What are the most effective ways to calm a migraine. How can you identify different types of migraines. What triggers migraines and how can they be avoided. What are the four phases of a migraine attack. How do hormones affect migraine patterns in women. What are the latest treatment options for chronic migraines.

Understanding Migraine: More Than Just a Headache

Migraine is a complex neurological condition characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing pain, typically affecting one side of the head. These debilitating episodes can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. But what sets migraines apart from other headaches?

The pain associated with migraines is caused by the activation of nerve fibers within the walls of brain blood vessels, specifically those traveling inside the meninges – the three protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This neurological involvement explains why migraines are often accompanied by a range of other symptoms beyond head pain.

• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Heightened sensitivity to sounds (phonophobia)
• Sensitivity to odors (osmophobia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Worsening of pain with physical activity or movement

Do migraines follow a specific pattern? Many sufferers report that their attacks are most frequent in the morning, particularly upon waking. Some individuals experience migraines at predictable times, such as before menstruation or following a stressful work week. It’s important to note that while the pain and associated symptoms can be intense during an attack, most people are symptom-free between episodes.

Migraine Triggers: Identifying and Managing Your Personal Catalysts

Migraines are often set off by specific triggers, which can vary significantly from person to person. By identifying and managing these triggers, many individuals can reduce the frequency and severity of their migraine attacks. Some common triggers include:

• Sudden changes in weather or environment
• Sleep disturbances (too much or too little sleep)
• Strong odors or fumes
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Physical overexertion
• Loud or sudden noises
• Motion sickness
• Low blood sugar or skipped meals
• Tobacco use
• Certain medications
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Bright or flashing lights

Can keeping a migraine diary help identify personal triggers? Absolutely. Many healthcare professionals recommend maintaining a detailed log of daily activities, diet, sleep patterns, and environmental factors alongside migraine occurrences. This can help pinpoint specific triggers and guide personalized prevention strategies.

The Four Phases of a Migraine Attack: Recognizing the Signs

Understanding the stages of a migraine can help individuals better manage their condition and potentially abort an attack before it fully develops. Migraine attacks are typically divided into four distinct phases, though not all sufferers experience each phase with every episode:

1. Prodrome (Premonitory Phase)

This initial phase can occur up to 24 hours before the onset of head pain. Common premonitory symptoms include:

• Unusual food cravings
• Unexplained mood changes (depression or euphoria)
• Uncontrollable yawning
• Fluid retention
• Increased urination

2. Aura

Not all migraine sufferers experience aura, but for those who do, it can be a clear warning sign of an impending attack. Aura symptoms typically last 10 to 60 minutes and may include:

• Visual disturbances (flashing lights, bright spots, or wavy lines)
• Temporary loss of vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Numbness or muscle weakness on one side of the body
• Tingling sensations in the hands or face
• Confusion

3. Headache

The headache phase is characterized by the throbbing, pulsating pain typically associated with migraines. It often starts gradually and builds in intensity. Interestingly, it is possible to experience a migraine without head pain, a phenomenon known as “silent migraine.”

4. Postdrome

Following the resolution of the headache, many individuals enter the postdrome phase, often described as a “migraine hangover.” This phase can last up to a day and is characterized by:

• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Lingering sensitivity to light and sound
• Mood changes

How can recognizing these phases help in migraine management? By identifying the early signs of an impending migraine, individuals can take proactive steps to potentially abort the attack or minimize its severity through early intervention with prescribed medications or lifestyle adjustments.

Types of Migraine: Diverse Manifestations of a Complex Condition

Migraines are not a one-size-fits-all condition. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recognizes several distinct types of migraine, each with its own set of symptoms and characteristics. Understanding these variations can lead to more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches.

Migraine with Aura (Classic Migraine)

This type of migraine is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms that precede or accompany the headache. Key features include:

• Visual disturbances occurring 10 to 60 minutes before headache onset
• Potential for temporary vision loss
• Neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking, numbness, or muscle weakness
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or noise
• Possibility of aura symptoms without subsequent headache pain

Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine)

The more prevalent form of migraine, this type occurs without the warning signs associated with aura. Characteristics include:

• Sudden onset of headache pain, often on one side of the head
• Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, blurred vision, and fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli

Abdominal Migraine

Primarily affecting children, this type of migraine manifests as abdominal pain rather than headache. Key features include:

• Moderate to severe abdominal pain lasting 1 to 72 hours
• Little to no headache pain
• Accompanying nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Potential progression to traditional migraine headaches in adulthood

Basilar-type Migraine

This rare form of migraine primarily affects children and adolescents, particularly teenage girls. Distinctive characteristics include:

• Visual disturbances, including partial or total vision loss
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Slurred speech and ringing in the ears
• Throbbing pain at the back of the head, often on both sides
• Potential association with the menstrual cycle in teenage girls

Hemiplegic Migraine

A rare and severe form of migraine, hemiplegic migraine is characterized by temporary paralysis on one side of the body. Key features include:

• Paralysis lasting up to several days, occurring before or during the headache
• Additional symptoms such as vertigo, speech difficulties, and visual disturbances
• Genetic component in some cases (Familial Hemiplegic Migraine)
• Increased brain excitability due to genetic mutations affecting glutamate levels

Why is it important to distinguish between different types of migraine? Accurate identification of migraine type can guide treatment decisions, help predict potential complications, and inform long-term management strategies. For example, certain medications used for common migraines may be contraindicated in hemiplegic migraines due to the risk of stroke.

Hormonal Influences: The Role of Estrogen in Migraine Patterns

For many women, hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in their migraine patterns. Menstrual migraine, which occurs around the time of menstruation, is a prime example of how hormones can influence headache activity. But what exactly is the connection between estrogen and migraines?

Estrogen, a key female hormone, has a profound effect on the nervous system and pain perception. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly the sharp decline that occurs just before menstruation, can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. This hormonal link explains why many women experience changes in their migraine patterns during various life stages:

• Puberty: Often marks the onset of migraines in girls
• Menstruation: Increased migraine frequency around periods
• Pregnancy: Many women experience relief from migraines, especially in the second and third trimesters
• Perimenopause: Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to increased migraine activity
• Menopause: Some women find migraine symptoms improve post-menopause

How can women manage hormonally-influenced migraines? Strategies may include:

• Hormonal birth control to stabilize estrogen levels
• Prophylactic treatment with migraine medications in the days leading up to menstruation
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce other potential triggers during vulnerable times
• Consultation with a headache specialist or gynecologist for personalized management plans

It’s important to note that while many women experience menstrually-related migraines, most also have migraines at other times of the month. A comprehensive approach to migraine management should address both hormonal and non-hormonal factors.

Calming the Storm: Effective Strategies for Migraine Relief

When a migraine strikes, quick and effective relief is paramount. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, several strategies have proven beneficial for many sufferers. What are some of the most effective ways to calm a migraine?

Immediate Relief Techniques

• Find a quiet, dark room to rest
• Apply cold or warm compresses to the head or neck
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Try gentle massage of the temples and neck
• Stay hydrated by sipping water

Medication Options

Depending on the severity and frequency of migraines, healthcare providers may recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Prescription triptans or ergotamines for more severe migraines
• Anti-nausea medications to address associated symptoms
• Preventive medications for chronic migraine sufferers

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Many individuals find relief through non-pharmacological approaches, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Herbal supplements (e.g., feverfew, butterbur)
• Mindfulness and meditation practices

Is it possible to prevent migraines altogether? While complete prevention may not be achievable for all sufferers, many can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks through a combination of:

• Consistent sleep schedules
• Regular exercise routines
• Stress management techniques
• Dietary modifications to avoid personal triggers
• Proper hydration
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake

It’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized migraine management plan that addresses both acute relief and long-term prevention strategies.

Emerging Treatments: Innovative Approaches to Migraine Management

The field of migraine research is constantly evolving, with new treatments and technologies offering hope to those who have struggled to find relief through conventional methods. What are some of the latest innovations in migraine management?

CGRP Inhibitors

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors represent a breakthrough in migraine prevention. These medications work by blocking the action of CGRP, a protein involved in pain transmission and inflammation. Benefits include:

• Reduced frequency of migraine attacks
• Fewer side effects compared to some traditional preventive medications
• Available in both injectable and oral forms

Neuromodulation Devices

Non-invasive neuromodulation devices use electrical or magnetic stimulation to interrupt pain signals. Examples include:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices
• Vagus nerve stimulators
• Supraorbital transcutaneous stimulators

These devices offer a non-pharmacological option for both acute treatment and prevention of migraines.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

While not new, the use of botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for chronic migraine prevention has gained wider acceptance. This treatment involves:

• Regular injections into specific head and neck muscles
• Potential reduction in migraine frequency and severity
• Effectiveness particularly noted in chronic migraine sufferers

Precision Medicine Approaches

Advances in genetic research and biomarker identification are paving the way for more personalized migraine treatments. Future developments may include:

• Genetic testing to predict medication responsiveness
• Tailored treatment plans based on individual migraine patterns and biochemistry
• Development of new drug targets based on genetic insights

How can patients access these innovative treatments? Many of these newer approaches require consultation with a headache specialist or neurologist. Patients with difficult-to-treat migraines should discuss these options with their healthcare providers to determine if they might be suitable candidates for emerging therapies.

As research continues, the future of migraine management looks promising, with an increasing array of options to help sufferers find relief and improve their quality of life.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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What is migraine?

Migraine is a type of headache characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. The pain is caused by the activation of nerve fibers within the wall of brain blood vessels traveling inside the meninges (three layers of membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord).

Untreated attacks last from four to 72 hours. Other common symptoms include:

• Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and odors
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Routine physical activity, movement, or even coughing or sneezing can worsen the headache pain.

Migraines occur most frequently in the morning, especially upon waking. Some people have migraines at predictable times, such as before menstruation or on weekends following a stressful week of work. Many people feel exhausted or weak following a migraine but are usually symptom-free between attacks.

A number of different factors can increase your risk of having a migraine. These factors, which trigger the headache process, vary from person to person and include:

• Sudden changes in weather or environment
• Too much or not enough sleep
• Strong odors or fumes
• Emotion
• Stress
• Overexertion
• Loud or sudden noises
• Motion sickness
• Low blood sugar

• Skipped meals
• Tobacco
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Head trauma
• Hangover
• Some medications
• Hormonal changes
• Bright or flashing lights

Migraine is divided into four phases, all of which may be present during the attack:

1. Premonitory symptoms occur up to 24 hours prior to developing a migraine. These include food cravings, unexplained mood changes (depression or euphoria), uncontrollable yawning, fluid retention, or increased urination.
2. Aura—Some people will see flashing or bright lights or what looks like heat waves immediately prior to or during the migraine, while others may experience muscle weakness or the sensation of being touched or grabbed.
3. Headache—A migraine usually starts gradually and builds in intensity. It is possible to have migraine without a headache.
4. Postdrome—Individuals are often exhausted or confused following a migraine. The postdrome period may last up to a day before people feel healthy again.

The two major types of migraine are:

1. Migraine with aura, previously called classic migraine, includes visual disturbances and other neurological symptoms that appear about 10 to 60 minutes before the actual headache and usually last no more than an hour. Individuals may temporarily lose part or all of their vision. The aura may occur without headache pain, which can strike at any time. Other classic symptoms include trouble speaking; an abnormal sensation, numbness, or muscle weakness on one side of the body; a tingling sensation in the hands or face, and confusion. Nausea, loss of appetite, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, or noise may precede the headache.
2. Migraine without aura, or common migraine, is the more frequent form of migraine. Symptoms include headache pain that occurs without warning and is usually felt on one side of the head, along with nausea, confusion, blurred vision, mood changes, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, or noise.

Other types of migraine include:

• Abdominal migraine mostly affects young children and involves moderate to severe pain in the middle of the abdomen lasting one to 72 hours, with little or no headache. Additional symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Many children who develop abdominal migraine will have migraine headaches later in life.
• Basilar-type migraine mainly affects children and adolescents. It occurs most often in teenage girls and may be associated with their menstrual cycle. Symptoms include partial or total loss of vision or double vision, dizziness and loss of balance, poor muscle coordination, slurred speech, a ringing in the ears, and fainting. The throbbing pain may come on suddenly and is felt on both sides at the back of the head.
• Hemiplegic migraine is a rare and severe form of migraine that causes temporary paralysis—sometimes lasting several days—on one side of the body prior to or during a headache. Symptoms such as vertigo, a pricking or stabbing sensation, and problems seeing, speaking, or swallowing may begin prior to the headache pain and usually stop shortly thereafter. When it runs in families the disorder is called familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM). Though rare, at least three distinct genetic forms of FHM have been identified. These genetic mutations make the brain more sensitive or excitable, most likely by increasing brain levels of a chemical called glutamate.
• Menstrual migraine affects women around the time of their period, although most women with menstrually-related migraine also have migraines at other times of the month. Symptoms may include migraine without aura, pulsing pain on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to sound and light.
• Migraine without headache is characterized by visual problems or other aura symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, but without head pain.
• Ophthalmoplegic migraine an uncommon form of migraine with head pain, along with a droopy eyelid, large pupil, and double vision that may last for weeks, long after the pain is gone.
• Retinal migraine is a condition characterized by attacks of visual loss or disturbances in one eye. These attacks, like the more common visual auras, are usually associated with migraine headaches.
• Status migrainosus is a rare and severe type of acute migraine in which disabling pain and nausea can last 72 hours or longer. The pain and nausea may be so intense that people need to be hospitalized.

Who is more likely to have migraine?

Migraines occur in both children and adults but affect adult women three times more often than men. Migraines are genetic. Most migraine sufferers have a family history of the disorder. They also frequently occur in people who have other medical conditions. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and epilepsy are more common in individuals with migraine than in the general population. Individuals who have pre-migraine symptoms referred to as aura have a slightly increased risk of having a stroke.

Migraine in women often relates to changes in hormones. The headaches may begin at the start of the first menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Most women see improvement after menopause, although surgical removal of the ovaries usually worsens migraines. Women with migraine who take oral contraceptives may experience changes in the frequency and severity of attacks, while women who do not suffer from headaches may develop migraines as a side effect of oral contraceptives.

How is migraine treated?

Migraine treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing additional attacks. Quick steps to ease symptoms may include:

• Napping or resting with eyes closed in a quiet, darkened room
• Placing a cool cloth or ice pack on the forehead
• Drinking lots of fluid, particularly if the migraine is accompanied by vomiting

Small amounts of caffeine may help relieve symptoms during a migraine’s early stages.

Drug therapy for migraine is divided into acute and preventive treatment. Acute or “abortive” medications are taken as soon as symptoms occur to relieve pain and restore function. Preventive treatment involves taking medicines daily to reduce the severity of future attacks or keep them from happening. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drugs enenmab (Aimovig) for the preventive treatment of headache and galcanezumab-gnlm (Emgality) injections to treat episodic cluster headache. The FDA also has approved lasmiditan (Reyvow) and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) tablets for short-term treatment of migraine with our without aura. Headache drug use should be monitored by a physician, since some drugs may cause side effects.

Acute treatment for migraine may include any of the following drugs:

• Triptan drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin causes blood vessels to constrict and lowers the pain threshold. Triptans—the preferred treatment for migraine—ease moderate to severe migraine pain.
• Ergot derivative drugs bind to serotonin receptors on nerve cells and decrease the transmission of pain messages along nerve fibers. They are most effective during the early stages of migraine.
• Non-prescription analgesics or over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can ease the pain of less severe migraine headache.
• Combination analgesics involve a mix of drugs such as acetaminophen plus caffeine and/or a narcotic for migraine that may be resistant to simple analgesics.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Nausea relief drugs can ease queasiness brought on by various types of headache.
• Narcotics are prescribed briefly to relieve pain. These drugs should not be used to treat chronic headaches.

Everyone with migraine needs effective treatment at the time of the headaches. Some people with frequent and severe migraine need preventive medications. In general, prevention should be considered if migraines occur one or more times weekly, or if migraines are less frequent but disabling. Preventive medicines also are recommended for individuals who take symptomatic headache treatment more than three times a week. Physicians also will recommend that a migraine sufferer take one or more preventive medications two to three months to assess drug effectiveness, unless intolerable side effects occur.

Several preventive medicines for migraine were initially marketed for conditions other than migraine.

• Anticonvulsants may be helpful for people with other types of headaches in addition to migraine. Although originally developed for treating epilepsy, these drugs increase levels of certain neurotransmitters and dampen pain impulses.
• Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and are often effective for migraine.
• Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure treatment and help to stabilize blood vessel walls. These drugs appear to work by preventing the blood vessels from either narrowing or widening, which affects blood flow to the brain.
• Antidepressants work on different chemicals in the brain; their effectiveness in treating migraine is not directly related to their effect on mood. Antidepressants may be helpful for individuals with other types of headaches because they increase the production of serotonin and also may affect levels of other chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine.

Natural treatments for migraine include riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and butterbur (medicinal plant).

Non-drug therapy for migraine includes biofeedback and relaxation training, both of which help individuals cope with or control the development of pain and the body’s response to stress.

Lifestyle changes that reduce or prevent migraine attacks in some individuals include exercising, avoiding food and beverages that trigger headaches, eating regularly scheduled meals with adequate hydration, stopping certain medications, and establishing a consistent sleep schedule. Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic daily headache, so a weight loss program is recommended for obese individuals.

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Learn About Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are studies that allow us to learn more about disorders and improve care. They can help connect patients with new and upcoming treatment options.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with migraine?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about migraine and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with migraine at Clinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about migraine?

Information may be available from the following resources:

American Headache Society
Phone: 856-423-0043

Migraine Research Foundation
Phone: 212-249-5402

National Headache Foundation
Phone: 312-274-2650 or 888-643-5552

Learn about related topics

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Order publications from the NINDS Catalog

The NINDS Publication Catalog offers printed materials on neurological disorders for patients, health professionals, and the general public. All materials are free of charge, and a downloadable PDF version is also available for most publications.

How to Get Rid of a Migraine?

Do you or someone you know ever get those terrible headaches called migraines? They can be a real pain, right? Well, we’ve got good news for you! We’re here to help you learn some simple ways to get rid of migraines and make you feel better.  

In this blog, we’ll explore how to treat migraines with first aid. First aid can be a helpful skill to manage not only migraines but many other medical emergencies. You can get first aid certified with an online course. Institutions like the American CPR Care Association offer online first aid certifications. These courses are convenient for not only healthcare professionals but anyone interested. 

So are you ready to say goodbye to those terrible headaches and have more fun, headache-free days? Let’s learn about migraine relief and get started on the path to feeling better!

Imagine you’re outside enjoying a beautiful day, and a migraine strikes. Don’t worry – we’ve got some first-aid remedies to help you out even when you’re away from home. 

Hydrate Yourself

Dehydration can make migraines worse, so sipping on some cool water might help you. 

Take Deep Breaths

Help your body unwind by taking slow and deep breaths. Close your eyes, breathe in through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. Do this for a few minutes to help ease your migraine.

Use a Cold or Warm Compress

If you have an ice pack or a warm towel handy, place it on your forehead or the back of your neck. Cold can help numb the pain, while warmth may relax your muscles.

Stretch and Move 

Rise to your feet and carefully stretch the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back. Sometimes, tension in these areas can contribute to migraines. 

Block Out Light

If you have sunglasses or a hat, wear them to shield your eyes from bright sunlight. Light sensitivity is common during migraines, and reducing exposure can help.

These first aid remedies are here to help you manage your migraine when you’re on the go. By following these steps, you can regain control and continue enjoying your day outside, headache-free!

How to calm naturally in a migraine? 

Migraines can be tough, but did you know there are natural ways to help you feel calm and relaxed? Give these simple suggestions a try:

Aromatherapy

Gentle scents, like lavender or peppermint, can help you feel more at ease. Sniff or use a scented oil diffuser for pain relief. 

Meditation

Locate a peaceful spot to sit down and concentrate on your breathing. Clearing your mind can help you feel calmer during a migraine.

With these natural techniques, you can stay calm and in control when a migraine comes your way!

How to handle a patient having a migraine attack? 

If a friend or family member has a migraine attack, it’s important to know how to provide migraine first aid. Start by being supportive and calm, and ask what you can do to assist them. Help them find a quiet, dark place to rest, away from any loud noises or bright lights. You can also provide a cold or warm compress for their forehead or neck to help relieve their pain. Don’t forget to encourage them to drink water or a soothing drink like herbal tea to stay hydrated. 

By following these simple migraine first aid steps, you’ll be a great help to someone dealing with a migraine attack.

Get certified now to treat migraine patients on time

Do you want to be a superhero for people with migraines? You can! By getting certified to treat migraine with first aid, you’ll learn all the skills needed. The American CPR Care Association offers you an online course to do so. Here you can learn relaxation techniques and other headache remedies. This special training will make sure you know the best ways to care for someone during a migraine attack. Once you complete the course, you’ll be ready to make a real difference in their lives. 

Conclusion

So why wait? Start your journey today and become a migraine-fighting hero! With your new knowledge, you’ll be able to offer comfort and support when it’s needed most.

How to support a person with migraine?

Living with a migraine is not easy, and often a person suffering from this disease needs help and support. If your friend, family member, or partner has a migraine, these tips may help.

• Do not question symptoms
• How to help relieve migraine pain
• Support but not intrusive
• Provide physical assistance
• Help learn triggers

UA-ACIN-EIM-082020-039

Don’t question the symptoms

Migraine is a disease that doesn’t show itself outwardly. Because people do not notice the symptoms, there are many misconceptions about migraines. It is often mistaken for a common headache.

It is difficult for people to realize that someone does not believe them due to the lack of visible symptoms. To support a person suffering from migraine, first of all, you need to believe that he really hurts. He needs rest and less stress.

During a migraine attack, in addition to a headache, a person may also experience other symptoms: nausea, vomiting, light or sound sensitivity. It’s pretty tedious.

How to help relieve migraine pain

Everyone experiences migraines differently. To support, it is important first of all to listen to the person, and only then you can try to help. Sometimes just turning off the light is enough. In other cases, a change in habits can help, such as avoiding perfume, certain products, or knowing when to leave a high-profile event.

The best way to find out if you need help is to ask! Don’t ask difficult questions like “How can I help you?” Such questions are too difficult for someone who is in pain. It is recommended to start small, such as whether he needs tea, a pill, or if it would be better to close the blinds. This allows for a simple “Yes” or “No” answer. The longer you know a person by observing their symptoms, the better you will understand how you can help.

Support but not intrusive

Try to help, and not just be interested in the state of the person. Don’t say you know what the person is going through unless you personally have a migraine. You cannot imagine what a person feels during an attack, but you can support with a word, try to help maintain a positive attitude, remind a loved one that he will soon feel better.

People suffering from migraine want to live habitually and be in the circle of relatives and friends, but migraine can become active at any moment and confuse all plans. Support includes the ability to change the schedule and enforce certain restrictions. People with migraine are forced to refuse some activities, due to a change in well-being. It is important for them that others understand that the life of a person with migraine is different from the lives of other people, and the reason for changing plans is the unpredictability of their illness, and not the unpredictability of character.

Provide physical assistance

Nothing is more disruptive than a migraine attack. Provide help as much as you can: cook meals, walk the dog, pick up kids from school, or do other urgent chores. This will help the loved one relax and recover faster.

Help learn about triggers

Migraines are often triggered by environmental irritants such as bright lights, loud noises, or certain foods. You can help your loved one by tracking down potential headache causes and helping them avoid or mitigate those triggers in the future.

Dehydration can also cause a migraine. If the person is not nauseated, offer water. Often, a glass of water can help prevent pain from developing.

Also, be aware of how your own behavior can affect a person who has a migraine. If the person is sensitive to light and sound, turn off bright lights, turn off the TV and music, take children and pets elsewhere, close doors, and try to remain quiet in the midst of a migraine attack. And from time to time visit the room where the person with the attack is located in case he needs something.

You need to see a doctor if your loved one has:

• the pain is not the same as usual;
• numbness;
• speech problems;
• high temperature;
• shortness of breath.

List your symptoms and tell your doctor what medications you have taken in case you need help.

Source:

How to Best Support Someone with Migraine

https://time.com/5616125/migraines-how-to-help/

https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/inside-migraines-17/slideshow-soothe-migraine

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Abdominal migraine: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

Array ( [0] => Dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting; [1] => Anorexia with frequent attacks; [2] => Neurasthenia; [3] => Asthenia; [4] => Depression; [5] => Misdiagnosis in which the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract is missed. )

Description of the disease

Abdominal migraine is a specific form of the disease in which the patient suffers from attacks not of a headache, but of pain in the abdomen. This is a psychogenic pain that develops without any pathological changes in the intestines, abdominal organs or peritoneal muscles. The disease is observed in childhood and adolescence, and in adults occurs only as an exception. Pain in pathology strongly resembles an attack of appendicitis or other pathologies of the intestines, which requires a full examination of the patient. The pain syndrome in this migraine is moderate to severe, and in some cases it is unbearable. The disease cannot be ignored, and it requires mandatory treatment with the involvement of a specialist.

The particular danger of this form of the disease is that severe disorders requiring urgent surgical intervention can easily be missed. This phenomenon is possible in cases where the attack is not the first, and the patient takes painkillers to relieve it. In reality, this is not a migraine condition, but symptoms of another disease. As a result, a blurred picture can cause a serious complication that will pose a danger to the life of the patient.

The first migraine in children usually appears between the ages of 2 and 6 years. Attacks occur with varying intensity, as with ordinary migraine, and can be disturbing very rarely, or develop constantly. During sleep, the pain completely subsides, which is associated with changes in the work of the central nervous system at this moment. Up to 20 years, the percentage of patients of both sexes is the same. After 20 years in women, pathology is diagnosed more often, although it is a rare occurrence. The fact that in adults there is almost no pain of a migraine nature in the abdomen is associated with peculiarities in the work of the central nervous system. Most often, the abdominal form of the disease is characterized as childhood migraine.

The pain attack lasts on average from 1 to 2 hours. At the same time, in some patients, it can last only a few minutes, or, conversely, last for 5 days, which is especially dangerous, since it easily leads to severe dehydration that requires medical intervention. Pathology is most often hereditary in nature and occurs in children whose parents faced the same problem in childhood. When diagnosing a disease, the main principle is to exclude the presence of other pathologies in a patient.

Causes

The initial causes of the disease have not been sufficiently studied to date. Only factors that can cause the development of pain syndrome have been established. Pain can occur for the following reasons:

• strong nervous experiences – in children they can occur on many occasions that seem insignificant to an adult and do not require attention. Because of this, parents cannot always determine what provoked the child’s problem;

• metabolic disorders;

• rapid growth – while muscle tissue, bones and internal organs in children do not increase in size in the same way and are forced to catch up with each other;

• wrong mode of sleep and rest;

• a sharp increase in workload – especially often observed at the beginning of schooling. Causes an increase in seizures in children 7 years old;

• physical activities – when they are too big for this age category. Usually this cause occurs in adolescents;

• unbalanced, illiterate nutrition;

• sudden change in weather or climate;

• use of a number of drugs.

To determine the patient’s condition, the doctor needs to know as accurately as possible about what followed the onset of the attack. This will allow not only to make the correct diagnosis faster, but also to prescribe the most effective treatment.

Diagnosis

If abdominal pain occurs, the presence of other pathologies must be excluded. For this, a general examination of the patient is carried out. The main activities are as follows:

• abdominal ultrasound;

• magnetic resonance imaging – performed if possible;

• clinical blood test;

• urinalysis.

It is also important to describe your condition to the doctor as accurately as possible and to name the time of the onset of the attack. Be sure to collect an anamnesis of the disease. The diagnosis is made only after receiving all the data of the examination of the patient.

Performed by

Makhmudova Aza Dzaindievna

Otorhinolaryngologist

Kurbanov Farid Firudinovich

Otorhinolaryngologist surgeon, Ph.D.

Papulova Elena Guryevna

Otorhinolaryngologist

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