The Truth About Migraines You Didn’t Know

Migraines can be excruciating for many. It can interfere with everyday work and personal life, which makes it even worse. Thinking of a general headache as migraine is a common mistake which most of us have made. That’s why gaining knowledge about the difference between the two is essential.

Read on to know more about migraines, it’s symptoms and treatment suggestions.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a headache disorder, which can cause severe or moderate throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. The other associated symptoms might be nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. 

The causes of migraines are unknown. Some studies have concluded that the underlying causes might be genetics or specific triggers. Triggers may include stress, fatigue, certain food (especially alcohol and items containing preservatives like MSG), weather or physiological aspects such as post-traumatic stress disorder and abuse. 

Migraines lead to lost productivity, decreased focus and emotional distress. 

Popular Treatment Methods For Migraines

Altering Lifestyle

If your headaches are as frequent as twice a week and medication is not a viable option, then you can consider some lifestyle changes. It would entail recognizing what factors trigger the migraine, which could be stress or certain foods. And then altering your lifestyle to avoid those triggers and prevent migraines.

This is not a quick solution; it will certainly take a while before you completely understand and recognize your triggers and the ways to deal with them. 

Medication

Medication can be considered a preventive as well as a pain-relieving method. 

Certain medication reduces the frequency or severity of migraines, while other medication helps with managing the resulting symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Apart from this, specific nutritional supplements such as magnesium have been effective too. If you are considering increasing your magnesium intake, then dietary food may be a better option than supplements. Always consult your GP before taking or changing your medication or supplements. 

Butterbur

Extracts of butterbur are used for migraine prevention. Chemical petasin and ispetasin are found in some species of butterbur, which are believed to have potential benefits of treating migraines. These extracts are believed to reduce the number, severity and the length of time migraine headaches last. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine, which involves the insertion of thin needles in specific parts of the body. Stimulating specific pressure points may help alleviate migraine symptoms.

In comparison, Sham acupuncture in which needles are inserted in non-specific parts is more effective for preventing migraines and relieving symptoms.  

However, lasting effects are seen more often in people who receive traditional treatment over sham acupuncture.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a medically non-invasive technology which helps prevent and reduce the severity. TMS essentially reduces the aura phase of the migraine before full-blown migraines develop.  

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment can be used to substantially reduce the symptoms of a migraine. Chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations improve spinal function and relieve stress from the system. 

Chiropractor care for migraines can be as effective as certain medications for prevention of headaches and associated symptoms. 

However, it is important to understand that what might work for one person may not be as effective for the next. Always find a chiropractor with proper credentials, who has had success with migraine treatments. 

Migraine Surgery

If none of the medications or the alternative treatments works, then migraine surgery is an option. It involves decompression of one or several nerves around the head and neck, which trigger migraine symptoms. 

The Bottom Line

Migraine is a neurological condition that often runs in families and affects all age groups. The diagnosis is determined based on medical history, symptoms, and a neurological examination. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment can stop symptoms and prevent future attacks.