About all

Migraine and IBS: Understanding the Complex Connection Between Digestive and Neurological Disorders

by alexxlab

How are irritable bowel syndrome and migraine headaches related. What factors contribute to the increased risk of migraines in IBS patients. Can treating one condition alleviate symptoms of the other.

Содержание

The Prevalence of IBS and Migraine: A Growing Health Concern

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and migraine headaches are two prevalent health conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide. While these disorders affect different bodily systems, recent research has uncovered intriguing connections between the two, suggesting a complex interplay between digestive and neurological health.

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. It affects an estimated 10-15% of the global population, with a higher prevalence among women. Despite its widespread occurrence, IBS remains a challenging condition to diagnose and treat effectively.

Migraine, on the other hand, is a neurological disorder that manifests as recurring, often debilitating headaches accompanied by various sensory disturbances. Like IBS, migraines disproportionately affect women and can significantly disrupt daily activities, work productivity, and overall well-being.

Unveiling the Link: IBS and Increased Migraine Risk

A groundbreaking study published in Brain and Behavior journal has shed light on the potential connection between IBS and migraine. Researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive biomedical database containing information from nearly half a million individuals aged 37 to 69.

The study’s findings were striking: individuals with IBS were 2.25 times more likely to experience migraines compared to those without the digestive disorder. This significant association raises important questions about the underlying mechanisms linking these two seemingly disparate conditions.

Key Findings of the UK Biobank Study

  • IBS patients had a 2.25-fold increased risk of migraines
  • Peptic ulcer disease was associated with a 1.63-fold increased migraine risk
  • No significant association was found between migraine and Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease
  • Helicobacter pylori infection without ulcers did not increase migraine risk

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Potential Explanation for the IBS-Migraine Connection

The study authors propose that disruptions in the gut-brain axis may play a crucial role in the observed link between IBS and migraine. This bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract has garnered increasing attention in recent years as a key factor in various health conditions.

One potential mechanism underlying the IBS-migraine connection involves serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays vital roles in both the brain and the gut. Research has shown that migraine may be associated with chronically low serotonin levels that increase during active migraine attacks. Similarly, some cases of IBS may be related to low serotonin levels in the gut, explaining why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be effective in treating certain IBS patients.

The Role of Serotonin in IBS and Migraine

  1. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and pain perception in the brain
  2. In the gut, serotonin influences motility, secretion, and sensation
  3. Disruptions in serotonin signaling may contribute to both IBS and migraine symptoms
  4. SSRIs can potentially alleviate symptoms in some IBS patients by modulating serotonin levels

Gender Differences: Why Women Are More Susceptible to IBS and Migraine

Both IBS and migraine exhibit a clear gender bias, with women being more likely to experience these conditions than men. This disparity raises questions about the potential role of female hormones in the development and exacerbation of these disorders.

Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle have been shown to influence both gastrointestinal function and pain perception. These hormonal changes may contribute to the increased prevalence of IBS and migraine in women, as well as the potential interaction between the two conditions.

Hormonal Influences on IBS and Migraine

  • Estrogen can affect gut motility and sensitivity
  • Progesterone may influence intestinal permeability and inflammation
  • Hormonal fluctuations can trigger migraine attacks in some women
  • The menstrual cycle may exacerbate both IBS and migraine symptoms

Beyond IBS: Exploring Other Digestive Disorders and Migraine Risk

While the UK Biobank study found a strong association between IBS and migraine, it also revealed interesting findings regarding other gastrointestinal conditions. Individuals with peptic ulcer disease were found to have a 1.63-fold increased risk of experiencing migraines compared to control subjects.

Surprisingly, the study did not find significant associations between migraine and other inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease. Additionally, Helicobacter pylori infection without ulcers did not appear to increase migraine risk.

Digestive Disorders and Migraine Risk: A Summary

  • IBS: 2.25-fold increased risk
  • Peptic ulcer disease: 1.63-fold increased risk
  • Crohn’s disease: No significant association
  • Ulcerative colitis: No significant association
  • Celiac disease: No significant association
  • H. pylori infection without ulcers: No increased risk

Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment: A Holistic Approach

The emerging evidence linking IBS and migraine highlights the importance of adopting a more holistic approach to patient care. Healthcare providers treating patients with either condition should be aware of the potential comorbidity and consider screening for both disorders when appropriate.

For patients experiencing both IBS and migraine, a comprehensive treatment plan addressing both conditions may lead to better overall outcomes. This approach may involve a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, stress management techniques, and targeted pharmacological interventions.

Potential Treatment Strategies for IBS-Migraine Comorbidity

  1. Dietary modifications to identify and avoid trigger foods
  2. Stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation or cognitive-behavioral therapy
  3. Regular exercise to improve gut motility and reduce migraine frequency
  4. Targeted pharmacological interventions addressing both conditions
  5. Probiotics to support gut health and potentially influence the gut-brain axis

Future Research Directions: Unraveling the IBS-Migraine Mystery

While the UK Biobank study provides valuable insights into the relationship between IBS and migraine, many questions remain unanswered. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions and to develop more effective treatment strategies.

Future studies should aim to investigate the following areas:

  • The role of gut microbiota in both IBS and migraine pathogenesis
  • Genetic factors that may predispose individuals to both conditions
  • The impact of hormonal fluctuations on symptom severity and frequency
  • Potential shared inflammatory pathways between IBS and migraine
  • The effectiveness of targeted therapies addressing both conditions simultaneously

As our understanding of the complex interplay between digestive and neurological health continues to evolve, new avenues for treatment and prevention may emerge, offering hope to millions of individuals affected by IBS, migraine, or both conditions.

Living with IBS and Migraine: Practical Tips for Symptom Management

For individuals dealing with both IBS and migraine, managing symptoms can be challenging. However, there are several strategies that may help alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life:

Dietary Considerations

Identifying and avoiding trigger foods is crucial for managing both IBS and migraine symptoms. Common triggers may include:

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Processed foods
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • High-fat foods
  • Dairy products (for some individuals)

Consider keeping a food diary to track your intake and symptoms, which can help identify patterns and potential triggers.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a known exacerbating factor for both IBS and migraine. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can help manage symptoms:

  1. Mindfulness meditation
  2. Deep breathing exercises
  3. Progressive muscle relaxation
  4. Yoga or tai chi
  5. Regular exercise

Sleep Hygiene

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can help reduce the frequency and severity of both IBS and migraine symptoms. Try to:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine
  • Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening

Hydration and Balanced Nutrition

Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help support overall health and potentially reduce symptom severity. Consider:

  1. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  2. Eating regular, balanced meals
  3. Incorporating fiber-rich foods to support digestive health
  4. Avoiding skipping meals, which can trigger both IBS and migraine symptoms

The Impact of IBS and Migraine on Quality of Life: Addressing Mental Health Concerns

Living with chronic conditions like IBS and migraine can take a significant toll on mental health and overall well-being. It’s essential to address these aspects of health in addition to managing physical symptoms:

Psychological Impact

Both IBS and migraine have been associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression. The unpredictable nature of symptoms can lead to:

  • Social isolation
  • Reduced work productivity
  • Decreased self-esteem
  • Relationship difficulties

Coping Strategies

Developing effective coping mechanisms can help individuals better manage the psychological impact of IBS and migraine:

  1. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
  2. Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns
  3. Practice self-compassion and acknowledge the challenges of living with chronic conditions
  4. Engage in enjoyable activities and hobbies to promote overall well-being
  5. Explore relaxation techniques such as guided imagery or biofeedback

Communication with Healthcare Providers

Open and honest communication with healthcare providers is crucial for effective management of both IBS and migraine. Be sure to:

  • Keep a symptom diary to share with your doctor
  • Discuss any concerns about medication side effects or interactions
  • Ask about new treatment options or clinical trials
  • Address any mental health concerns or need for psychological support

By taking a comprehensive approach to managing both IBS and migraine, individuals can work towards improving their quality of life and reducing the impact of these challenging conditions on their daily lives.

Are Individuals with IBS More Likely to Have Migraines?

Skip to content

Are Individuals with IBS More Likely to Have Migraines?GIS2022-01-28T11:55:43-08:00

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive condition defined by abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation and/or diarrhea. It is so common that you likely know at least one person who has it, yet people rarely speak about having IBS due to the taboo nature of digestive symptoms. IBS symptoms are chronic and can be difficult to treat in some people, and it can affect many areas of life, including physical health, mental health, social activities, and work.

Migraine is a neurological condition that results in painful, throbbing headaches. These episodes are recurring, typically felt on one side of the head, and generally cause moderate to severe pain. Most individuals experience several other symptoms with the migraine headache, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. In addition, many can tell when a migraine is coming because they experience symptoms up to a day before the headache, known as the prodromal phase, including fatigue, mood changes, muscle stiffness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Some individuals also experience an aura phase between the prodromal phase and the headache, which typically involves visual disturbances such as wavy lines, blurring, or loss of part of the visual field, and can also include difficulty speaking and sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness in the extremities. A migraine can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. As with IBS, migraine can affect many areas of life, as the symptoms can lead to missed work and social events.

In a recent study,1 researchers analyzed data obtained from the UK Biobank, a biomedical database and research resource that contains detailed information from nearly half a million individuals, to look for connections between migraine and gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Past research has shown a potential link between migraine and a variety of digestive conditions, including IBS, peptic ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease.

The study involved 489,753 participants between the ages of 37 and 69 years, so while it is a very large cohort, it is lacking data on children, young adults, and seniors. Another possible limitation of this study is a healthy participant bias, as those who participated in the study tended to have fewer health conditions than those found in an average population. The rates of gastrointestinal conditions and migraine in this group were both lower than expected in a random selection of people.

After analyzing the data, the researchers found that those with IBS were 2.25 times more likely than the control subjects to experience migraines. The research also showed that individuals with peptic ulcer disease were 1.63 times more likely to suffer from migraines than the control subjects. However, despite H. pylori infection being a primary cause of peptic ulcers, individuals who had H. pylori infection without ulcers were not at an increased risk of migraines. While past research has shown a potential correlation, this study found that those who had Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease were no more likely to suffer from migraine than the controls.

The study authors speculate that the correlation between IBS and migraine could be related to disruptions to the gut-brain axis. One possible mechanism is problems with serotonin levels. Previous research shows that migraine might be related to chronically low serotonin levels that increase during active migraines. In addition, it’s possible that some cases of IBS might occur due to low levels of serotonin in the gut, which is why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be an effective treatment method for individuals with IBS. In addition, both IBS and migraine are more common in women than in men, so female hormones might also play a role.

Further research is needed to fully understand why this link exists, and whether individuals with other digestive conditions might be at an increased risk of experiencing migraine.

First published in the

Inside Tract® newsletter issue 219 – 2021

Photo: Keira Burton | Pexels.com
1.Welander NZ

et al. Migraine and gastrointestinal disorders in middle and old age: A UK Biobank study [published online ahead of print, 2021 Jul 21]. Brain Behav. 2021;10.1002/brb3.2291. doi:10.1002/brb3.2291.

 

Email News Sign Up

Join the badgut.org email list and receive the latest news on digestive health, BadGut® Lectures, events, and more. Click here.

Search

Search for:

Share This Page

Page load link

Go to Top

Survey Highlights Relationship Between IBS and Migraine

New survey findings reveal a significant association between migraine and irritable bowel syndrome.

Findings of a nationwide survey conducted in Saudi Arabia revealed that patients with migraine were 4.13 times more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and those with IBS were also more likely to experience migraine. Results were published in BioMed Research International.

Apart from throbbing pain, migraine can be accompanied by symptoms including nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia, whereas IBS is characterized by “abdominal pain that persists for more than 1 day per week in the previous 3 months and begins more than 6 months before diagnosis,” authors explained.

IBS is also one of the most common gut-brain connection disorders, with an estimated global prevalence between 3.8% and 9.2%.

Previous research has supported the claim that the gut-brain axis can substantially affect how neuronal disorders affect the gastrointestinal tract. Additional factors like serotonin, central and visceral hypersensitivity, and hereditary traits also serve as common pathogenesis pathways for both migraine and IBS.

To measure the prevalence of migraine and IBS in Saudi Arabia and elucidate the relationship between the 2 syndromes, researchers carried out an observational cross-sectional analytical study between March and June 2021.

All participants were at least 15 years old and completed an online self-administration survey. The survey was divided into 3 sections focusing on the patients’ personal and demographic information; their migraine symptoms, measured via the Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q), and severity, measured by the migraine severity (MIGSEV) scale; and IBS manifestations, measured using the IBS module of the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire (R4DQ).

A total of 2802 individuals were included in the analysis, a slight majority of whom were male (52.5%).

Analyses revealed:

  • Prevalence of migraine was 27.4%, and prevalence of IBS was 16.4%.
  • Females had a considerably higher prevalence of migraine, at 37.5%, compared with 18.2% in males.
  • Females also had a higher prevalence of IBS, at 20. 9%, compared with 12.4% for males.
  • 34.8% of respondents had IBS-mixed, followed by IBS-predominant constipation (33%), IBS-diarrhea (24.6%), and IBS-unsubtyped (7.6%).
  • Odds of having IBS in migraineurs were much higher than in those without migraine (odds ratio [OR], 4.127; 95% CI, 3.325-5.121; P < .001).
  • Those with IBS had an increased likelihood of having migraines (OR, 3.304; 95% CI, 2.632-4.147; P < .001).
  • Migraineurs with severe symptoms were more likely to have IBS than migraineurs with moderate or lower migraine symptoms (P = .015).

“A standard theory for the sex discrepancy in migraine and IBS is hormonal factors, especially sex hormones,” researchers noted. However, “more research is needed to investigate sex-related vulnerability to migraine headaches and IBS, including genetic and biological determinants and other environmental factors influencing migraine and IBS prevalence in females.”

One potential explanation for the relationship seen between migraine and IBS is the role of defective serotonin, which modulates gut motility, secretion, and sensation, and serves as an essential neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Diet can also influence the gut-brain axis, and evidence has shown that “an IgG-based elimination diet drastically improves the symptoms of both conditions, implying a relationship between the 2 via the enteric-nervous system mediated by serotonin and other inflammatory components.”

Due to the nature of the study, no causal effects can be determined, marking a limitation. Recall bias may also have been present.

“National surveillance of migraine and IBS prevalence can bring awareness to the cost on the health and social care systems, mainly as both disorders have been attributed to a lower quality of life,” authors concluded. “Measuring the severity of one disorder may aid in predicting the likelihood of developing the other,” but ultimately, more research is needed.

Reference

Bin Abdulrahman KA, Alenazi NS, Albishri SB, Alshehri FF. Association of migraine and irritable bowel syndrome in Saudi Arabia: a nationwide survey. Biomed Res Int. Published online January 18, 2022. doi:10.1155/2022/8690562

Migraine is a risk factor for most cardiovascular diseases

Migraine and associated pathologies

Migraine is a primary neurological disease characterized by recurrent episodes of headache, gastrointestinal and autonomic symptoms (singly or in combination). This disease is detected in almost 15% of the population (about 1 billion people worldwide). The lifetime prevalence of migraine is 10-20% depending on sex, age (after puberty) and the population studied, but it is more common in women. Approx 90% of all first migraine attacks occur before age 50. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life and puts a significant burden on the healthcare system.

Among the most frequent associations of migraine, especially in patients with migraine aura, are ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease. Major potential mechanisms for these conditions include endothelial dysfunction, hypercoagulability, platelet aggregation, vasospasm, cardiovascular risk factors, paradoxical embolism, depolarization spread, genetic predisposition, nonsteroidal drug use, and immobilization. Most of these causes may also be associated with an increased risk of other cardiovascular events.

New data from population-based studies

A recent study from Stanford University, USA, and Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, focuses on improving understanding of the relationship between cardiovascular disease and migraine. The results were published in BMJ in January 2018. The study was funded by the University of Aarhus, the Lundbeck Foundation’s Program for Clinical Research Infrastructure, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. In patients with newly diagnosed migraine, a risk assessment was performed (in comparison with the general population): myocardial infarction, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, peripheral arterial disease, venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation or flutter, and heart failure. Additionally, the dependence of the association of the listed conditions with the gender of patients and the presence of migraine aura was assessed. The data obtained can serve as a guide for targeted therapeutic intervention in order to reduce cardiovascular risks.

This population-based comparative cohort study included 51,032 people with migraine and 510,320 people in the matched group. The average age of participants is 35 years (interquadrate range 22-47), 71% are women. In the migraine cohort (2451 patients), a higher baseline level of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidity was noted. Of these, 575 patients had more than one cardiovascular event. Cumulative rate of cardiovascular events in the migraine cohort per 1000 people after 19years of follow-up compared with the general population was 25 versus 17 for myocardial infarction, 45 versus 25 for ischemic stroke, 11 versus 6 for hemorrhagic stroke, 13 versus 11 for peripheral arterial disease, 27 versus 18 for venous thromboembolism; 47 vs 34 for atrial fibrillation or flutter and 19 vs 18 for heart failure.

The highest risk of cardiovascular disease was observed during the first year: an eight-fold increase in the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and an approximately two-fold increase in the risk of myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation or flutter. For >1–5 years and >5–19years, a strong association of migraine with an increase in the incidence of myocardial infarction (by 1.5 times), ischemic stroke (by 1.6–2.1 times), hemorrhagic stroke (by 1.4 times), venous thromboembolism (by 1.3– 2.0 times) and atrial fibrillation or flutter (1.2 times). Information on the presence of migraine aura was available for 30,069 patients (59% of the migraine cohort). Overall, adjusted hazard ratios for migraine with aura were higher than for migraine without aura for all outcomes except for venous thromboembolism and heart failure. Migraine with aura has been associated with long-term risks of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and venous thromboembolism.

Conclusions

The absolute risks of cardiovascular outcomes in the study, given the young age of the population, were, as expected, low. However, the authors propose to consider migraine as a powerful and persistent risk factor for most cardiovascular diseases in both men and women. It remains an open question whether strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease are effective in patients with migraine.

Alexander Guziy

causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (pills), prophylaxis in women, men, children

Causes

Classification

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Migraine is a neurological disease, the main symptom of which is periodic attacks of headache of varying intensity, and the causes of the disease are associated with hereditary predisposition and adverse environmental factors.

Women experience migraines several times more often than men. According to statistics, about 20% of the total population suffers from this neurological pathology in the world, and this is one of the most common causes of disability.

The debut falls on the period of puberty, but the most severe disease occurs when the age of 35-45 years is reached.

Causes of development

To date, there is no exact information about what is the cause of the disease. The hereditary theory is considered the most popular, since close relatives of patients on the mother’s or father’s side also suffer from this neurological pathology.

Migraine headache can be provoked by the following factors:

  • psychological – stress, strong emotions, sudden mood changes;
  • hormones – the beginning of menstruation, the period of ovulation;
  • environment – bright light, loud noise, frosty or windy weather, extreme heat, closeness in the room, strong smell;
  • foodstuffs or drinks, especially alcohol, chocolate and cheese, and meals containing monosodium glutamate;
  • Taking certain medications.

Hunger, lack of sleep, severe fatigue, elevated body temperature, flights and jet lag can also provoke a migraine attack. It is important to know that each patient always has his own specific factors that can give impetus to the development of an attack. This is important to remember when diagnosing and treating the disease. In other words, any deviation of the state of the body from the current status quo is capable of provoking the development of a migraine attack.

One should not think that it is the disease that is inherited. Only the peculiarity of the response of the central nervous system and blood vessels to one or another type of stimulus is inherited. However, this is enough for dysregulation of the vascular tone of the brain and increased excitability of its neurons to manifest the same symptoms as in the parents.

Classification

Most often, migraine in women has three phases. The first is prodromal. A few hours before the attack, drowsiness appears, sensitivity to light or sounds increases, mood changes. However, sometimes this phase does not occur, and the attack begins immediately with the onset of pain – this is the second phase. Usually pain is pulsating, manifests itself in the forehead, eye socket and temple. Their duration is from several hours to 2-3 days. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and pale skin.

The attack ends with a recovery period or the third phase. There are increased fatigue, loss of appetite. Gradually, the state of health is restored to normal, but it takes several days.

Migraine with aura, or classic, occurs in 30% of all patients. Its peculiarity is that it does not consist of three, but of five phases, each of which has its own characteristics:

  1. The prodrome phase fully corresponds to that described above for migraine without aura.
  2. The second phase is the appearance of the aura. Each person has its own, and is associated with a decrease in blood flow to the brain for a short time. Lasts about an hour.
  3. The third is the classic version of pain in half of the head, which in medicine is called hemicrania.
  4. The fourth is the resolution phase. Here there is a decrease in pain, vomiting or nausea stops, and the patient falls asleep.
  5. Fifth – restorative, with complete normalization of well-being.

Chronic migraine is characterized by a headache that is atypical for this pathology, which occurs between attacks. The attacks themselves occur more than 15 times a month and greatly prevent a person from leading a normal life.

Main manifestations

Migraine symptoms will appear depending on what phase the attack is in.

During the prodrome period, which lasts from 4 to 48 hours, the main manifestations will be weakness, decreased concentration, irritability, anxiety, prolonged yawning, decreased skin temperature, loss of appetite.

In the second phase, called the aura, there are visual, sensory and emotional disturbances. Its duration is from 5 minutes to an hour. The aura does not appear in all patients, and sometimes the prodrome phase immediately passes into the third – painful.

The duration of the pain phase can be 4-72 hours. A throbbing headache appears, and with it there may be nausea or vomiting, weakness, increased sensitivity to sounds, smells and light.

A migraine attack ends with weakness, a feeling of heaviness in the head, emotional disturbances, and sometimes diarrhea. The fifth phase lasts from 1 to 3 days. Then the patient considers himself completely healthy before the development of the next attack.

The aura before the onset of a headache may differ from person to person. To date, neurologists distinguish its following types:

  1. Classic or typical. Manifested by visual, sensory and speech, completely reversible disorders. Flickering spots appear before the eyes, visual fields fall out, complaints of a feeling of numbness and tingling in the limbs, speech becomes slurred, or difficulties appear in the selection of certain words.
  2. Motor. To the symptoms described above is added a complete or partial loss of strength in half of the body.
  3. Stem or basilar. There is a violation of articulation, dizziness, tinnitus, double vision, a feeling of “crawling”, sometimes – a violation of consciousness.
  4. Retinal. It is expressed in unilateral visual impairment.

Symptoms and manifestations of aura in migraine in women and men are always identical. However, the latter suffer from this disease much less often and attacks occur between the ages of 18 and 25.

Diagnosis

A neurologist’s consultation begins with a patient interview. Since migraine pain is accompanied by certain symptoms, the doctor, when taking an anamnesis, will ask if nausea accompanies it, if there is an increased sensitivity to sounds and light at that moment, and if such an attack caused a disruption of the usual way of life for one, two or three days. .

Examination does not provide any significant data for making an accurate diagnosis. However, the nature of the pain, namely the presence of pulsation, is the leading diagnostic criterion. This allows you to distinguish migraine from other types of headaches.

Most of the instrumental methods used in the diagnosis of migraine in children or adults are not informative. This includes not only EEG, dopplerography and duplex, but also CT, MRI or X-ray. This is due to the fact that these methods cannot detect changes in the central nervous system that are characteristic of pathology.

It is very important to see a doctor when the first attack occurs. This will allow the patient to start taking the right medications and prevent serious complications from developing.

Therapies

Migraine treatment is carried out by a neurologist. Drug treatment is prescribed strictly individually.

You should not use traditional methods of treatment in the treatment of this disease, since their effectiveness has not been proven, and taking certain herbs, aromatic oils, infusions and decoctions can sometimes cause allergies and worsen the patient’s condition.

Also, self-medication should not be done – this often becomes the cause of the development of a chronic course of the disease. In severe cases, narcotic analgesics are prescribed, as well as combined agents.

Specialized drugs for migraine are called triptans. Today, several types of these medicines are produced, so the selection of the drug is carried out only by a doctor.

There is no one size fits all migraine pill. Therapy is always carried out individually and depends on both the severity of the course and the frequency of the attack, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Migraine during pregnancy requires special attention. In this case, drugs should be taken only as a last resort and only after consultation with a neurologist, gynecologist, leading the pregnancy.

Prophylaxis

With a timely visit to the doctor and the appointment of the correct treatment, it is possible to improve the patient’s quality of life and reduce the frequency of seizures. To prevent migraines, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, observe a sleep schedule, and take medications prescribed by a doctor on a regular basis.

Also, patients should avoid precipitating factors and situations that could cause the development of another attack. These are stress, fasting, drinking alcohol, lack of sleep, overeating, eating foods from certain groups.

The author of the article:

Markelov Gleb Vladimirovich

neurologist, online consultations

work experience 4 years

reviews leave feedback

Clinic

m. Sukharevskaya

Reviews

Services

  • Title
  • Appointment, consultation of a neurologist primary 2300