Migraine Headaches.

Introduction: Migraine is a type of headache which is characterized by intense throbbing or pulsation usually localized to one area of the head and commonly accompanied by a feeling of nausea, sometimes vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise.
A migraine attack can cause significant pain and discomfort with inability to perform normal activities and may last for hours or even days.

A Brief Overview: According to some statistics nearly 30 million people in United States suffer from Migraine. Headaches caused by migraine are more common in women than in men and also has some family predisposition. Migraine headaches may occur infrequently or as often as several times a week. Although it can begin at any time and different people may have different triggers it usually starts early in the morning. A person may start suffering from migraines at an age as young as 5 yrs. It is a treatable but not a curable condition, it is also not considered to be a life threatening condition although it always lead to significant discomfort to the patient.

Etiology: Although the exact cause is still not known it is believed to be a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. Changing hormone levels in the body may also play some role. Pathphysiologically it is believed to be a neurovascular disorder and the primary theory is related to increased excitability of the cerebral cortex and abnormal control of pain in the neurons of the trigeminal nucleus of the brain stem.

Risk Factors: Some individuals are more prone to develop Migraines and there are some common trigger factors. these may include;

• Genetics
• Female gender
• Stress
• Hunger and missed meals
• Menstruation
• Oral contraceptive use
• Drinking Alcohol
• Getting too little or too much sleep. 
• Sudden change in sleeping routine
• Eating food like those that are high in caffeine, aged cheese and preserved meats. 
• Pregnancy may sometimes decrease the attacks of migraine. 
• Weather changes
• Being exposed to flashing lights or under the sun etc

Management: Migraine is usually diagnosed but the characteristics symptoms and does not require tests or diagnostic imaging  unless any other serious condition is suspected

 

1. Migraine attacks can be effectively prevented by identifying the trigger and avoiding it. Good nutrition, healthy life style and certain medicines are also helpful. 

2. Over the counter pain medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen are effective in aborting an attack of migraine. 

3. Another group of drugs known s as triptans that work by constriction of blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain are helpful for some patients. 

4. Anti nausea medication may be required for patients whose headaches are associated with severe nausea and vomiting. 

5. Certain antidepressant drugs may also be used to prevent migraine headaches. 

6. Some people may get benefit from acupuncture, relaxation techniques and massage thearpy.