flashing light.
Medications used in Migraine Pain Relieve
- Triptans, calcium channel blockers.
- Beta blockers, Antidepressants, Anti-seizure drugs, multivitamins.
Home Management
- Resting in dark, quiet and cool room.
- Applying a cold compress.
- Massaging your scalp.
- Yoga
- Appling pressure to temples in a circular motion.
- Keep yourself in calm state.