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MIGRAINE: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND SELF – HELP REMEDIES





What is a migraine?


Migraine is characterized by intense throbbing or pulsing pain, usually located on the right side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, and extremely sensitive to light and sound are common symptoms of a migraine. Migraine attacks can last anytime from a few hours to several days. The pain can be so intense that it can interfere with your day-to-day life.


Some individuals experience an aura, which is a warning sign, either before or together with their headache. A person may have visual disturbances like blind spots or light flashes, as well as non-visual disturbances like tingling in one arm or leg, trouble speaking, or tingling on one side of the face.


Medications can help prevent migraines from occurring, and some can even reduce the pain. The proper medicines, together with lifestyle changes and self-help remedies, might help.



Symptoms


The signs and symptoms of migraines differ depending on the stage. Each migraine is different, and you may not experience all of its four stages.



Aura

For some individuals, an aura might happen prior or during migraines. Reversible neurological symptoms include auras. While they may sometimes include other interruptions, they are mostly visual. Every symptom typically starts out mildly, intensifies over a few minutes, and lasts for up to an hour.

  • Vision loss.

  • Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg.

  • Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, flashes of light or bright spots.

  • Difficulty speaking.

  • Numbness or weakness in the face or one side of the body.


Prodrome

One or two days prior to a migraine, you might notice slight changes that indicate a migraine is coming, such as:

  • Mood changes, from depression to euphoria.

  • Constipation.

  • Food cravings.

  • Increased urination.

  • Neck stiffness.

  • Frequent yawning.

  • Fluid retention.


Attack

An untreated migraine often lasts four to seventy-two hours. The frequency of migraines depends on the individual. Migraines might happen rarely or strike numerous times a month.

A migraine may cause you to experience:

  • Have a throbbing or pulsing pain on one or both sides of your head

  • Have nausea and vomiting

  • Have sensitivity to light, noise, smell, and touch


Post-drome

It's possible to feel exhausted, disoriented, and washed out for up to a day following a migraine episode. A few claims to feel ecstatic. A sudden movement of the head might momentarily reactivate the discomfort.



Causes


Although the exact causes of migraines are unknown, heredity and environmental factors seem to be involved.


Possible causes include alterations in the brainstem and how it interacts with the trigeminal nerve, a significant pain pathway. Inequalities in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, which aids in controlling pain in the neurological system, may also be to blame.


Researchers are investigating the function of serotonin in migraines. Other neurotransmitters, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), play a role in the pain of migraine.


Migraine triggers

There are several things that might cause migraines, such as:

  • Stress. Migraines can result from stress at work or stress at home.

  • Sensory triggers. Some people are triggered by bright or flashing lights, while others are triggered by loud noises. Some people are also triggered by strong smells, such as perfumes, paint thinner, and secondhand smoke.

  • Women's hormonal changes. Many women tend to have headaches before or during menstruation, during pregnancy, and throughout menopause, which are all associated with fluctuations in estrogen.

  • Oral contraceptives are one example of a hormonal medicine that might exacerbate migraines. However, some women report that using these drugs reduces the frequency of their migraines.

  • Beverages. They include too much caffeine intake, such as from coffee, and alcohol, mostly from wine.

  • Sleep patterns vary. For certain persons, sleep deprivation or excessive sleep can be the cause of migraines.

  • Foods. Foods that are processed, salty, and aged cheeses may cause migraines. So does skipping meals.


Self – help remedies

Migraines can be debilitating, but there are several self-help remedies you can try to alleviate symptoms or prevent migraines from worsening:




Rest in a Quiet, Dark Room: Sensitivity to light and sound is common during migraines. Lie down in a quiet, dark room to reduce sensory stimulation and help relieve pain.








Apply Cold Compress: Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel on your forehead or the back of your neck. Cold therapy can help numb the pain and constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation.






Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause migraines in some people. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially during migraine attacks.






Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage stress and alleviate migraine symptoms.





Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen are examples of over-the-counter pain relievers that can be used to treat mild to severe migraine discomfort. However, be cautious with overuse, as it can lead to medication overuse headaches.






Stay Consistent with Sleep: Maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure you're getting adequate rest. Poor sleep habits or changes in sleep patterns can trigger migraines in some individuals.






Dietary Changes: Certain foods and beverages, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, alcohol, and caffeine, may trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. Keep a food diary to identify and avoid potential triggers.







Stay Active: Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga, or swimming can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by improving blood flow and releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.






Stay Away from Strong Odors: Strong smells, such as perfumes or certain cleaning products, can trigger migraines in some people. Avoid exposure to strong odors during migraine attacks.





Use of Circulation Padding: Circulation Padding promotes good blood circulation which is essential to overall health. It can also contribute to creating a comfortable and supportive environment during a migraine, helping to alleviate some of the symptoms and promote relaxation, which may aid in managing migraine pain.


Product recommendation: Pillow Padding


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