A migraine attack is more than just a headache. Migraine disease can be a total body experience, and the triggers and symptoms of migraine attacks are very individual. HealthyWomen spoke with Maureen Moriarty, DNP, associate professor of nursing at Marymount University’s Malek School of Nursing, about this common but often misunderstood condition. The good news? Attacks can be treated, and some can even be avoided, by knowing and avoiding your personal triggers.
What is migraine?
Migraine disease is a hereditary disease neurological, or nervous system, disorder characterized by symptoms that may range from severe or persistent head pain to nausea and vomiting. This may have an impact cognitionchange sensory perceptionand even reduce balance and strength.
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine attack?
A headache implies headaches. A migraine attack is different because its source is neurological and it causes symptoms besides headaches. Symptoms include throbbing, pounding head pain that can be moderate to severe in intensity, is often on one side, and is worsened by physical activity. But a migraine attack also involves other symptoms, like sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, or even vomiting. One in three people feel will have, which is a kind of warning, before a migraine attack. The most common type of aura is a change in vision. People describe flashes of light, bright colors, or blurred vision. Other auras include a change in sensation such as numbness, tingling, decreased strength, or loss of balance. Auras can last anywhere from five to 60 minutes.
How long do migraine attacks last?
Migraine attacks usually last between four and 72 hours, but can last even longer in some cases.
How does migraine affect people’s work and personal lives?
Disabling pain can prevent people from going to work, social and family events, or school. In fact, migraine is the second most common cause of disability in people under 50, and it is the most common cause of disability among young women. Even between attacks, people with this disorder live with the psychological stress of worrying about the next episode, which can lead to restricting their activities out of fear.
How can anyone understand what triggers their migraine attacks?
Migraine attacks can be sets off by external and internal factors, and the triggers are different for everyone. People with migraine can begin to discover their own triggers by paying attention to external factors such as exposure to bright light, loud noise, strong smells. tobacco smoke, for example – and changes in barometric pressure due to weather or air travel. Internal triggers may include eating certain foods, changing sleep patterns, skipping meals, drinking too much caffeine, or becoming dehydrated. Phases of the menstrual cycle can also trigger migraine attacks in some women.
How Can Journaling Help Migraine Patients?
By recording the triggers, frequency, duration, symptoms and intensity of attacks, people can begin to recognize patterns and take steps to manage their illness. For example, if every serious attack occurs after air travel, you can talk to your doctor about options that might help you before you fly.
What are the treatment options for migraine attacks?
Treatment is divided into two categories: acute and preventive. Acute medications treat an ongoing migraine and may include medications like triptans, saidans And gepants. You can also use general pain relievers, such as NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen.
Preventative medications are recommended for people who experience more than four days of migraine attacks each month. Preventative medications, approved by the American Academy of Neurology, include beta-blockers, anti-epileptic drugsa few antidepressants and onabotulinum toxin A, commonly known as Botox. Botox is used in people with chronic migraine, meaning 15 or more migraine days each month. Newer preventive treatments include drugs called gepants and monoclonal antibodies which target a protein in the brain and nervous system called calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP). The release of CGRP in the brain is thought to promote migraine attacks.
Can certain medications (including contraceptives) make migraine attacks worse?
Yes, certain medications can make migraine attacks worse. Estrogen-based hormone therapylike birth control pills, may increase migraine attacks in about 1 in 3 women who use them, either for contraception or to treat other conditions and menopause symptoms. Additionally, any medication that opens blood vessels – for example nitroglycerin tablets, used to treat chest pain – can make the underlying migraine worse.
Is migraine hereditary?
Yes. About 6 in 10 people with migraine can identify a blood relative who also has this trait.
Is there a chance that migraine symptoms will go away with time or with hormonal changes like menopause?
For most women, migraine attacks begin when they have their period and peaks in late 30s. Changes in estrogen levels during perimenopause can lead to increased migraine attacks. This is why migraine attacks may improve in some postmenopausal women. However, around 1 in 3 women continue to experience symptoms.
Are there lifestyle changes that could help prevent migraine attacks?
Having a regular schedule can help. Getting up at the same time, going to bed at the same time, eating regularly, and staying well hydrated can help prevent migraine attacks. In until 6 out of 10 In people with migraine, certain foods and drinks can trigger attacks. These include alcohol, aged cheese, meats with nitrates and nitritescitrus fruits and fruit juices, bananas, chocolate and MSG. Smoking or vaping can make migraine worse. It’s important to identify your triggers. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight will also help prevent migraines. Stress – whether good or bad – can trigger an attack. This can happen even when the source of stress disappears. For example, students who remain healthy during exam week may experience a seizure afterwards.
This educational resource was created with support from Pfizer.
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