Migraine
Migraine is the most well-known type of headache. It presents as a sharp or pulsating pain that generally begins toward the front or one side of the head. The attack can increase in intensity, extending to the frontal region, involving the forehead and temples. It can last a couple of hours or even days, with symptoms that shift from one individual to another, which can be intolerable in many cases.
Sometimes migraines are gone before by specific signs, like blazes of light or shivering in the leg or arm. Migraine victims frequently need to depend on complete rest in a peaceful, detached and dim climate. Migraine is characterized as constant when it presents symptoms for at least 15 days every month for three ensuing months. Ladies are multiple times bound to have migraines. In additional serious cases it is ideal to look for clinical consideration, staying away from the utilization of medications in an uncontrolled way.
What is migraine?
Migraine is a recurrent form of headache. Around 10-12% of world population has a migraine assault no less than once in their life. The World Health Organization has classified it as the second most handicapping pathology for humanity and the third generally regular.
Migraine belongs to the headache family. To recognize it, you can refer to some characteristics: migraine generally, but not exclusively, occurs on only one side of the head (unilaterality); produces intense, throbbing, disabling pain; worsens with movement.
Migraines can occur with or without aura. Aura is a symptom that goes before or is related with a migraine attack and is described by unexpected blazes of light (scintillating scotoma). The patient encounters glimmers of light, shadiness in one or the two eyes, shivering in the appendages, solidness in the neck, trouble talking. During a migraine attack, roughly 70% of patients report being not able to do anything, while 60% of those impacted by this pathology are continually terrified of the beginning of symptoms.
Causes:
Migraine is caused by a complex physiopathogenetic mechanism in which a protein, the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), plays a fundamental role, which dilates blood vessels and modulates the pain signal in the nervous system. During a migraine attack the levels of this protein increase significantly.
The causes of migraines are not yet completely clear. It is certain that several factors play a determining role:
genetic predisposition, external factors, systemic pathologies, hormonal factors. Scientific studies have highlighted the relationship between this type of headache and biochemical alterations in the brain, which interfere with the mechanisms of transmission of nervous signals.
Sometimes the correlation between migraine and the consumption of certain foods or drinks has been reported. There is certainly a link with stress, sleep disorders, climate changes, use of certain drugs, physical problems. Generally, the familiarity of the problem is assessed: if there are cases of recurrent migraine in the family, the chances of the disorder occurring increase.
Symptoms:
Migraine symptoms can be divided into two categories. Those that precede the migraine attack (called prodromal) and those that accompany the actual attack.
One or two days before the following may appear:
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Irritability.
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Constipation.
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Depression or increased appetite.
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Neck stiffness.
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Visual disturbances typical of the aura: flashes of light, glare.
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Motor and language disorders.
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Tingling in arms and legs.
The symptoms of a migraine attack have a subjective variability, both in terms of duration and intensity, and can include:
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Pulsating pain concentrated in one or more points of the head, particularly in the front, front or side. Typically unilateral, but can also be bilateral, of medium-strong intensity and lasting from 4 to 72 hours.
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Nausea.
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Vomit.
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Visual disturbances, glare.
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Dizziness.
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Sensitivity to light (photophobia), to sounds (phonophobia), to smells.
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Irritability.
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Nervousness.
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Agitation and confusion.
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Poor concentration.
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Chills.
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Sweating.
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Abdominal pain.
At the end of the painful phase, a debilitating phase follows characterized by:
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Tiredness.
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Lack of appetite.
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Dizziness.
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Constipation.
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Diuresis. Â
Diagnosis:
Patients who complain of a form of headache should not underestimate the problem and should instead refer to specialized centers for a neurological examination that can identify the type of headache and plan the most suitable treatment.
Effective Migraine Management Strategies:
Lifestyle Modifications:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. This includes maintaining regular sleep patterns, staying hydrated, and managing stress through practices like meditation and yoga.
Dietary Considerations:
Certain foods and beverages can act as triggers for migraines. Identify and avoid potential triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and processed foods.
Medication Options:
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can help manage migraine symptoms. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs.
Alternative Therapies:
Explore alternative therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback, and chiropractic care. These approaches can complement traditional medical treatments and provide relief for some migraine sufferers.
Preventive Measures for Long-Term Relief:
Identifying Triggers:
Keeping a migraine diary can help pinpoint triggers and patterns, aiding in the development of a more effective prevention strategy.
Regular Exercise:
Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Choose activities that you enjoy and can incorporate into your routine.
Stay Hydrated:
Dehydration can be a migraine trigger for many individuals. Ensure you’re drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
Treatments:
The first targeted prophylactic therapy for migraine is available. These are Erenumab, Galcanezumab or
Fremanezumab: monoclonal antibodies that counteract the vasodilation effect and thus prevent the onset of the crisis. It is a preventive therapy that the patient carries out once a month via subcutaneous injection and which allows to reduce the number of attacks and the intake of drugs in the acute symptomatology phase. They are very effective drugs, which have fewer side effects than other available prevention therapies.
Monoclonal antibodies can be associated with botulinum toxin, which can also be used alone, and which is useful for improving the treatment of chronic migraines. It is administered with a protocol of injections in specific points of the head and neck, which are carried out every three months in a hospital setting.
Before setting up the therapy it is important to identify and remove the potential triggering and aggravating factors of the pathology, which can be environmental, nutritional, psychological, pharmacological and work-related.
It is also always recommended for those who suffer from headaches to adopt a balanced lifestyle. It is important to stay hydrated, have a balanced diet, regulate your sleep-wake rhythm and regularly practice physical activity.