When you experience a pulsating sensation or throbbing pain, primarily on one side of the head, then you’re mostly suffering from migraines. In most cases, migraines are accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and hypersensitivity to sound and light. Usually, the migraine attacks can last anywhere between a few hours and even a few days. Some people feel that the pain gets so severe that it interferes with their day-to-day activities.

Causes

The true cause of a migraine attack is unknown. But a mix of environmental and genetic factors can play a pivotal role. Migraines might occur due to a change in the brainstem, followed by its collision with the primary pain pathway, i.e., the triggered nerve. Furthermore, serotonin levels and neurotransmitters like calcitonin gene-related peptide might have a powerful role to play in the pain associated with migraines.

Triggers

Some of the common triggers of migraines include

• Changes in sleep pattern
  Jet lag, lack of sleep, or even its excess can induce migraine attacks.
• Drinks
  Excessive consumption of alcohol, particularly wine, or coffee and caffeine-rich drinks can lead to migraines.
• Hormonal changes
  Migraine headaches can be triggered in women due to changes in estrogen levels during periods, menopause, or pregnancy.
• Stress
  Stress is probably the most common trigger known to induce migraine headaches
• Changes in weather
  Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure or changes in weather can trigger migraines.
• Sensory stimuli
  Loud music and or bright lights can cause migraines. In some people, strong smells of paint, perfume, and smoke can also trigger migraines.
• Food
  Processed products like aged cheese and foods containing additives like MSG are also known to cause migraine headaches. Skipping meals or fasting also plays a role.
• Medications
  Medicines such as vasodilators or oral contraceptives may also worsen the pain.

Risk factors

Quite a few factors can make you more vulnerable to migraines, such as

• Age
  Migraines can occur in anyone, irrespective of age. But the first occurrence mostly happens during adolescence. By the time you reach 30, the migraines will reach its peak, after which they will get less frequent.
• Family history
  Those with a family history of migraines are more susceptible to the condition. This is known to be true for around 90% of all cases.
• Hormonal changes
  As previously explained, women are more likely to get migraine attacks owing to hormonal changes. The attack might pre or post menstruation and might be a common occurrence during pregnancy or nearing menopause.

Symptoms
Before a migraine attack, people experience an aura, which is a warning symptom that occurs either with or before the headache. This aura can include sensory distortions like blind spots or flashes of light, difficulty in speaking, and tinging on one side of the arm, face, or leg. There are a few medications that can prevent or reduce the impact of migraines and make them less painful. For proper treatment, you’ll need the right combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and a few self-help remedies.

In most cases, migraines start in childhood, adolescence, or early into adult life. There are four stages pertaining to the symptoms of migraines. Note that everyone suffering from migraines might not necessarily experience all stages.

• Pro-drome
  This stage includes symptoms that are usually experienced a day or two before the migraine attack, such as
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Excessive urination
  • Constant thirst
  • Sudden hunger
  • Frequent yawning
• Aura
  The aura stage might occur either a day or two ahead of the migraine attack. It comprises visual symptoms and a few sensory disturbances. In this stage, every symptom gradually builds up for a few minutes, and on the whole, the symptoms last for around an hour. The of this stage symptoms include
  • Sensations of needles or pins in the leg or arm
  • Loss of vision
  • Hearing noises
  • Inability to speak
  • One side of the body or face may feel numb or weak
  • Visual phenomena involving flashes of light, or seeing some shapes
  • Uncontrollable movements or jerking
• Attack
  Usually, the migraine attack can last for three days if left untreated. And their frequency varies from one person to another. The attacks occur several times in a month for a few, while in others, the occurrence is only rare. In this stage, the main symptoms are
  • Throbbing headache
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Hypersensitivity to smell, sound, light, and touch
• Post-drome
  After the migraine attacks are over, you’ll feel drained out and confused. This might last for a day. A few people even feel elated after this stage.

Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing severe headaches over a continuous period, consult a neurologist. Based on your symptoms, he or she will conduct a physical and neurological, examination. In case the condition seems complex, severe, or unusual, several other tests will be performed to rule out the other causes of the headache. These tests include

• Computed tomography (CT) scan
  In a CT scan, an X-ray is performed to get elaborate cross-sectional images of the brain. This method is primarily used to identify brain infections, tumors, bleeding in the brain, brain damage, or other plausible reasons for the headache.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
  In an MRI scan, radio magnetic waves are emitted to produce exhaustive images of the blood vessels and the brain. This helps the neurologist diagnose the presence of brain infection, strokes, tumors, bleeding in the brain, or any other neurological disease or disorder.

Treatment measures
The treatment of the migraines is primarily directed at first stopping the symptoms and then controlling or preventing future attacks. A lot of medications are present to treat the impact of migraines. They can be bundled into two key categories:

• Preventive medications
  If you wish to prevent future attacks, you need to take preventing medications regularly. There are a few medications that can prevent the frequency of migraine attacks. So, anyone who has severe, long-lasting, or frequent attacks, these medications will be recommended:
  • Anti-seizure medications
    For people with lesser migraine attacks, topiramate or Valproate might be prescribed. However, these medications might cause weight changes, drowsiness, nausea, and other side-effects.
  • CGRP monoclonal antibodies
    These medications are usually intravenously administered and might cause a reaction on the injection site. Newer versions of this medication include fremanezumab-vfrm, Erenumab-aooe, and galcanezumab-gnlm.
• Pain-relief medications
  They are taken during an attack to subside the symptoms. The choice of treatment or medication would vary depending upon the severity and the frequency of the attacks. The medicines that help subdue the pain from the initial signs of migraine are known as relieving medicines. They are
  • Triptans
    These medications help relieve the symptoms caused by migraine attacks by blocking out the pain pathways. You can use them as nasal sprays, shots, or pills. Those at cardiac risk avoid triptans.
  • Pain relievers
    Ibuprofen or aspirin instantly reduce the impact of the headache. However, overconsumption of these pain relievers can lead to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or ulcers.
  • Ubrogepant
    It is a medication for the treatment of acute migraine symptoms in adults. There are a few side effects, such as nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
  • Dihydroergotamines
    If taken when the migraine attacks, this medication can be helpful. You can take it as an injection or nasal spray, and its effect will last over 24 hours. Side effects of this medication also include nausea and vomiting. Those with liver, kidney, artery, or heart diseases should avoid this medication as it can aggravate the symptoms.
  • Blood-pressure-lowering medications
    To prevent migraines with aura, these medications are considered to be extremely helpful.
  • Botox injections
    Taken every 12 weeks, Botox can help subside the pains.
  • Antidepressants
    Antidepressants can also reduce the effect of migraines, but your doctor needs to be consulted first.
  • Opioid medications
    Sometimes, people suffering from migraines cannot take any other medication. In this case, narcotic opioid medications are used. However, these medications are known to be addictive and are prescribed only when no other treatment works.
  • Lasmiditan
    It is an oral tablet that can be used for the treatment of migraines with and without aura.
  • Anti-nausea medications
    For people experiencing migraines with vomiting and nausea, this medication is prescribed. They are taken in combination with pain relievers.

Lifestyle and natural remedies for treatment

As soon as you start experiencing the symptoms of migraines, you should immediately leave everything and head to a quiet room. Turn off the light, shut down your eyes, and lie down. Try to take a nap. You can even put an ice pack or a wet cloth on your forehead or at the nape of your neck. In addition to this, there are a few natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can soothe the impact of migraines, they include

• Fixed eating and sleeping routines
  Avoid sleeping too little or too much. Have a consistent time for sleeping and working. Also, try to eat all three meals at a fixed hour every day.
• Drink lots of fluids
  Try to keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water every day. Avoid sugary beverages.
• Opt for relaxation methods
  To handle stressful situations, you can use techniques like Biofeedback.
• Keep track of the symptoms
  Keep a record of headaches and the symptoms that you experience frequently. You can take this diary to your doctor. It will help them make alterations in the treatment if required.
• Workout and stay active
  Staying active can prevent the occurrence of migraines. You can participate in activities like dancing, swimming, cycling, aerobics, or cycling. Obesity is also a common cause of migraines, so working out daily can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

Diet

Of course, you’ll take your medications and follow the recommended treatment on schedule, but what you eat can also reduce or trigger the migraine attacks. Here are some foods that you should eat and avoid to treat migraines.

• Foods to eat
  • All cereals except those with aspartame, dried fruits, or nuts
  • Potato chips (low salt)
  • Bagels (Plain or with sesame seeds)
  • Zucchini bread
  • Pumpernickel bread
  • Plain pretzels
  • White, rye or wheat bread
  • Unflavored crackers
  • Seeds like poppy seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds
  • Homemade dips made without any artificial flavors
  • Salads with vinegar dressings or homemade ranch dressings
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Foods to avoid
  • Cheese-based foods
  • Seasoned or flavored chips
  • Chicken or beef livers
  • Marinated, breaded, and cured meats
  • Nut butter
  • Flavored popcorns
  • Bottled salad dressings
  • Onions
  • Lima beans
  • Oranges
  • Bananas
  • Raspberries
  • Chocolate
  • Smoked fish
  • Beer

However, this is a common list of foods that you should eat or avoid for migraines. This in no way means that you have to follow an elimination diet and completely get rid of the compounds that trigger migraine symptoms. But it’s best to try out them in moderation and note the impact it has on you for 24-72 hours. If your migraines are not triggered by the consumption of these foods, you can continue eating them in the future. For a much safer bet, consult your doctors and healthcare professionals before removing something from your diet permanently.