How long do migraines typically last. What are the four stages of a migraine attack. Which symptoms characterize each stage of a migraine. What are common migraine triggers and treatment options.

The Duration and Frequency of Migraine Attacks

Migraines are intense headaches accompanied by various symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. But how long do these debilitating episodes typically last? Migraine duration can vary considerably from person to person, generally ranging from 4 to 72 hours. The frequency of migraine attacks also differs among individuals, with some experiencing them as often as every few days, while others may only have one or two episodes per year.

On average, migraine sufferers tend to experience two to four headaches per month. However, it’s important to note that migraine patterns can be highly individualized. Some people may have chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more headache days per month, while others may have episodic migraines occurring less frequently.

Factors Influencing Migraine Duration

• Individual physiology
• Trigger exposure
• Treatment effectiveness
• Stress levels
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Sleep patterns

Can the duration of a migraine be shortened? While the natural course of a migraine attack typically lasts several hours to days, early intervention with appropriate treatments can potentially reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. This underscores the importance of recognizing migraine warning signs and having an effective management plan in place.

The Four Stages of a Migraine Attack

Understanding the stages of a migraine can help individuals better manage their condition and seek timely treatment. A typical migraine attack progresses through four distinct phases, although not everyone experiences all stages with every episode.

1. Prodrome Stage

The prodrome, or premonitory phase, serves as an early warning system for an impending migraine. This stage can begin hours or even days before the actual headache pain sets in. Research by the American Headache Society indicates that approximately 32% of migraine sufferers experience prodrome symptoms.

Common prodrome symptoms include:

• Mood changes
• Food cravings or loss of appetite
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Neck stiffness
• Yawning

Why is recognizing the prodrome stage important? Identifying these early warning signs can allow individuals to take preventive measures, such as avoiding triggers or starting medication, potentially averting a full-blown migraine attack.

2. Aura Stage

The aura stage, experienced by about 25% of migraine sufferers, typically occurs just before or during the headache phase. Aura symptoms are usually visual but can also affect other senses and motor functions. This stage generally lasts between 5 to 60 minutes.

Characteristic aura symptoms may include:

• Visual disturbances (e.g., flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots)
• Tingling or numbness in the face or extremities
• Difficulty speaking
• Auditory hallucinations or tinnitus
• Changes in smell or taste

How does the aura stage differ from other migraine phases? The aura is unique in its neurological nature, often described as a “wave” of activity across the brain’s cortex. Understanding these symptoms can help differentiate migraines from other types of headaches and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

3. Headache Stage

The headache phase is characterized by the onset of pain, typically on one or both sides of the head. This stage can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. The intensity of pain varies among individuals, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain.

Additional symptoms during the headache phase may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Sensitivity to smells (osmophobia)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Neck pain

What makes the pain of a migraine different from other types of headaches? Migraine pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating, and it tends to worsen with physical activity. The accompanying sensory sensitivities and other neurological symptoms distinguish migraines from tension headaches or other common headache types.

4. Postdrome Stage

The postdrome, often referred to as the “migraine hangover,” occurs after the headache pain subsides. This phase can last up to 24 hours and affects approximately 80% of migraine sufferers. While the intense pain may be gone, individuals often feel drained and experience a range of lingering symptoms.

Common postdrome symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mild headache or head tenderness
• Dizziness
• Mood changes
• Continued sensitivity to light and sound

Why is the postdrome stage often overlooked in migraine treatment? The postdrome can significantly impact a person’s ability to return to normal activities, yet it’s frequently neglected in discussions about migraine management. Recognizing and addressing postdrome symptoms is crucial for comprehensive migraine care and improving overall quality of life for sufferers.

Identifying Migraine Triggers

Migraines can be triggered by a wide variety of factors, and identifying personal triggers is a crucial step in managing the condition. While triggers can vary significantly from person to person, some common culprits have been identified through research and patient reports.

Environmental Triggers

• Bright or flickering lights
• Loud noises
• Strong odors
• Weather changes
• Altitude changes

Dietary Triggers

• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Caffeine withdrawal or excess
• Chocolate
• Aged cheeses
• Processed meats with nitrates
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Skipping meals or fasting

Lifestyle Triggers

• Stress
• Sleep disturbances
• Dehydration
• Physical exertion
• Changes in routine

Hormonal Triggers

• Menstrual cycle fluctuations
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Menopause

How can individuals effectively identify their migraine triggers? Keeping a detailed migraine diary can be immensely helpful. This involves recording daily activities, diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, and any migraine symptoms. Over time, patterns may emerge, helping to pinpoint specific triggers.

Is it possible to have multiple migraine triggers? Absolutely. Many people find that their migraines are triggered by a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Understanding these complex trigger interactions can be key to developing an effective prevention strategy.

Treatment Options for Migraines

Migraine treatment typically involves a combination of preventive measures and acute pain relief. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks while effectively managing symptoms when they do occur.

Acute Treatments

Acute treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms once a migraine attack has begun. These may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, rizatriptan)
• Ergotamines
• Anti-nausea medications
• Gepants (e.g., ubrogepant, rimegepant)
• Ditans (e.g., lasmiditan)

When should acute migraine treatments be taken? For maximum effectiveness, acute treatments should be taken as soon as possible after migraine symptoms begin. This early intervention can help prevent the headache from becoming severe and potentially shorten its duration.

Preventive Treatments

Preventive treatments aim to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. These may be recommended for individuals who experience frequent or severe migraines. Options include:

• Beta-blockers
• Antidepressants
• Anti-seizure medications
• Calcium channel blockers
• CGRP antagonists
• Botox injections
• Neurostimulation devices

How effective are preventive migraine treatments? The success of preventive treatments can vary, but many people experience a significant reduction in migraine frequency and severity. It’s often considered a success if migraine days are reduced by 50% or more.

Lifestyle and Alternative Treatments

In addition to medication, various lifestyle changes and alternative therapies can help manage migraines:

• Stress management techniques
• Regular exercise
• Consistent sleep schedule
• Dietary modifications
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Mindfulness and meditation

Can lifestyle changes alone prevent migraines? While some individuals find significant relief through lifestyle modifications, many people with chronic or severe migraines require a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments for optimal management.

The Impact of Migraines on Quality of Life

Migraines can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting various aspects of daily functioning and overall well-being. The World Health Organization ranks migraine as one of the top 10 most disabling medical illnesses.

Professional Impact

• Reduced productivity
• Increased absenteeism
• Career limitations
• Financial strain due to medical expenses and lost work

Personal and Social Impact

• Strained relationships
• Reduced social activities
• Difficulty planning events
• Feelings of isolation

Emotional and Psychological Impact

• Anxiety about future attacks
• Depression
• Frustration and helplessness
• Decreased self-esteem

How can the quality of life be improved for migraine sufferers? A comprehensive approach that includes effective medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and psychological support can significantly improve quality of life. Additionally, educating family members, friends, and employers about the nature of migraines can foster understanding and support.

When to Seek Medical Help for Migraines

While many people manage their migraines with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes, there are situations where professional medical help is necessary. Recognizing these scenarios is crucial for proper care and to rule out more serious conditions.

Signs That Warrant Immediate Medical Attention

• Sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of your life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or neurological symptoms
• Headache following a head injury
• Headache with speech difficulties, vision problems, or weakness on one side of the body
• New onset of headaches after age 50
• Headaches that worsen with coughing, exertion, or sudden movement

Reasons to Consult a Headache Specialist

• Frequent or severe migraines that interfere with daily life
• Migraines that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
• Increasing frequency or severity of migraines
• Side effects from current migraine medications
• Uncertainty about whether your headaches are actually migraines

What can you expect when consulting a headache specialist? A headache specialist will typically conduct a thorough medical history, perform a physical and neurological examination, and may order additional tests such as brain imaging. They can provide a precise diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan that may include preventive strategies and more effective acute treatments.

Advances in Migraine Research and Future Treatments

The field of migraine research is rapidly evolving, with new insights into the underlying mechanisms of migraine and innovative treatment approaches emerging. These advancements offer hope for improved management and potentially even prevention of migraine attacks in the future.

Recent Breakthroughs

• CGRP-targeted therapies: A new class of drugs that block calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a molecule involved in migraine pathophysiology
• Neuromodulation devices: Non-invasive devices that use electrical or magnetic stimulation to prevent or treat migraines
• Genetics research: Identifying genetic factors that contribute to migraine susceptibility
• Neuroimaging studies: Providing insights into brain activity during migraine attacks

Promising Areas of Research

• Personalized medicine approaches
• Novel drug delivery methods
• Combination therapies
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques
• Exploration of the gut-brain axis in migraine

How might future treatments change the landscape of migraine management? Emerging therapies aim to provide more targeted, effective, and personalized treatments with fewer side effects. The goal is not only to treat migraines more effectively when they occur but also to prevent them from happening in the first place, potentially transforming the lives of millions of migraine sufferers worldwide.

As research continues to advance our understanding of migraines, individuals living with this condition can look forward to more effective management strategies and an improved quality of life. By staying informed about the latest developments and working closely with healthcare providers, migraine sufferers can optimize their treatment plans and take control of their condition.

How Long Do Migraines Last

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A migraine is an intense form of headache accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting, and it may last for hours or days.

Migraines may last anywhere between four and 72 hours. The variation in the frequency of migraines may happen from person to person, but two to four headaches per month are common. Some people get migraines every few days, while others only have them once or twice a year.

The frequency and symptoms of a migraine may vary from person to person. However, the attack often shows the same pattern.

Symptoms and Stages of Migraines 

The symptoms of a migraine may vary depending on the stage of migraine. However, in most individuals, it is comprised of the following stages:

Prodrome

According to a study conducted by the American Headache Society, around 32% of migraine sufferers have a prodrome. This phase occurs 60 minutes to six hours before a migraine attack and might continue for many hours or even days and can cause various symptoms.

The following are the symptoms experienced by approximately 60% of individuals hours or days before a headache:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation 
• Fatigue 
• Loss of appetite 
• Mood swings 
• Bloating 
• Severe thirst 

Aura

The symptoms of this stage originate from the nervous system and usually affect your vision. They gradually start within 5 to 20 minutes and may last less than an hour.

The following are the symptoms of the Aura phase:

• Hallucinations 
• Ringing in the ears
• Vision problem (black spots)
• Changes in taste, smell, and touch 
• Numbness or tingling on one side of the body

Headache

The headache stage is identified by pain on one or both sides of the head. The severity of pain differs from person to person, with some experiencing little discomfort while others experience excruciating discomfort. There is the possibility of other symptoms other than pain, they include:

• Sleep problems 
• Sensitivity to smell, sound, and light 

Postdrome

This occurs after the migraine headache and is sometimes referred to as the migraine hangover stage. After a headache, this stage may last up to one day. The postdrome affects around 80% of patients. Postdrome symptoms include:

• Lack of concentration 
• Fatigue 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Dizziness 
• Body aches

Warning signs of Migraines 

Migraines are undetected and mistreated far too frequently. Keep track of your migraine episodes and how you handled symptoms if you suffer symptoms on a regular basis. Then schedule a consultation with your physician to address your headaches.

Even if you’ve had headaches before, consult your physician if the pattern changes or your headaches feel different.

Migraine and Quality of Life

According to clinical research, migraines negatively impact a person’s daily life and quality of life; the intensity, incidence, and related symptoms such as nausea, phonophobia, photophobia, and comorbid conditions such as mood disorders all contribute to this negativity. However, the pain can be enough to impair the life quality by itself, regardless of related factors.

Migraine and Pain Relievers

The goal of using painkillers against migraines is to take them as soon as you detect the warning signs, whether they’re over-the-counter or prescription. The sooner you start, the better the outcomes will be. Excessive use of pain relievers may cause stomach ulcers and withdrawal headaches after discontinuation.

When to See a Doctor

You must consult your doctor if your headache doesn’t go away or returns frequently.  If you experience a headache accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, vomiting, numbness or weakness in the limbs, or difficulties speaking, immediately go to an emergency room.

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Struggling with migraine hangovers? Read this

When the trademark throbbing from a migraine finally lifts, the relief is profound. But for many people regularly stricken with these potentially debilitating headaches, their distress isn’t over just because the pain ends. Instead, a distinct phase of migraine called the postdrome leaves them feeling achy, weary, dazed, and confused — symptoms eerily similar to another affliction altogether.

Dubbed the “migraine hangover,” this constellation of post-headache symptoms is remarkably common, following up to 80% of migraine attacks, according to research published in Neurology. Scientists are increasingly turning their focus to this previously underrecognized component of migraine, according to Dr. Paul Rizzoli, clinical director of the Graham Headache Center at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital.

“Not knowing it’s an accepted part of migraine, patients come up with some creative ways to tell us about their postdrome symptoms — they feel washed out, their head feels hollow, or they feel like they have a hangover but weren’t even drinking,” Dr. Rizzoli explains. “Until recent years, science hadn’t paid attention to this facet of the syndrome, but it’s a natural progression from focusing on the problem as a whole.”

The four phases of migraine

The typical migraine can be a wretched experience, with stabbing head pain joined by nausea, brain fog, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound, among other symptoms. Nearly 16% of Americans are affected by migraines, which strike women at nearly twice the rate as men. Severe headaches are also one of the top reasons for emergency room visits.

Spanning hours to days, migraine headaches can include four clear phases, each with its own set of symptoms. The pre-pain prodrome and aura phases may include various visual changes, extremes of irritability, difficulty speaking, or numbness and tingling, while the headache itself can feel like a drill is working its way through the skull.

Lingering migraine symptoms: The hangover

After that ordeal, one to two days of postdrome symptoms may sound tame by comparison, Dr. Rizzoli says. But the lingering fogginess, exhaustion, and stiff neck can feel just as disabling as the headache that came before. Since migraine is believed to act as a sort of electrical storm activating neurons in the brain, it’s possible that migraine hangover results from “some circuits being electrically or neurochemically exhausted,” Dr. Rizzoli says. “It just takes time for the brain to return to normal function, or even replace some chemicals that have been depleted in the process.”

But much is still unknown about migraine postdrome, he adds, and research has found no consistent association between factors such as the type of migraine medication taken and duration of any subsequent hangover.

Tips to ease a migraine hangover

Following these steps regularly may help you ward off lingering symptoms after a migraine:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Practice good headache hygiene by maintaining regular eating and sleeping patterns and easing stress.
• If possible, try to lighten your load for next 24 hours after the headache pain ends.
• Stop taking pain medicine once the headache is gone.

For migraine hangover sufferers so distracted by their inability to return to normal activities even after migraine pain lifts, physicians sometimes prescribe medications typically meant for conditions such as memory loss, depression, or seizures. While they may differ from the usual drugs used to treat migraine, some of these medicines have been observed to help postdrome syndrome or act as a preventive for headache.

“Think of the headache you just had like you’ve run a marathon or done some other stressing activity,” Dr. Rizzoli says. “Your body needs to recover, which is not the same as staying in bed with the lights off. Ease up, but stay functional.”

symptoms, causes and effective treatments in adults

Contents

• 1 Migraine in adults: symptoms and treatments
  • 1.1 Migraine: causes, symptoms and treatments in adults
  • 1.2 Migraine: symptoms, causes and effective treatments in adults
    • 1.2.1 What is migraine?
  • 1.3 Symptoms of migraine
  • 1.4 Causes of migraine
  • 1.5 Factors contributing to the development of migraine
  • 1.6 How to diagnose migraine?
  • 1.7 Drug treatment of migraine
  • 1.8 Non-drug treatment of migraine
    • 1.8.1 Stress management
    • 1.8.2 Regular sleep and nutrition
    • 1.8.3 Exercise and physical activity
    • 1.8.4 Alternative treatments
  • 1.9 Special diet for migraine prevention
  • 1.10 Exercise for migraine prevention
  • 1. 11 Migraine prevention: the importance of vitamins
  • 1.12 Managing migraine in everyday life
    • 1.12.1 Planning the day and communicating with others
    • 1.12.2 Nutrition and physical activity
    • 1.12.3 Avoiding migraine triggers
    • 1.12.4 Medicines and other treatments
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What migraine symptoms can occur?
      • 1.14.0.2 What are the causes of migraine?
      • 1.14.0.3 What are the treatments for migraine?
      • 1.14.0.4 How can migraines be prevented?
      • 1.14.0.5 How long can a migraine attack last?
      • 1.14.0.6 How to effectively treat migraine without medication?

Find out what a migraine is, what its symptoms are, and how to treat it in adults. Expert advice and basic migraine treatments.

Migraine is a chronic neurological disease that manifests itself as paroxysmal headaches. Migraines are known to affect approximately 10% of the world’s population. Migraines are most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40. In this case, the disease can occur in both men and children, and even infants can have migraine attacks.

Migraine is not only a headache, but also a separate pathology that negatively affects the general health and quality of life of a person. The disease usually begins in childhood or adolescence, but may also appear in adulthood. With inflammation or vasoconstriction of the brain, the victim may experience symptoms such as tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heart problems, and a feeling of dizziness.

As a rule, migraine is not hereditary disease, however, the risk of migraine is increased if one of the parents suffers from this disease. It is important to remember that a migraine is not an ordinary headache and therefore does not require self-medication. The necessary assistance will be provided only after a comprehensive examination under the supervision of a neurologist.

Migraine: causes, symptoms and treatments in adults

Migraine is a neurological disease characterized by severe and intense headache. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and sound phobia. Migraine pain lasts from several hours to several days.

Causes of migraine can be varied: genetic predisposition, stress, hormonal changes, malnutrition, lack of sleep, physical and emotional overload. Migraines can also be triggered by environmental factors (bright lights, loud sounds).

Treatments for migraine vary depending on the cause. If migraine is caused by stress, regular anti-stress activities (yoga, meditation, massage, special exercises) are recommended. Traditional medicine is also used, but only after consultation with a doctor and only in combination with the main treatment.

• Some migraines resolve with analgesics and pain medications.
• Usually it is preferable to prevent the occurrence of a migraine attack, it is necessary to build a daily routine.
• If your migraine is caused by a hormonal imbalance, your doctor may prescribe hormonal medications.
• Diet often plays a role in migraine management.

Migraine: symptoms, causes and effective treatments in adults

What is a migraine?

Migraine is a common neurological disease characterized by the onset of paroxysmal head pain, which is usually so severe that it makes it impossible for the patient to live and work normally.

Causes of migraine

1. Cerebral vasodilation
2. Cerebral vasoconstriction
3. Serotonin receptor dysfunction
4. Genetic inheritance

90 002 At the heart of migraine is a change in the activity of nerve cells and nerve pathways in the brain, which improve sensitivity perception and processing of pain signals in the brain. However, the exact causes and mechanisms of migraine occurrence are still not completely clear.

Migraine symptoms

Migraine is an illness that can cause severe and recurrent attacks of illness. One of the main symptoms of a migraine is a sharp pain in the head that can last for hours or even days.

In addition to pain, migraines can also cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and sensitivity to sound. The most common form of migraine is migraine without aura, which occurs suddenly in patients and may be accompanied by severe headache.

• Migraine symptoms may include:
• Acute pain in the head, which may be moderate to severe;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Sensitivity to light and sound;
• Stomach and intestinal disorders;
• Diarrhea or constipation;

These symptoms may be indicative of a migraine and may occur before, during or after an attack. If you often experience such symptoms, you should consult a doctor and start migraine treatment.

Causes of migraine

Genetic factors. Migraine may be inherited. If parents suffer from this disease, most likely their children will also be prone to migraines.

Food triggers. Some foods may cause a migraine attack. Foods such as chocolate, cheese, red wine, alcohol, nuts, and smoked meats can be triggers for migraine attacks.

Stress and fatigue. Lack of sleep and excessive stress can trigger a migraine attack. Emotional stress and depression can also be triggers for migraine aura.

Hormonal changes. In women, migraine attacks may be exacerbated at times of hormonal changes, such as menstruation or the use of hormonal contraceptives.

Weather changes. Some people suffer from migraines due to changes in weather conditions such as barometric pressure, wind or heat.

These factors are not an exhaustive list of causes of migraine. Each case of migraine is individual and can be caused by its own unique factors. The causes associated with migraines can also be multifaceted.

Factors contributing to the development of migraine

Migraine is a common disease that affects about 15% of the world’s population. Migraine attacks cause acute headache and often lead to disruption of work and daily activities. There are many factors that can contribute to the development of migraine, including:

• Heredity. If your close relatives have a history of migraine, your risk of getting sick is increased.
• Stress and emotional tension. Migraine attacks can be caused by strong emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety and anger.
• Wrong diet. Some foods, including chocolate, cheeses, red fruits and vegetables, may trigger migraine attacks.
• Excess hormone estrogen. Women with migraine may experience changes in estrogen levels during menstruation, pregnancy and oral contraceptive use.
• Lack of sleep and changes in sleep patterns. Improper sleep patterns, including too little or too much sleep, can cause migraine attacks.

It is important to note that each person is different and may have their own triggers for migraine attacks. If you have a history of migraine, see your doctor for advice on how to avoid factors that may contribute to the onset of attacks.

How to diagnose migraine?

Migraine is a serious disease that can seriously affect a person’s quality of life. To justify the diagnosis of migraine, several examinations are necessary.

• Rule out other causes – Before a doctor makes a diagnosis of migraine, other possible serious conditions, such as a head injury or brain tumor, must be ruled out.
• Description of symptoms – The patient should describe as accurately as possible their symptoms that may occur during migraine attacks.
• Visual Exam – Your doctor may do a visual exam to look for migraine symptoms such as vomiting, photosensitivity, and sound sensitivity.
• MRI and CT – Sometimes additional tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), are ordered to rule out other possible causes of headaches.

Determining migraine can be tricky, but it’s important to get all the necessary tests done in order to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment.

Medicines for migraine

Migraine is a serious disease that requires expert treatment. Fortunately, today there are various medications that can help relieve migraine symptoms. Several main groups of drugs for the treatment of migraine:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines – such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve migraine headaches.
• Triptans are a class of drugs that help constrict dilated blood vessels in the head and reduce inflammation that can cause migraines. They may be effective if taken at the onset of a migraine attack.
• Preventive drugs – such as beta-blockers or drugs that reduce the amount of serotonin in the brain, can help prevent or make migraines less intense.

Although drugs can be effective, they can also have side effects. Therefore, it is very important to discuss the choice of medicine and its dosage with your doctor before starting treatment. It is also important to follow the instructions for use to avoid possible complications.

Non-drug treatment for migraine

Stress management

One of the most common migraine triggers is stress. Regularly performed relaxation exercises, such as yoga or meditation, can help reduce stress levels and prevent migraine attacks. Avoiding objects, activities, or people that cause you stress can also help.

Regular sleep and nutrition

Improper sleep and nutrition can trigger migraine attacks. In order to avoid this, it is recommended to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day and eat a healthy diet, including more fruits, vegetables and protein.

Exercise and physical activity

Lack of physical activity can be another migraine trigger. Regular exercise can help improve heart, blood vessel, and brain health, as well as prevent migraine attacks. Try some light forms of physical activity like walking or swimming to get started.

Alternative therapies

Some people find relief from migraines through alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage. However, before using any of these methods, you should consult your doctor to learn about the possible risks and side effects.

Special diet for migraine prevention

One of the effective ways to prevent migraine is a special diet. There are a number of foods that can cause migraine attacks in some people.

You should also reduce your intake of foods containing monosodium glutamate, an ingredient found in most prepared meals, savory and sweet snacks, packaged soups and broths, chips and other snacks.

To replace these products, it is recommended to increase the intake of magnesium and fish oils. Magnesium is found in vegetables, fruits, green vegetables, as well as nuts, sunflower seeds, and beans. Fish oils contain beneficial omega-3 acids that improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body.

In general, a special diet is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of migraine. Along with this, you should stop smoking and drinking alcohol, control your stress levels and stick to regular sleep.

Exercise for migraine prevention

Exercise plays a big role in migraine prevention. They improve blood circulation, reduce stress, strengthen the muscles of the neck and back.

There are many exercises that can help prevent or reduce migraine attacks:

• Neck Stretch – Slowly turn your head to the right, tilt it forward and to the right, then slowly turn your head to the left and tilt it forward and to the left. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times, holding each position for 5-10 seconds.
• Shoulder Stretch – Raise the right shoulder to the ear, then slowly lower it and repeat the exercise on the left shoulder. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times.
• Light Aerobics – Light cardio such as walking, running in place, or cycling can improve circulation and reduce stress.
• Yoga – yoga exercises can also help prevent migraines, especially asanas that stretch the neck and strengthen the back muscles.

Before you start exercising, you should consult your doctor and choose the exercises that are right for your migraine and physical condition.

Exercise Description

Migraine prevention: the importance of vitamins

Migraine is a chronic disease that can seriously affect the quality of life. For many people, a migraine causes significant pain and disrupts performance. Luckily, migraine is preventable, and one way to protect against it is to take certain vitamins regularly.

Vitamin C may also help prevent migraine attacks. It has antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Magnesium can also help reduce the tendency to migraines. This mineral helps relax muscles and improve blood flow to the brain.

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): hard cheeses, milk, yogurt, eggs, beef
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): eggs, fish, chicken, potatoes, bananas
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): milk, eggs, trout, beef, chicken
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, strawberries, fresh green vegetables
• Magnesium: nuts, whole grains, peas, beans, avocados

It is important to remember that vitamins and minerals are not the only way to prevent migraines. An important step in migraine prevention is establishing a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, adequate rest, and a nutritious diet.

Managing migraine in everyday life

Planning the day and communicating with others

Effective migraine management begins with careful planning of the day. Avoid overload and stressful situations. Look at your daily routine regularly and make sure you have enough time to relax and unwind. Communicate with loved ones and colleagues about your problems and needs so they can help you cope.

Nutrition and physical activity

Nutrition plays an important role in migraine management. Avoid fasting and don’t go through long intervals between meals. Increase your water intake and add magnesium-rich foods like spinach, mango, and pumpkin to your diet. Physical activity can also help you manage migraines. Choose lighter forms of exercise, such as walking or yoga, and avoid strenuous exercise.

Avoid migraine triggers

Avoid triggers that can cause migraine. Some of the common triggers include stress, weather changes, lack of sleep, alcohol, and certain foods. Identify your individual triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

Medications and other treatments

Medications and other treatments may be used for migraines. Medications may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, and others. Talk to your doctor about medications that work best for you and keep track of restrictions and side effects. In addition, other therapies such as massage, bioresonance, and acupuncture can also help manage migraines.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What are the symptoms of migraine?

The symptoms of a migraine vary, but it is usually a severe headache that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to bright lights) or phonophobia (sensitivity to loud sounds).

What are the causes of migraine?

Migraines can have many causes, but are often related to changes in hormone levels, stress, physical fatigue, bright lights or loud noises, certain foods or alcohol.

What are the treatments for migraine?

There are several treatments for migraine, including medications, both preventive and short-term, lifestyle changes (stress reduction, relaxation exercises), dietary changes, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and yoga.

How can migraines be prevented?

Migraines can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and stress reduction. It’s also important to avoid triggers that can trigger a migraine, such as bright lights and loud noises.

How long can a migraine attack last?

The duration of a migraine attack varies, but is usually from a few hours to a few days. In some cases, a migraine attack can last several weeks.

How to effectively treat migraine without medication?

Non-drug treatment of migraine may include alternative therapies such as acupuncture, head massage, yoga, and meditation. It’s also important to reduce stress levels and avoid triggers that can cause migraines, such as bright lights and loud noises.

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What is chronic migraine?

Chronic migraine is a disorder characterized by frequent and intense attacks of headache that usually last from several hours to several days. Such attacks can severely disrupt normal life and lead to impaired productivity, poor quality of life, and psychological depression.

Typically, the onset of chronic migraine is characterized by the onset of episodes of headache for more than 15 days per month, while the pain can be of moderate or severe intensity, the duration of episodes can vary from several hours to days. Migraine symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, photophobia, sound sensitivity, increased sensitivity to smells and sounds, and others.

Reasons

The reason for the formation of migraine is a hereditary-conditioned increased excitability of individual neurons of the brain. A number of sections of the cortex and subcortical nuclei of the brain have an increased sensitivity to certain internal changes in the body and external influences. Thus, if we are talking about the actual cause of migraine, then this is a genetically determined hypersensitivity of certain areas of the brain. Migraine attacks in some cases may not be provoked by anything. However, there are some additional internal and external factors (the so-called “triggers” of migraine attacks) that can lead to the development of an attack.

Here are the most common migraine triggers:
– acute and chronic stress
– too little or too much sleep
– menstruation
– alcohol consumption the person may have his own trigger)
– long breaks in meals
– loud sound, “light music”

Symptoms

Symptoms

Migraine is quite easy to identify – these are attacks of severe, often unilateral headache, accompanied by:

• nausea
• photo- or sound-phobia
• feeling tired, prostration
• disruption of daily activities

In the early stages of the disease, a person is often troubled by fatigue, general weakness, and often sleepy. Sometimes, on the contrary, due to severe pain and annoying light and sound, insomnia torments.

A typical migraine is manifested by pulsating waves that capture one half of the head, give to the eye area, although these signs are optional, other manifestations of attacks are often found.

There are two main forms of migraine – with aura and without aura. Approximately one in four or five people suffering from migraine before attacks have visual distortions – for example, spots before the eyes, distortion of objects or loss of vision, sometimes it’s tingling, numbness in the hands, face, or other characteristic signs of an impending attack. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few minutes and are called an aura, or harbingers of an attack. This is the best time to take your medicine on time. Significantly less common are such precursors as a distortion of smell or taste, impaired coordination, or auditory hallucinations.

Causes of migraine

The basis of the disease is the mismatched interaction of neurons – the nerve cells of the brain, which enter into a state of increased excitability. It is still not fully understood what and how leads neurons to an excited state. It is believed that hereditary factors, the state and reactivity of cerebral vessels and other complex interactions of neurotransmitters in the nervous system take part in this. It is possible to identify factors that somehow provoke increased excitability of neurons:

1. Acute excitation of the senses – a strong unpleasant smell, a loud sound, a strong bright light, etc.
2. Prolonged stay in a stuffy room.
3. Severe stress
4. Use of alcohol and nicotine.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Stages of puberty.
7. Serious head injury. Moreover, migraine can begin, even if the head injury was many years ago.
8. Severe physical and mental fatigue, sleep disturbances, lack of sleep.
9. Abrupt change in weather, atmospheric pressure and air temperature.
10. Heredity. If someone in your family had migraine , then you have a predisposition to this disease.
11. Improper nutrition. Junk food, non-compliance with the diet.
12. Neck, shoulder and muscle spasm.
13. Extreme heat, dehydration

Diagnosis of migraine

A migraine that is not started and not started on time can lead to chronic migraine. Conversely, uncontrolled self-administration of large doses of analgesics often leads to the formation of an overuse headache, a common complication of migraine. This is an extremely unpleasant disease in which the painkiller itself causes a headache and the person finds himself in a vicious circle – he is forced to take painkillers, which themselves cause and intensify the headache. Getting a person out of this state is a long, complicated and expensive process.

Given the possibility of rapid progression and possible complications, at the first symptoms of migraine, it is advisable to immediately contact a specialist so that the doctor can conduct a full examination and identify an accurate diagnosis. If as a result it turns out that you really have a migraine, the doctor will prescribe you any necessary medications or preventive treatment that will help you control your illness. Diagnosis of migraine is predominantly clinical and occurs as a result of a thorough examination. First, a complete collection of complaints and anamnesis is carried out, a detailed neurological examination is performed.

Variants of migraine that can be detected on examination:

• Migraine without aura
• Migraine with aura
• Migraine with typical aura
• Typical aura with GB
• Typical aura without GB
• Migraine with stem aura
• Hemiplegic migraine
• Familial hemiplegic migraine (FMI)
• Sporadic hemiplegic migraine
• Retinal migraine
• Chronic migraine
• Complications of migraine
• Migraine status
• Persistent aura without infarction
• Migraine infarction
• Epileptic seizure caused by migraine aura
• Possible migraine
• Episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine
• Recurrent gastrointestinal disorders
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome
• Abdominal migraine
• Benign paroxysmal vertigo
• Benign paroxysmal torticollis

The diagnosis of chronic migraine requires a thorough medical examination, including a neurological examination and the exclusion of other conditions.

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Methods of treatment

After the diagnosis of migraine, the doctor of the Pain Treatment Institute will select an effective treatment method for you. Treatment is divided into two types:
The first type is symptomatic attack therapy, this treatment is aimed at stopping migraine at the time of the attack itself. In mild cases, simple and combined analgesics are used, with a high intensity of attacks or significant maladjustment, triptans are used – special drugs for stopping migraine attacks.

The second treatment option is “prophylactic”. This is a long-term treatment with drugs to make attacks rarer and less intense in the future. Antidepressants, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and other treatment options are used. In chronic migraine, extremely effective methods are used that have become available in recent years – botulinum therapy (botulinum toxin injections at certain points on the head), monoclonal antibody preparations and electrical stimulation of nerve structures that affect the formation of migraine. High-tech methods include vagal stimulation, neuromodulation of the occipital nerves and non-invasive stimulation of the branches of the trigeminal nerve.

Psychotherapeutic treatment
Behavioral therapy plays a key role in the treatment of migraine. As a rule, this is a joint determination with the doctor of provoking factors that trigger seizures in each specific case and lifestyle modification to avoid provocateurs, the correct and rational use of drugs.
In situations where migraine appears on the background of stress, as a rule, the participation of a psychotherapist is required. Stress is not only a factor in the development of migraine, it also significantly impairs the quality of life due to suffering, anxiety and pain. Psychotherapists conduct psychotherapy sessions, in which a significant part of the stress factors can be removed or learned to control.

Physical therapy
If migraine attacks are triggered by muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, physical therapy can play a major role. It includes various types of physical therapy, swimming and gymnastics. Sometimes taping the muscles of the shoulder girdle and shock wave therapy, massage are extremely effective.

Migraine prevention

In order to reduce the likelihood of attacks, it is preferable to follow certain recommendations:

• Do recreational sports at least once a week, preferably 3-4 times a week.
• Try to avoid loud sudden sounds and bright intense lighting.
• Eat right, paying attention not only to the schedule, but also to the quality of food.
• Observe the correct daily routine and sleep patterns.
• Avoid strenuous, stressful and physically exhausting situations.

If you already have the first symptoms of a migraine, you should take the following steps:

• Relax and protect yourself from physical stress.
• Apply a cold compress to relieve pain.
• Take a warm shower to relax your body muscles.