Mighty Migraines and Their Head-Wrecking Bedfellows

<p>Everyone knows what a headache is like, but a migraine is a whole other ball game. Whereas your average headache can last anywhere between 5 minutes and 4 hours, migraines can go on for potentially several days. It’s not just your head that’s in pain either; you might feel like throwing up, your vision may become blurry, and you may be so debilitated that work or school is out of the question.</p> <h2>Migraines versus headaches</h2> <p>Both migraines and headaches are common neurological issues that affect millions of people worldwide. Though the two seem similar, they have distinct characteristics, causes, and treatments. </p> <h2>Headaches</h2> <p>Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints, period. They affect people of all ages and come in different forms, with tension headaches being the most prevalent kind. As many as 80% of adults experience them at some point in their lives. </p> <h3>Types of headaches</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Tension headaches.</strong> This is the type of headache that features a constant, dull ache on both sides of the head. The exact cause of tension headaches isn’t known but factors involving genetics and the environment are thought to play a role. Stress, anxiety, poor posture, and muscle strain are common triggers.<br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Cluster headaches.</strong> These are characterized by extreme pain around one eye or a side of the head, often accompanied by nasal congestion and eye watering. Cluster headaches feature severe, recurring episodes that happen in cyclical patterns or clusters. <br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Sinus headaches.</strong> Caused by inflammation in the sinuses, these headaches present with pain around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. They are a common offshoot of sinus infections or allergies.</li> </ul> <h3>Causes and triggers</h3> <p>Common triggers for headaches include:</p> <ul> <li>Stress</li> <li>Dehydration</li> <li>Poor posture </li> <li>Lack of sleep</li> <li>Caffeine withdrawal</li> <li>Eye strain</li> <li>Alcohol</li> <li>Seasonal changes</li> </ul> <h2>Migraines</h2> <h3>Prevalence</h3> <p>Around 12% of people suffer from migraines, and women are three times more likely to suffer from them. Migraines usually start in adolescence or early adulthood. </p> <h3>Characteristics of a migraine</h3> <p>Migraines are a type of headache that may cause severe throbbing or pulsing pain, typically on one side of the head, and it may last for a few hours or several days. You may feel nauseous or experience vomiting and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound. </p> <p>Migraines are a complex neurological condition with interesting features like the aura, which affects around 1 in 4 sufferers. An aura can include visual disturbances, tingling sensations, and speech difficulties, usually before the headache phase begins.</p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/NAl05LfNAr/thumbnail.png" alt="Migraine aura phase | Source: Ellyse w/Wikimedia" /> <figcaption>Migraine aura. <em>Source: Ellyse w/Wikimedia</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Causes </h3> <p>Migraines and their pathways are not fully understood, though abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels are suspected to be behind them. Triggers include hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, stress, sensory stimuli, changes in sleep patterns, and physical exertion.</p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/6qyW33f5o1/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Migraine Triggers | Source: StoryMD/Pixabay" /> <figcaption>Migraine triggers. <em>Source: StoryMD/Pixabay</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Phases of a migraine</h3> <p>A migraine can typically be broken down into four phases, although not everyone experiences all of them.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Prodrome.</strong> One or two days before an attack, you may notice early warning signs such as mood changes, constipation, food cravings, and fatigue.</li> <li><strong>Aura.</strong> Visual or sensory disturbances that happen in advance of the headache. You may see shapes, flashes of light, or bright spots; experience vision loss or pins and needles; or have difficulty speaking.</li> <li><strong>Headache.</strong> The main event may last from 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. These headaches are known for intense, throbbing pain, along with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.</li> <li><strong>Postdrome.</strong> After the headache chills out, you may feel tired and confused for upward of a day.<br /> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/8dnrNRcvdn/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Phases of Migraine | Source: JoanDragonfly/Flickr" /> <figcaption>Phases of a migraine. <em>Source: JoanDragonfly/Flickr</em></figcaption> </figure> </li> </ol> <h2>Management and treatment strategies</h2> <p>Dealing with migraines and other headaches involves taking on board both generalized advice and understanding your own triggers. </p> <p>The regular stuff includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and drinking plenty of water, while the more personal kind means you have to identify food triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and certain additives that may be behind your pain. Stress management techniques like yoga and deep breathing can help to reduce the frequency of headaches.</p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/7ogLeMFjdx/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Lifestyle changes to reduce migraine attacks | Source: StoryMD" /> <figcaption>Lifestyle changes to reduce migraine attacks. <em>Source: StoryMD</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Medications</h3> <ul> <li><strong>OTC drugs.</strong> Over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can assist with tension headaches and migraines.<br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Prescription drugs. </strong>There are prescription medications that may be issued to treat more severe or frequent migraines. These include triptans and anti-nausea drugs.<br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Preventive treatments</strong>. For those who suffer from migraines chronically, your doctor may suggest Botox injections or CGRP inhibitors to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Other preventative medications include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.</li> </ul><h2>More on Migraines</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/bmp88qec6j-migraine" target="_blank">Migraine Headache: Causes, Triggers, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/lw23yna08m-migraine-in-women" target="_blank">Migraine in Women: Types, Causes, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/pwgr5nzt4j-headache" target="_blank">Headache Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Treatment</a></li></ul>