What is a migraine? How does it feel?
Among the many symptoms of migraine, the painful throbbing and pulsing that typically occurs only on one side of the head is among the most well-known. Physical exertion, bright lights, loud noises, or strong odours may aggravate your migraine. It could linger for at least four hours and possibly several days. It’s estimated that about 1 in 12 persons have this hereditary condition.
Signs that might indicate migraine can include:
While migraines are more common in adults, adolescents and teenagers can experience them too. Migraine sufferers don’t necessarily progress through all of these stages.
Prodromo:
Subtle changes may occur one or two days prior to a migraine that serve as warning signs, such as:
- Constipation
- Mood changes, from depression to euphoria
- Food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Increased urination
- Fluid retention
- Frequent yawning
Aura:
When migraines strike, an aura may appear before or during the episode for some people. Auras are temporary neurological symptoms. Most of the time, they manifest visually; other forms of disorientation are also possible. Symptoms typically develop over the course of a few minutes and linger for up to an hour.
- Observable changes in one’s visual environment, such as the appearance of new shapes, lights, or bursts of light
- Vision loss
- Painful tingling or numbness in a limb
- Face or side weakness or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
Episode:
- Discomfort on one side of the head, sometimes on both sides
- Pain that throbs or pulses
- Sensitivity to sensory inputs, including sight, sound, and, in some instances, smell and touch
- Nausea and vomiting
Post-drome:
A migraine episode can leave you feeling exhausted, disoriented, and wiped out for up to 24 hours after it ends. Several people have mentioned experiencing feelings of elation. A quick movement of the head could temporarily reawaken the pain.
Can migraine headaches affect my brain health?
Migraine sufferers may worry that their condition can permanently alter brain function.
Migraine sufferers’ brain scans may reveal abnormalities called lesions. If you suffer from migraines and have had a brain scan that reveals lesions, you may be concerned that the attacks have damaged your brain. As far as we know, these lesions do not signal an increased risk of cognitive decline and are not linked to neurological disorders.
Some blame transient ischemic episodes for these alterations (TIAs or mini-strokes). On the other hand, there is no proof that these lesions are the result of a stroke. No evidence suggests that they increase the risk of stroke or cognitive decline in old age (i.e., difficulties with memory, language, reasoning, problem-solving, or judgement).
Cognitive abilities naturally deteriorate with ageing. There is no proof that migraines induce permanent brain damage or memory loss at this time.
Causes that can lead to migraine:
Even while the exact origins of migraines are still unknown, genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role.
Perhaps alterations in the brainstem and its connections with the trigeminal nerve, a significant pain pathway, are at play here. Serotonin, which aids in the regulation of pain in the neurological system, and other chemical imbalances in the brain may also contribute to chronic pain.
The triggers that can cause migraine:
Hormonal changes in women:
Many women experience headaches when estrogen levels fluctuate, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy, or menopause.
Oral contraceptives can make migraines worse. However, for some women, using one of these drugs can significantly lessen the number of times they get a migraine.
Drinks.
A lot of alcohol, especially wine, and coffee, which are high in caffeine, are examples of these.
Stress.
An individual may suffer from migraines due to stress at work or at home.
Sensory sensitivity.
Migraines can also be triggered by loud noises and intense light. Some people experience migraines when exposed to strong scents like perfume, paint thinner, passive smoke, and others.
Sleep.
People who suffer from migraines may find that either not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much is triggering the headaches.
How do migraines shape your brain?
“Plasticity” describes the brain. That implies it adapts and creates brand new neural connections. As a matter of fact, this is how you live, develop, adjust, and earn a living.
These alterations to neural circuitry can occur in response to negative experiences like illness or pain and pleasant ones. As a pianist practices and improves, the region of her brain that controls her hands will get thicker.
However, when you suffer from migraines frequently, your brain may develop neural pathways that serve to reinforce the agony you already feel.
How are migraines treated?
Chronic migraine headaches are extremely painful. They are not curable, but they can be controlled and even enhanced. Medication is used for two major types of headache treatment: abortion and prevention.
Abortive medications:
Abortive drugs have the greatest efficacy when used at the earliest symptom of a migraine. Have one while the discomfort is still bearable. Migraine discomfort, nausea, sensitivity to light, etc., can be alleviated or eliminated with the aid of migraine headache treatment, which works by inhibiting the headache’s progression.
Preventive medications:
When headaches are severe, occur more than four times a month, and cause significant disruption to daily life, your neurologist for migraine may prescribe preventive drugs. Taking preventative medicine can lessen the number and severity of headaches. Migraine preventative medication is often taken every day.
Every person with migraine has a different experience. Just as there is no one “standard” approach to treating migraines, no two people will ever have the same migraine treatment plan. Successful treatment typically involves:
- Identifying and avoiding individual migraine triggers.
- Controlling symptoms.
- Engaging in preventative measures.
- Listening to and following the advice of a neurologist for migraine.
- Reporting any noteworthy changes as soon as they occur.
Final Words
There is a great deal of pain associated with migraines. Most people wonder if they have a long-term effect on their brains if they get them. The answer seems to be yes, according to research. If you have a migraine, consult a neurologist for it immediately.