Migraine headaches – Symptons, Causes, and Treatment

migraine headaches

Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes headaches with little warning and leaves sufferers in excruciating pain. 

As per the best neurologist in Odisha, medication is a proven method to offer relief, but they are just one piece of the puzzle. Healthy habits and simple remedies can also play a significant role in coping with migraine pain when it’s already occurring. Explore the causes of migraines and find out the most effective ways to treat or cure them.

Some common migraine causes include:

1. Genetics:

If you have a family history of migraines, you are more likely to experience them. Specific genes have been linked to an increased susceptibility to migraines.

2. Neurological Factors:

Migraines are believed to involve abnormal brain activity. Changes in the brain’s blood flow and neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, can trigger migraine attacks.

3. Triggers:

Migraines can be triggered by various factors, including:

  1. 1. Dietary factors: Certain foods and beverages like aged cheeses, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners may trigger migraines in some individuals.
  2. 2. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger migraines.
  3. 3. Sleep patterns: Irregular sleep patterns, inadequate sleep, or changes in sleep routine can be a trigger.
  4. 4. Stress: High levels of stress or sudden stressors can provoke migraines.
  5. 5. Environmental factors: Bright lights, loud noises, strong odours, and changes in weather or barometric pressure can trigger migraines.

4. Medications:

Some medications, including certain vasodilators and hormonal therapies, can trigger migraines as a side effect.

5. Physical Factors:

Physical exertion, overexertion, or straining can trigger migraines in some individuals.

5. Physical Factors:

Physical exertion, overexertion, or straining can trigger migraines in some individuals.

6. Dehydration:

Not drinking enough water and becoming dehydrated can be a migraine trigger for some people.

6. Dehydration:

Not drinking enough water and becoming dehydrated can be a migraine trigger for some people.

7. Food Additives:

Some food additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrites found in processed meats may trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.

8. Allergies:

Allergic reactions to certain foods or environmental allergens can lead to migraines in some cases.

9. Sensory Stimuli:

Overstimulation of sensory input, such as exposure to bright or flickering lights, strong smells, or loud noises, can trigger migraines.

Well, what you want to know is how to mitigate the pain while it’s occurring. As per the best neurology doctor in Bhubaneswar, the mitigation approach varies from person to person, and the best approach to relieve migration pain is purely trial and error. Keep note of the moments and suspicion that triggers your migraines.

Also Read about the most common neurological disorder

Here are the top 7 ways to instant migration relief:

  1. 1. Find a Calm Environment: At the first sign of a migraine, step away from whatever you are doing, find a calm and quiet spot, turn the lights off and rest or nap. It can often speed up relief.
  2. 2. Temperature Therapy: Applying hot or cold compresses to your head, forehead, or neck can provide relief. Ice packs can numb the pain, while heat relaxes tense muscles. Warm showers or baths can have a similar effect.
  3. 3. Caffeine: Caffeine alone can help relieve migraine pain in the early stages when taken in small amounts. Additionally, it can enhance the pain-reducing effects of medications. However, too much caffeine can lead to withdrawal headaches and disrupt sleep. So go easy on caffeine.
  4. 4. Sleep Well: Migraines and poor sleep are closely linked. Establishing regular night sleep hours, aim for 7 to 8 hours each night, keep mid-day naps max to 30 minutes, and include activities that improve sleep like soothing music, warm bath or book. Avoid screen time, work to bed, nicotine, alcohol, intense exercise and heavy meals before sleep. 
  5. 5. Eat Wisely: Consistency in meal timing is crucial. Skipping meals and fasting can trigger migraines. Avoid foods that you suspect increase the risk of migraines. 
  6. 6. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in physical activity releases chemicals that can block pain signals and reduce anxiety and depression—two conditions that can worsen migraines. Obesity increases the risk of migraines. It’s best to reach out to top neurologists of Bhubaneswar and discuss your regime. Vigorous workouts may trigger migraines. Opt for walking, jogging, swimming, yoga and cycling.
  7. 7. Manage Stress: Stress is a common migraine trigger. Avoid “make every moment productive” psychology to squeeze more work and chores into the day. Taking a break when you feel overwhelmed is a productive usage of time as well. Stay positive and find 15 minutes of the day to do what you enjoy the most. Relax and meditate to calm the nerves.

While the best neurology hospitals in Bhubaneswar are invaluable resources in managing migraines, it’s essential to complement medical treatment with healthy habits and effective remedies. If your migraine attacks don’t respond to these remedies, consult top neurologists in Odisha.

Visit the top neurologist of Odisha at Sum Ultimate Medicare if your symptoms are severe, frequent or interfere with your daily life. Studies suggest that rather than avoiding migration triggers, it’s best to gradually expose yourself to them and learn to cope with them. 

This way, you can take control of your migraine symptoms and lead a more pain-free life. With determination and support, you can effectively manage your migraines and improve your quality of life.