Migraine headaches are characterized by a pulsating or sharply hammering pain on one or both sides of the head. It frequently comes with nausea, vomiting, and excessive light and sound sensitivity. Migraine discomfort can be lessened with preventive measures. Migraine occurrences can last for hours or days, and the headache can be severe enough to disrupt daily activities such as work and travel. Read further to know more about migraine management.

Migraine is divided into subgroups

Migraine without aura
It is a recurrent headache attack lasting for 4 to 72 hours that is often unilateral in site, pulsing in character, and moderate to severe in severity.

Migraine with aura
This is characterized by recurrent reversible attacks that last for minutes and include one or more of the following unilateral indications: visual, sensory, speech and language, motor, brainstem, and retinal symptoms, which are commonly followed by headache and migraine symptoms.

Chronic migraine
This is defined as a headache that occurs for 15 or more days per month for more than three months and has migraine symptoms for at least eight days per month.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic migraine?

The symptoms of episodic and chronic migraine are the same. The difference is just an increase in the frequency of headaches. The following are typical migraine symptoms:

Headache that ranges from mild to severe in intensity and is exacerbated by physical activity/movement

Either or both sides of the head hurt

Throbbing or pressure-type pain

Light, sound, and scent sensitivity

Nausea/vomiting

Dizziness

The following symptoms indicate that an episodic migraine is progressing to chronic migraine:

An increasing number of migraine attacks

Taking more remedies as the attacks increases

What factors contribute to chronic migraine?

Chronic migraine occurs over time as a result of several variables, including:

The frequency of episodic headaches rises over time.

Abusive consumption of prescribed headache-relieving pharmaceuticals is another major factor contributing to chronic migraine.

Other causes of chronic migraine include:

Snoring

The most prevalent symptoms are anxiety and depression.

Continuous sleep disruption

Excessive caffeine consumption

Serious emotional (stressful life experiences) or bodily trauma history

Migraine treatment

Migraines do not have an absolute cure. The treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing potential attacks. Migraine treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes. There are numerous treatment options available to cope with migraine pain. Migraine treatments are divided into two types:

For pain relief

These are often called acute or abortive treatments. This treatment involves administration throughout migraine attacks and is intended to relieve symptoms.

For prevention

These are taken regularly to reduce the intensity or recurrence of migraines.

The migraine treatment options are determined by the frequency and intensity of an individual’s headaches. If an individual has nausea and vomiting along with migraines, how debilitating the headaches are, and if a person is already suffering from any other medical condition are some other factors that decide the course of the treatment.

Additional actions you can consider to feel much better include:

Close your eyes and try to meditate in a quiet, dark environment.

Applying a cool cloth or an ice pack to your brows.

Drink more liquids.

Migraines can be avoided by making the required lifestyle modifications

Exercising, meditation and yoga, and biofeedback are stress management practices that can be practiced to lessen the number and intensity of migraines. Using the electronic instruments, biofeedback teaches you to control specific physiological activities like your heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension.

Keep track of what seems to set off your migraines. You could find out about what foods and treatments to avoid. It will also assist you in determining what you need to do, including maintaining a constant sleep routine and eating regular and healthy meals.

Many women whose migraines appear to be related to their menstrual cycle may benefit from hormone therapy.

Resistance training along with a healthy lifestyle will help reduce the risk of having migraines.

You could also try taking magnesium if your magnesium level is low. Butterbur is another plant that some people use to prevent migraines. However, butterbur might not even be suitable for long-term use. Always check your physician before taking any supplements.

Small lifestyle changes can help ease migraine. Follow the tips for managing migraine.