Migraines are a common and debilitating condition that affects about 12 percent of the adult population. They usually begin in early adulthood, but some people develop migraines later on in life. In addition to genetics, migraines run in families. Some people develop their first migraine as early as elementary school, while others don’t start until they’re in their 20s or 30s. Migraines can occur frequently, and they can occur weeks, months, or years apart. Some people may be more susceptible to migraines than others, but there are also certain triggers that can cause migraines.
The first step in diagnosing your migraine is making a diary of your headache symptoms. You’ll want to record how many hours of sleep you had that day, how stressful you were, and what you ate and drank. Write down the types of pain you felt and the intensity on a scale of one to ten. You’ll also want to list your medications, if any. This way, your doctor will know what you’re taking and what could be causing your headaches.
Alternative therapies are not recommended for everyone, and they don’t work for everyone. Acupuncture is one popular treatment for migraines, but it should only be done by a qualified professional. Alternative treatments such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are not proven to cure migraines, and may take a few weeks before you notice any results. While it’s true that a lot of treatments are not effective, they can help manage your symptoms and even prevent migraines.
Aside from medication, lifestyle, and environmental factors can play a role in triggering a migraine. If you are prone to migraines, you should be mindful of your hormones. Women may experience migraines during their menses, which means the abrupt drop in estrogen can trigger a headache. For men, hormonal changes are unlikely to trigger a migraine. Keeping a diary is a helpful way to understand what causes your headaches.
Before a migraine, you might experience a warning signal called an aura. This usually occurs before the pain itself begins. Often, this warning sign is mistaken for a stroke or seizure. The aura lasts for ten to sixty minutes, and can vary from person to person. Auras occur about 15% of the time. They can also occur after the headache. Almost half of all people experience auras during a migraine, but the symptoms may be different.
Aside from being life-threatening, migraines can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. According to a study by the World Health Organisation, migraines are the sixth-leading cause of disability worldwide. They can also negatively affect employment, family life, and social life. There are two types of migraines, known as classical and common migraine. Each has distinct characteristics. Some are more severe than others, so it’s important to know which one you’re experiencing.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent migraines. A cold cloth, a numbing spray, or a vapor rub may help relieve the pain, but a headache exacerbated by these treatments can be dangerous. Changing your lifestyle can help prevent recurring migraines and make them less severe. If you think you’re suffering from a migraine, it’s time to see a doctor. If you’re experiencing severe headaches or can’t function at all, you should seek medical care.
Migraines are usually associated with an abnormal brain chemical activity that affects blood flow. While a migraine feels similar to a normal headache, it’s significantly more severe. It may come with an aura, a warning that the migraine is about to strike. The pain may be severe enough to cause nausea or vomiting, and you might be sensitive to light. Depending on the severity of the migraine, your doctor may prescribe a prescription for anti-migraine drugs.
Currently, the exact cause of migraines is unknown, but changes in neurotransmitter levels have been suggested to play a role in the pain and intensity of the attacks. Moreover, a gene related to the calcitonin gene has been identified as a trigger. This protein, which is produced throughout the body, causes the brain to dilate blood vessels and inflammation in the meninges. A migraine diagnosis is made based on a number of clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment usually involves over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Although migraines can be caused by an underlying problem, experts do not recommend brain imaging unless a patient has typical migraine symptoms and undergoes a thorough neurological examination. In addition, migraineurs with familial hemiplegic migraine must have a genetic mutation, which cannot be diagnosed through blood tests or a brain scan. In such cases, a migraine diagnosis is made only after a patient’s symptoms have been confirmed as a result of a careful clinical evaluation.