Migraine is a neurological disease characterized by symptoms such as a throbbing headache on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks usually last a few hours, but this time may increase depending on their severity.
Although the causes of migraine are not fully known, it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What are the Factors That May Trigger Migraine Attacks?
- Stress is one of the most common triggers of migraine attacks.
- Bright lights, loud sounds and strong smells can trigger migraine attacks.
- Migraine attacks may occur more frequently in women during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
- Sleep deprivation or changes in sleep patterns can trigger migraine attacks.
- Changes in air pressure and changes in temperature can trigger migraine attacks.
- Some foods and drinks, such as chocolate, cheese, caffeine and alcohol, can trigger migraine attacks.
Is There a Treatment for Migraine?
Yes, there is a treatment for migraine. There are several different approaches to migraine treatment. Treatment options may vary depending on factors such as migraine type, frequency, severity, and the person’s general health condition.
What are Migraine Treatment Options?
Migraine Attack Treatment: Attack treatment focuses on relieving symptoms during a migraine attack. Medications used to treat attacks include analgesics, triptans, ergotamines and antiemetics. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin can be used to mildly treat migraine attacks.
Triptans are the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of migraine. They can cause nausea and vomiting, so they should be used with caution if you are experiencing nausea during a migraine attack.
Ergotamines can be used to treat migraines that do not respond to triptans. They may cause more side effects than triptans. Antiemetics may also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Migraine Preventive Treatment: Preventive treatment focuses on reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Medications used in preventive treatment include antidepressants, antiepileptics, and blood pressure medications.
Low doses of antidepressants can be used as migraine preventive treatment. Some antiepileptic drugs can also be used as migraine preventive treatment. Some blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, can also be used as migraine preventive treatments.
Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, regular sleep patterns, avoiding stress and a healthy diet can help reduce migraine attacks.
In some people, certain triggers (e.g., stress, hunger, certain foods, sleep disturbances) are known to trigger migraine attacks. Therefore, strategies to avoid or cope with triggers may be recommended to prevent migraine attacks.
Some migraine sufferers report that taking caffeine at the beginning of a migraine attack helps relieve their symptoms. Magnesium supplements may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Regular exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Since stress can trigger migraine attacks, stress management techniques can play an important role in migraine treatment.
Some people are advised to learn stress management techniques, such as biofeedback, to manage and prevent migraine attacks. These techniques may include relaxation exercises, breathing exercises and meditation.
Alternative Treatments for Migraine: It is thought that in some people, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga or chiropractic treatments may help relieve migraine symptoms. However, more research is needed on the effectiveness and safety of these treatments.
Migraine treatment should be individualized and performed under the evaluation and guidance of a physician.