Causes and Prevention of Migraine

Introduction

Migraine can be shortly described as recurring cycles of headaches due to disorders in the central nervous system. The word derived from Greek language refers to ‘pain on one side of the head”. As the name suggests the pain affects on part of the brain which can be quite a grace situation that extends for prolonged periods extending from two hours to seventy hours. Migraine is basically related to triggering of the cerebral cortex which translates into acute pain in one part of the brain for long durations. Physical activity during migraine cycles worsens the situation making it almost impossible to participate in any physical activity. Along with the pain the patient may also have sensation of nausea, vomiting and high sensitivity to abnormal sound, light and even smell. Usually people who suffer from the disorder can sense in advance the occurrence through certain use of language, smell, sound or instances. Sometimes the aura ay just remains and may not turn into a headache as is the general case. Migraine affects people of all types and ages without any distinction of age, gender or occupation. However, in females the risk of migraine reduces during pregnancy as the chemical reaction does not induce possibility of migraine.

Causes of Migraine

Migraine can occur in an individual due to hereditary factors or due to certain triggers. However, there are no certain factors that lead to migraine. However, it can be perceived it’s a combination of external environmental and genetic factors that lead to the disorder. There is a common misconception that migraine occurs only to those who indulge in intellectual activities or are involved in much mentally demanding tasks. However, this is wrong as migraine can be seen in people who are much into physical activity too. It is a disease related to the central nervous system than anything related to intellect or mental activity. Genetic causes are stronger reasons for occurrence of migraine than other triggers. Sometimes, triggers for migraine can be experiences by an individual even twenty four hours prior to its occurrence. The common external triggers of migraine include hunger, stress, fatigue, loud noise, engaging in physically or mentally demanding work, menopause in women, excess drinking in men, etc. Food can also cause migraine as certain foods contain components that can cause chemical reactions in the nervous system causing it to work in a negative manner.

Symptoms of migraine

Since there are no standard symptoms or signs that confirm the presence of migraine a vast majority of the people remain undiagnosed of its presence. A more confirming factor of migraine is a pulsating and throbbing headache that continues for long hours. It restricts the ability of an individual to do anything physical leaving literally immobile. It is not necessary to seek neuro imaging tests to diagnose migraine but however, can be used to find the causes for other types of headaches. Usually the occurrence of the pain for more than five or six times will qualify for deeper analysis and treatment. The normal period of occurrence can be somewhere in between consecutive six hours to three of four days. The pain will be unilateral meaning affecting only one part of the brain unlike normal headaches that widespread all over the head. The other symptoms of migraine include nausea and constant vomiting due to irritation caused slightest smell, sound or even well lit surroundings. It can be confirmed that if a person if suffering from photophobia and nausea for prolonged hours that is the definite presence of migraine and no other symptom is required to confirm its presence.

Diagnosis of migraine

Migraine can be diagnosed only based on its symptoms and signs. Doctors may seek to know more about the previous medical history and headache patterns in the individual before diagnosing the headache as migraine. The International headache society has laid down the “5,4,3,2,1” basis on which the presence of migraine in a person is diagnosed or not. The basis lays down five or more instances of migraine symptoms, longing for more than four days, at least two in the case of unilateral location with throbbing sensation that can range from severe to moderate pain which elevates when some physical activity is undertaken. Further, the presence of any additional symptom like nausea, photophobia, high sensitivity to sound, vomiting, etc. confirms the presence of migraine. Tests like computer tomography, MRI scanning can be performed to detect serious cases like interior bleeding of the skull, strokes, blood clotting in the sensitivity membrane covering the brain, sinus blocks, tumors, high or low presence and not average presence of cerebrospinal fluid, etc. These diagnostic methods however, are used only after an extended period of time as most people are unaware of the presence of migraine until detected through lab tests.

Treatment of migraine

Minor lifestyle changes help in reducing the recurring presence of migraine. Getting adequate sleep, rest intervals, working in a peaceful or stress less atmosphere, maintaining the hydration of the body by drinking sufficient amounts of water, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise routine, etc. will help in preventing migraine. Medications for migraine are also available for migraine through over the counter medicines like aspirin, naproxen, paracetamol, etc. Consumption of caffeine of coffee also helps in bringing down the intensity of headache. Consumption of anti-emetics also aid in reducing nausea and vomiting sensations. Anti-depressants like tricyclics also aid in bringing down the migraine symptoms. However, their use and consumption is being regulated in most countries due to excessive intake. Other medications that help in controlling migraine include barbiturates, fiorinal, midrin, duadrin, etc. However, as a beginning a change in the lifestyle is what is most required. Proper amount of sleep, a relaxed state of mind, proper eye care, self-hypnosis, acupuncture also aid in reducing the impact of migraine. It is essential that the patient remains within indoors without much exposure to light and sound since exposure can aggravate the situation. Heavy foods and intense smells should be avoided for quick recovery from migraine.