Migraine Headaches: Causes, Treatments, and Symptoms

A headache is terrible, but a migraine is worse. Migraine is a form of headache that is an extreme throbbing sensation or pulsating sensation that usually occurs on one side of the head. A migraine outbreak can last anywhere from a few minutes to many days. This neurological disorder is frequently accompanied by a variety of painful and incapacitating migraine symptoms.

Migraine Headache Symptoms

Migraine symptoms often progress through stages. Doctors have classified migraine attack into four stages for better understanding, and specific symptoms accompany each phase. Not every individual who suffers from migraines goes through all the stages. 

Let us learn more about Migraine Symptoms.

Prodrome

This is the stage that precedes the onset of the actual migraine headache. About 60% of the people who suffer from migraine notice one or multiple symptoms:

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Mood swings
• Parched throat and extreme thirst
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Stiff neck
• Fluid retention
• Frequent urination
• Constant yawning

Aura

This period can occur before or during the peak of a migraine. These symptoms are usually induced by an individual’s nervous system and involve their vision. It develops gradually over a few minutes and can last for up to an hour. The symptoms include:

• A person can see black dots, flashes of lights, or dancing waves
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tunnel vision
• Ringing in your ears
• Tingling, numbness, or pain on one side of the body
• Unable to speak clearly
• Hallucinations in extreme cases

Attack

The actual migraine attack lasts anywhere between 4 and 72 hours, and it starts as a dull pain and becomes a throbbing headache. Many people who suffer from chronic migraine headaches can often get two to three attacks per month, while those with mild migraine can get only a few episodes in a year. 

Symptoms corresponding to the attack phase are:

• Sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and even touch
• Neck pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Nasal congestion
• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Pain on one side of the head

Post-Drome

Often called the “Resolution” phase or the ‘migraine hangover’, it can last for a day or two. The symptoms associated with this phase are:

• Tiredness
• Irritability
• Food cravings or lack of appetite

Migraine Headache Causes

Doctors are still unaware of the exact cause or trigger for migraine headaches. Migraine episodes might often trigger by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, imbalance of chemicals, and abnormal blood flow.

Women three times more and those with a family history of migraine are susceptible than others to get this headache.

Some Common Migraine Triggers are Mentioned Below:

• Hormonal changes and fluctuations in the levels of oestrogen during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
• Stress, depression, and anxiety
• Drinks like alcoholic beverages and coffee or other highly caffeinated drinks
• Food substances include cheese, chocolates, nuts, and food additives like nitrates and MSG
• Lack of sleep or jet lag
• Dehydration and irregular eating habits
• Intense physical activity
• Environmental factors like flickering screens, strong smells, second hand smoke, loud noises, humidity, stuffy rooms, temperature changes, and bright lights
• Changes in weather conditions

Types of Migraine Headache

To determine the treatment process, your doctor needs to ascertain the type of migraine headache you are suffering from. Some common types of migraine are:

• Menstrual migraine
• Silent migraine
• Vestibular migraine
• Abdominal migraine
• Hemiplegic migraine
• Ophthalmic migraine
• Ophthalmologic migraine
• Migraine with brainstem aura
• Status migrainous

Migraine Headache Treatment

Doctors haven’t been able to find a cure for migraine. Migraine treatments can be broadly classified into pain-relieving medication and preventive medications. Some common medications that are prescribed are:

• OTC pain-relieving medication
• Nausea medication
• Triptans
• CGRP receptor antagonist
• Antidepressants
• Anti-seizure medication
• Blood-pressure lowering medication
• Botox injection

Home Remedies for Migraine Treatment

Certain alternative treatments are usually suggested by doctors that can help you cope better with the headaches and also prevent their onset.

• Relaxation techniques like biofeedback, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises
• Good sleeping and healthy eating habits
• Daily exercise
• Drink plenty of water
• Reduce stress
• Keep a headache journal
• Take health supplements

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main cause of migraine?

   The main cause of migraine is believed to be abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. Genetic factors play a significant role, with migraines often running in families due to inherited susceptibility. Specific triggers like hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, and environmental factors can activate this underlying neurological condition.

2. What is the best treatment for a migraine headache?

   The best treatment combines acute medications like triptans or NSAIDs taken at the first sign of symptoms with preventive strategies. Prescription medications such as sumatriptan are highly effective for severe attacks, whilst over-the-counter options work for milder episodes. Treatment plans should be individualised based on frequency, severity, and patient response to different medications.

3. How do I stop my migraine headache?

   You can stop migraines by taking medication as early as possible when symptoms begin, as delayed treatment reduces effectiveness. Rest in a dark, quiet room whilst applying cold or warm compresses to your head or neck. Stay hydrated, practice relaxation techniques, and avoid known triggers to prevent escalation of symptoms.

4. What are the symptoms of having a migraine?

   Migraine symptoms include intense, throbbing headache typically on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smells are common, along with visual disturbances or aura in some cases. Many people experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes before, during, or after the headache phase.

5. Which food triggers migraines?

   Common food triggers include aged cheeses, processed meats containing nitrates, chocolate, and foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate). Alcohol, particularly red wine, caffeine withdrawal, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame frequently trigger migraines.

6. Can stress cause migraines?

   Yes, stress is one of the most common migraine triggers, affecting up to 80% of migraine sufferers. Both acute stress and the relief period following stressful situations can trigger attacks, known as "let-down" migraines. Chronic stress can increase migraine frequency and severity, making stress management techniques essential for migraine prevention and overall treatment success.