Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Migraines
Migraines are very different from normal headaches. They can disrupt your entire day and your quality of life. They also affect your productivity and performance at your workplace. Millions of people from all over the world are suffering from migraines. Nevertheless, the causes, symptoms, and treatment options often remain misunderstood.
Therefore, in this blog, we are going to talk about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for migraines.
What is a Migraine?
As per Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, migraine is an intense headache that you feel on one side of the head. Unlike an ordinary headache, migraine may last for several hours. You should not ignore migraine because it progresses through different stages - prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. However, it is not necessary that everyone experiences all these phases. You should visit the best neurologist in Dubai for a medical examination. They will examine and confirm if your headache is migraine or something else.
Causes of Migraine
Here are some of the major causes of migraines.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in estrogenic levels, especially in women, can trigger migraines. Many women experience migraines during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause due to changing hormone levels.
Stress and Anxiety
If you are stressed because you are struggling at your workplace or in your personal or social life, it can lead to changes in brain chemicals that affect pain signals and lead to a migraine attack.
Sleep Disturbances
If you sleep too little or too much, it can disturb your body’s rhythm and trigger migraine. Taking proper sleep is crucial to preventing migraine.
Too much or too little sleep can disturb your body’s rhythm and act as a migraine trigger. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial for prevention.
Dietary Factors
Certain foods and beverages also trigger migraines. They can be mentioned, such as
- Aged cheeses
- Caffeinated beverages
- Alcohol (especially red wine)
- Processed meats
- Foods containing additives like MSG or nitrates
Environmental Factors
Bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, or sudden weather changes
Genetic Predisposition
Migraines often run in families.
Dehydration or Skipped Meals
- Not drinking enough water or missing meals.
Symptoms of Migraine
Prodrome (Early Warning Phase)
This phase occurs hours or even a day before the migraine hits. Common signs include:
- Fatigue or unusual energy levels
- Cravings for specific foods
- Stiff neck
- Frequent yawning
- Irritability or mood changes
Aura Phase (in Some People)
About 25% of migraine sufferers experience an aura - temporary disturbances in vision or other senses before the headache begins. Symptoms may include:
- Flashing lights or zigzag patterns
- Blind spots in vision
- Tingling or numbness in the face or hands
- Difficulty in speaking or concentrating
Headache (Attack Phase)
This is the most painful stage and can last from 4 to 72 hours. Symptoms include:
- Severe, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or light-headedness
Postdrome (Recovery Phase)
After the pain alleviates, people often feel drained, confused, or even euphoric. This “migraine hangover” can last up to a day.
When to see the best neurologist in Dubai
You should visit the best neurologist doctor in Dubai, Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, if you feel
- Headaches that interfere with daily activities
- Changes in headache pattern or intensity
- Head pain accompanied by confusion, fever, or vision loss
- New headaches after the age of 50
Treatment for Migraine
The best neurologist in Dubai will recommend the best lifestyle practices, the right medications based on their examination, and preventive strategies. The treatment of migraines depends on the fact how frequent and severe the pain is.
