Migraine  

Migraines are a recurring type of headache. They cause moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. The pain is often on one side of your head. You may also have other symptoms, such as nausea and weakness. You may be sensitive to light and sound.

What causes migraines?

Researchers believe that migraine has a genetic cause. There are also a number of factors that can trigger a migraine. These factors vary from person to person, and they include:

Stress

Anxiety

Hormonal changes in women

Bright or flashing light

Loud noise

Strong smell

Medicine

Too much or not enough sleep

Sudden changes in weather or environment

Overexertion (too much physical activity

Tobacco

Caffeine or caffeine withdraws

Skipped meal

Medication overuse (taking medicine for migraines too often

Some people have found that certain foods or ingredients can trigger headaches, especially when they are combined with other triggers. These foods and ingredients include

Alcohol

Chocolate

Aged cheese

Mono-sodium amalgamate (MSG

Some fruits and nut

Fermented or pickled good

Yeas

Cured or processed meat

Who is at risk for migraines

About 12% of Americans get migraines. They can affect anyone, but you are more likely to have them if you are a woman. Women are three times more likely than men to get migraine

Have a family history of migraines. Most people with migraines have family members who have migraines

Have other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and epilepsy

What are the symptoms of migraines

There are four different phases of migraines. You may not always go through every phase each time you have a migraine.

Aura.

          If you have this phase, you might see flashing or bright lights or zig-zag lines. You may have muscle weakness or feel like you are being touched or grabbed. An aura can happen just before or during a migraine

Headache.

               A migraine usually starts gradually and then becomes more severe. It typically causes throbbing or pulsing pain, which is often on one side of your head. But sometimes you can have a migraine without a headache. Other migraine symptoms may include 

Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and odors 

Nausea and vomiting 

Worsened pain when you move, cough, or sneeze

Postdrome (following the headache). You may feel exhausted, weak, and confused after a migraine. This can last up to a day.

Migraines are more common in the morning; people often wake up with them. Some people have migraines at predictable times, such as before menstruation or on weekends following a stressful week of work.

How are migraines diagnose

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will

Take your medical history 

Ask about your symptom

Do a physical and neurological exercise 

An important part of diagnosing migraines is to rule out other medical conditions which could be causing the symptoms. So you may also have blood tests, an MRI or CT scan, or other tests

How are migraines treated.

There is no cure for migraines. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing additional attacks

There are different types of medicines to relieve symptoms. They include trip-tan drugs, ergot-amine drugs, and pain relievers. The sooner you take the medicine, the more effective it.

There are also other things you can do to feel better resting with your eyes closed in a quiet, darkened 

Placing a cool cloth or ice pack on your forehead

Drinking fluid

There are some lifestyle changes you can make to prevent migraines

Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback, may reduce the number and severity of migraines. Biofeedback uses electronic devices to teach you to control certain body functions, such as your heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension 

Make a log of what seems to trigger your migraines. You can learn what you need to avoid, such as certain foods and medicines. It also help you figure out what you should do, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule and eating regular meals

Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle 

If you have obesity, losing weight may also be helpful 

If you have frequent or severe migraines, you may need to take medicines to prevent further attacks. Talk with your health care provider about which drug would be right for you

Certain natural treatments, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2) and coenzyme Q10, may help prevent migraines. If your magnesium level is low, you can try taking magnesium. There is also an herb, butter-bur, which some people take to prevent migraines. But butter-bur may not be safe for long-term use. Always check with your health care provider before taking any supplements.