Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Migraine is a neurological disorder that can have symptoms more than just “very awful headaches.” While severe headaches are a common symptom, other signs and symptoms may also include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Having trouble speaking
- Feeling numb or tingly
- Sensitivity to both sound and light
The illness can affect people of various ages and frequently runs in families. According to a study, more than 213 million people in India were discovered to be suffering from migraine.
During a migraine attack, the forehead region is most frequently affected. It mainly affects one side of the head, although it can also move to or affect the other side.
A typical migraine outbreak lasts four hours. They can linger for up to a week if left untreated.
Signs and symptoms of migraine
There is no known definitive cause of migraine, according to researchers.
However, they continue to hold the view that the illness results from “abnormal” brain activity that alters brain chemicals, blood vessels, and nerve communication.
Numerous other migraine signs and symptoms are also mentioned, including:
Depression and anxiety
Migraines can be brought on by panic episodes and anxious sensations.
For instance, if anxiety prevents you from getting your daily tasks at work to be done on time; this delay in work life triggers anxiety and gradually turns into severe depression.
According to research published by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), around 11% of persons with mental health issues experienced migraine attacks. This includes anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and serious depression.
Up to 40% of those with migraines can also have depression, according to the ADAA.
Intense heat & extreme weather
Grey sky, high humidity, increasing temperatures, and storms can make your headaches worse if you are prone to them.
It is believed that pressure variations that result in weather changes create chemical and electrical changes in the brain. This causes a headache by agitating the nerves.
Dehydration
A dehydrated person is more susceptible to heat exhaustion and other types of heart disease.
A headache from a migraine can be triggered by dehydration. Water consumption is crucial if you suffer from migraines.
You might be able to avoid a migraine attack by staying hydrated.
Variations in hormone levels
Because hormone levels fluctuate unevenly throughout perimenopause — the years preceding menopause — migraines for many women who have experienced hormone-related headaches increase in frequency and severity.
Menstrual migraines commonly begin two days before the onset of a period and persist through the third day of menses.
Loud noises and light sensitivity
Many people are sensitive to light and sound. A person typically seeks solace in a calm, dark area while they are experiencing a migraine attack.
Loud noises and bright lights can start a migraine or make it worse. The same may be said for some smells. The prodrome period may also be characterised by light sensitivity.
According to studies, phonophobia (fear of sound) and photophobia (fear of light) are other names for light and sound sensitivity. They frequently go together with migraines that don’t have an aura.
Strenuous exercise
Exercise, particularly a strenuous, intensive workout, might cause a migraine headache in some people. Exercise-induced migraine is the name for this condition.
According to one study, 38 per cent of individuals reported migraines as a result of or in connection with exercise.
More than half of those folks quit playing their preferred sport or exercising in order to lessen or stop migraine headaches.
Frequent rigorous movements
Bending over, fast rotating your body, or moving your head abruptly are all actions that might cause or exacerbate migraine symptoms.
There is a higher likelihood of experiencing a migraine attack after strong or demanding sports or activities, such as:
- Weightlifting
- Running
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Football
Skipping meals
Food calories are a unit of energy measurement. Your body needs a constant supply of fuel in the form of food.
Your blood sugar levels may fall if you haven’t eaten in a while. Your body then responds by releasing hormones that tell your brain that you are hungry.
The same hormones that cause a headache may also raise your blood pressure and constrict your blood vessels.
Nowadays people are following intermittent fasting which can also cause migraine.
Poor sleep routine
People with migraines frequently have sleep disturbances or fatigue in the morning. It’s challenging to obtain a decent night’s sleep when migraines occur.
Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from sleeplessness.
This lack of sleep can lead to a vicious cycle. The most typical migraine also causes sleep problems.
Final thoughts
It’s crucial to consult your doctor if headaches are interfering with your everyday life and you are unsure whether they are migraine symptoms.
While migraine might feel incapacitating at times, there are various therapies available. Headaches can be an indication of other problems too.
As an add-on, make a habit of taking preventive health checkups as they can help you in getting a complete insight into your health. This will also help you with taking measures to promote your overall well-being.
