Migraine is More Than a Headache Types and Treatment
Migraine is a neurological condition.
It is a severe pain in the head.
It is usually pain on one side of the head.
The attack can last for 4 to 72 hours.
What are the types of migraine?
Migraine with aura – It is a moderate to severe headache.
It includes nausea, vomiting, or smell.
Migraine without aura – It is the sensory disturbances followed by a headache.
It includes flashing lights, zigzag lines, and a blind spot.
Migraine aura without headache –
These are the visual and sensory disturbances in the brain.
Hemiplegic migraine-
It causes temporary motor weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
Vestibular Migraine: It is an imbalance that causes episodes of severe dizziness and vertigo.
Retinal migraine – It is the temporary changes in one eye.
It leads to vision disturbance in one eye.
Migraine with Brainstem Aura-
It is the head pain that affects the brainstem.
It causes –
Slurred speech, double vision, and ringing in the ears.
What are the causes of migraine?
- A family history of migraines
- Changes in neurotransmitters.
- Abnormal electrical conduction in the brain.
- Incorrect nerve signals.
How does a migraine headache occur? Describe phases.
Migraine is a complex chain of events.
It includes abnormal brain activity, chemical shifts, and nerve signaling.
- Prodrome phase-
These are the early warning signs that occur before a headache.
These occur hours or days before severe pain.
It consists of –
- Frequent yawning
- Food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Increased urination
- The sensory phase –
This phase lasts for 5 to 60 minutes before the pain.
Shimmering zigzag lines, flashing lights.
Tingling sensation in arms and face.
Slurred speech
- The headache phase-
It is the peak period of the episode.
It lasts from 4 -72 hours (if untreated).
- Pulsating pain
- Extreme sensory sensitivities
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slight movement may aggravate the pain
- Migraine hangover-
It is the phase when the severe pain stops.
It is the recovery phase extending between 24 and 48 hours.
- Extreme weakness
- Brain fog
- Pain on moving the head
What are the symptoms of migraine?
- Throbbing /pulsating headache
- Pain on one side of the head
- Pain behind the eye.
- Stomach upset
- Increased sensitivities
What are the triggers for migraine?
- Changes in hormones
- Overexertion
- Stress
- Sleep changes
- Dehydration
- Specific food /alcohol
- Bright lights
- Strong smell
- Weather changes
How to manage migraines?
It is always advised to avoid the triggers.
Immediate relief steps –
- Turn off the lights
- Avoid sound
- Ice packs on your head or neck
- Drink water
- Small amount of tea
What are the medicines used in migraine?
Acute medication:
It is used when the first signs of pain occur.
These are taken immediately.
- Triptans
- Gepants
- Pain killers
- Ditans
- Anti-nausea drugs
Preventive medications include-
- Monoclonal Antibodies
- Beta-Blockers
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- OnabotulinumtoxinA
Which is the contract drug manufacturer?
Aprazer Healthcare is a pharmaceutical company, globally known for quality drug manufacturing.
We are a leading drug exporter from India.
Along with quality manufacturing, we are recognized for transparent communication.
We are capable of large-scale production.
We supply a wide range of products worldwide.
Our export-ready product list comprises –
- Anti-histamines
- Anti-hypertensive combinations
- NSAID combinations
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
