What is migraine: symptoms, causes and treatments

Migraines are not just bad headaches, they are neurological disorders that affect millions worldwide. A migraine headache can cause severe head pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, and other symptoms that may last for hours or even days.

According to the International Headache Society, migraines are classified as a primary headache disorder, with two main types: migraine without aura (common migraine) and migraine with aura (classic migraine).

Migraines can be episodic migraine (fewer than 15 days per month) or chronic migraine (15 or more days per month). Understanding the phases, migraine triggers, and treatment of migraine can help patients reduce frequent migraine attacks and improve quality of life.

Types of migraine

a. Migraine with aura

Characterized by aura symptoms such as flashing lights, blind spots, tingling, or speech difficulties.

Usually occurs before the headache phase and lasts 5–60 minutes.

Can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications.

A rare subtype is familial hemiplegic migraine, which may cause temporary weakness or paralysis.

b. Hemiplegic migraine

A severe and rare type with neurological symptoms like temporary paralysis on one side of the body.

Caused by genetic factors and triggered by stress, hormones, or medications.

Requires preventive treatment such as calcium channel blockers and lifestyle management.

c. Other types

Retinal migraine: causes vision disturbances in one eye.

Silent migraine: aura symptoms without headache pain.

Abdominal migraine: more common in children, with stomach pain instead of head pain.

Migraine phases

A migraine attack often progresses through four stages:

• Prodrome – Mood changes, stiff neck, cravings, or fatigue hours before pain.
• Aura – Temporary neurological symptoms such as vision or sensory disturbances.
• Headache phase – Severe migraine pain, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound; may last hours to days.
• Postdrome – Exhaustion, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating after the headache subsides.

Not all migraine patients experience every phase.

Migraine triggers and aura symptoms

Common migraine triggers include:

• Hormonal changes (menstrual migraine)
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Certain foods (chocolate, cheese, processed meats)
• Caffeine or alcohol
• Weather changes
• Medication overuse headaches from painkillers

Aura symptoms may include flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, tingling, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms are a warning sign of acute migraine attacks.

Keeping a headache diary helps identify and manage triggers.

Migraine Treatments and Management

a. Acute Treatments (for active attacks)

Triptans, ergots, and nasal sprays target blood vessels and the trigeminal nerve to reduce pain.

Over-the-counter painkillers may help but can lead to medication overuse headaches.

Resting in a dark, quiet room helps manage sensitivity to light and sound.

b. Preventive Treatments (reduce frequency)

Beta blockers, anticonvulsants, and calcium channel blockers.

CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) inhibitors for chronic cases.

Preventive medicines taken daily for patients with frequent migraines.

c. Lifestyle and Alternative Approaches

Relaxation techniques, regular exercise, yoga, and good sleep hygiene.

Complementary and integrative health methods like acupuncture and massage.

Avoiding trigger headaches through diet and stress management.

Migraine treatments should always be personalized and prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider based on individual diagnosis and medical history. Some medications may have side effects or interact with other drugs. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment regimen. In case of severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Migraine Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to develop migraines:

• Genetic predisposition – runs in families.
• Hormonal fluctuations – more common in women.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Chronic headache disorders or coronary artery disease.
• Lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, irregular meals, and dehydration.

Migraines can significantly impact work, study, and social life, especially for patients with chronic migraine.

Conclusion

Migraines are neurological disorders that cause recurrent migraine headaches with severe pain and other symptoms. By identifying migraine triggers, understanding aura symptoms, and adopting the right combination of acute treatment and preventive treatment, patients can reduce attacks and improve quality of life.

Working with a doctor, maintaining a headache diary, and following relaxation techniques are essential to reduce migraine symptoms and manage frequent migraine attacks effectively.

FAQs on Migraines

Q1. What are the common migraine symptoms?

Severe head pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, vision changes, neck pain, and fatigue.

Q2. What causes migraines?

They can be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, food, genetics, and neurological changes in blood flow.

Q3. What is the difference between migraine with aura and without aura?

Migraine with aura includes warning signs like flashing lights or tingling, while migraine without aura does not.

Q4. How are migraines treated?

With acute or abortive treatments like triptans, and preventive medications such as beta blockers or CGRP inhibitors.

Q5. Can lifestyle changes help?

Yes, regular sleep, exercise, hydration, and stress management can help prevent frequent migraines.

Q6. When should I see a doctor?

If you experience chronic headache, worsening symptoms, or frequent migraines interfering with daily life.

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ARN: Zuno/Blog/DM/What is migraine: symptoms, causes and treatments/08/25/24