Suffer from Migraine? Root Causes and Triggers You Should Be Aware Of.

Suffer from Migraine? Root Causes and Triggers You Should Be Aware Of.

A migraine is a severe headache with intense throbbing or pulsing sensations, usually on one side of the head. It often comes with symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days, with pain so severe it disrupts daily activities.

Some migraines can be prevented or eased with medication. The right medications, along with self-help techniques and lifestyle changes, can effectively manage migraines.

Migraines affect both children and adults and typically progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. However, not everyone with migraines will experience all these stages.

Stages of Migraine

Prodrome

This initial phase can start up to 24 hours before the headache. Symptoms may include mood changes, constipation, food cravings, increased urination, neck stiffness, fluid retention, and frequent yawning.

Aura

This phase includes sensory, motor, and/or verbal symptoms that can last from five to 60 minutes. An aura can occur before or during the headache.

Attack

The migraine headache can last from 4 to 72 hours if untreated, with frequency varying from person to person.

Postdrome

This phase, also known as the migraine hangover, can last from a few hours to 48 hours, with symptoms similar to those of an alcohol-induced hangover.

You might notice minor changes that warn of an approaching migraine, such as mood changes (from depression to euphoria), constipation, food cravings, increased urination, neck stiffness, fluid retention, and frequent yawning.

Root Causes of Migraines

Gender Imbalance

Women are more prone to migraines than men, mainly due to hormonal changes.

Triggers

Various factors like stress, lack of sleep, weather changes, and strong odors can trigger migraines. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help manage migraines.

Genetic Link

Migraines often run in families, suggesting a genetic component that can be inherited.

Auras

Some people experience visual disturbances known as auras before or during a migraine attack, though not all migraine attacks include auras.