Migraines are a type of headache with signs and symptoms of sensitivity to light, sounds or smells, eye pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you have a migraine consider visiting Dr. Gurneet Sawhney, an expert neurosurgeon in Mumbai.

Causes of Migraine

The exact mechanism by which migraine pain happens is unknown. The present theory is that it is a disorder of nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Migraine headache attacks might be activated by dietary, hormonal, emotional, physical, and even environmental influences.

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Symptoms of Migraine

The main symptom of a migraine is generally a headache followed by severe pain that gets intense with movement and is disabling, that is, prevents an individual from executing normal activities.

A migraine attack might progress with 4 phases, the signs and symptoms of which can overlay:

Symptoms of Migraine

  • Early signs: Slight changes one or two days prior to a migraine that directs a migraine might be coming, together with constipation, yawning, mood changes, food hunger, and neck stiffness.
  • Aura: Some individuals experience aura before or through the headache. Aura symptoms, that develop over 5 minutes and last for up to 1 hour, might comprise Visual disturbances, such as sparks of light, zig-zag patterns, or blind spots; numbness or stinging on one side of the face or in an arm/ leg section; and feeling quite giddy or off balance.
  • Headache: This phase could last from 2 to 72 hours and is observed by a moderate to extreme headache that is excruciating or pulsing, and generally only on one side of the head. An individual may also be more vulnerable to light, sounds, odors, and touch; and undergo sudden chills and sweating, nausea and vomiting, blurry vision, and light-headedness.
  • Hangover: Post-migraine attack, an individual may feel exhausted and washed out. Confusion, irritability, dizziness, weakness, and sensitivity to light and sound might also be felt the following day.

Treatment of Migraine Headache

Unfortunately, there is no cure for migraine headaches – the goal of the migraine treatment is to dismiss the symptoms once they start and try to evade further attacks. More than one chronic migraine treatment might help and it may take time for migraine specialists to see what treatments work best. This will include trying various types or blends of medicines.

Migraine Treatment

1 . Pain-relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers, which include paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen, can benefit in migraine management. This quick treatment tends to be most effectual when taken at the advent of the signs and symptoms of a migraine headache attack.

2. Triptans

These are known as prescription drugs developed precisely for migraine headaches. It is believed that triptans work to relieve pain and migraine management by blocking pain pathways and tightening blood vessels in the brain. Some individuals find it effective to combine a triptan with a pain-reliever.

3. Anti-emetics

Anti-sickness medicines, also known as anti-emetics, can decrease the vomiting and nausea related with a migraine headache. They might even be helpful in people who don’t experience nausea or vomiting during their migraine attack. Anti-emetics are best prescription medications and are typically taken along with pain-relievers and triptans.

4. Preventative medicines

Preventative medicines may be prescribed by migraine specialists to decrease the severity or frequency of migraines. They are used when other medicines don’t work; when migraines are severe, continuous or frequent; and when evading possible triggers has not helped to stop migraine pain attacks.

These include various instant migraine relief medications that were originally developed and used to avert seizures in people with epilepsy, manage angina and high blood pressure, and antidepressants.

How is migraine diagnosed?

A chronic migraine usually occurs at least 15 days a month and can result in a poor quality of life and considerable productivity loss. It is necessary to seek treatment for it.

During the consultation, Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney will discuss your health history and symptoms so that he can assess your condition.

He may also ask you to undergo a few tests, including blood tests, MRI or CT scans,and electroencephalogram (EEG).

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Ways to prevent migraine

Ways to prevent migraineFollowing these steps may prevent symptoms:

  • Avoid triggers. To do so, maintain a diary to keep track of the symptom patterns so that you can identify them.
  • Managing stress helps – practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat on time, and avoid skipping meals.
  • Stay hydrated
  • Get plenty of rest

You should visit the doctor immediately if

  • The headaches are severe and abrupt
  • Problems such as a change in vision, trouble with balance and walking, and weakness in a body part or numbness do not get better after the headache goes away
  • You have a stiff neck or fever
  • The headaches are more severe or different than your regular headache pattern

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Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a migraine headache may last from several hours up to a few days.

Yes, even children can suffer from migraines. The treatment for them is similar to adults’ treatment, but the medicine dosage has to be adjusted to suit their age.

Acute migraine therapy helps relieve symptoms after the migraine starts, whereas preventative migraine therapy is usually taken to reduce the headaches’ severity, duration, and frequency.

Most migraines are not dangerous. However, in extremely rare cases, hemiplegic migraine can sometimes lead to serious complications or coma.

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