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Migraine is a word used to describe a wide range of related disorders. It is not just a severe headache but a neurological disease.
Simply put, migraine is a recurring type of headache that causes moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing.
The pain is often felt on one side of the head, but could also be felt on both sides. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), migraine ranks as the 19th most common cause of disability worldwide.
Aside from the pain, persons who suffer from migraine may also have other symptoms like nausea, weakness and most times sensitivity to light and sound, depending on the type one has.
The National Institute for Neurological Disorder and Stroke, says migraine is three times more common in women than men.
Causes:
Migraine could be hereditary. If you have a family member that suffers from it, chances are that you may likely experience it too. If one of your parents has migraine, there is a 50 per cent possibility of you having it. If both parents have it, the chances increase to 75 per cent.
However, some of the facts listed here may be the cause of migraine: Stress, anxiety, too much or not enough sleep, sudden changes in weather or environment, hormonal changes in women, bright or flashing lights, loud noises, caffeine or caffeine withdrawal, skipped meals, strong smells, medicines, medication overuse, certain foods and food addictive, over exertion (too much physical activity), tobacco, amongst others.
Who is at risk for migraines?
- Women are three times more likely than men to get migraines.
- Have a family history of migraines.
- Have other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorder and epilepsy.
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Symptoms
The symptoms come with the different phases of migraines.
- Prodome : This stage starts 24 hours before the migraine. It comes with signs, such as food cravings, increased urination, unexplained mood changes, uncontrollable yawning and fluid retention.
- Aura : at this stage, you may see flashing or bright lights or zig – zag lines. Muscle weakness follows and this stage happens just before or during a migraine.
- Headache: It starts gradually and then becomes more severe. It typically causes throbbing or pulsing pain, which is often on one side of your head.
- Postdrome: This period follows the headache. At this stage, you may feel exhausted, weak and confused after a migraine.
Some women have migraines before their menstruation while other people may experience it at weekend, especially after a stressful week.
Diagnosis
The first way to diagnose a migraine is for one to visit a healthcare provider, who will take your medical history.
Secondly, the healthcare provider will ask for the symptoms. Another way to diagnose is to do a physical and neurological examination.
An important aspect of diagnosis is to rule out other medical conditions, which could be causing the symptoms. Critical tests could be carried out to ascertain this.
Treatment of migraines: there is no specific cure for migraines. But, there are drugs that can relieve the symptoms. Such drug are prescribed by medical experts.
However, some other practices may also help with easing migraine.They are: Stress management, resting with your eyes closed in a quiet, darkened room, drinking lots of fluids, placing a cool cloth or ice pack on your forehead, hormone therapy.
Also, make a log of what triggers your migraine and avoid them. If you are obese, lose weight.
Follow every advice your healthcare provider gives; it will also make you feel better.