Migraine: More Than Just a Headache

Migraine is a common neurological disease that affects about 1 billion people worldwide. It not only causes severe headaches, but is also often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and photosensitivity, which seriously affect the patient's quality of life. Although migraine is so common, its causes are complex and its treatment and management are also challenging. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, treatments, and daily management strategies of migraine.

Causes of migraine

The specific causes of migraine have not yet been fully clarified, but studies have shown that the following factors may be closely related to its onset:

1. **Genetic factors**: About 60% of migraine patients have a family history of the disease, indicating that genetics plays an important role in its onset.

2. **Neurochemical changes**: Fluctuations in neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain may cause blood vessels to contract and dilate, thereby triggering migraines.

3. **Environmental triggers**: Bright light, noise, climate change, special smells (such as perfume, paint), etc. may trigger migraines.

4. **Hormonal fluctuations**: There are more female patients, and hormone changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause are often associated with migraine attacks.

5. **Dietary factors**: Foods such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, and processed meat may trigger migraines.

6. **Stress and emotions**: Emotional fluctuations such as stress, anxiety, and depression are common triggers.

7. **Sleep problems**: Insufficient or excessive sleep may trigger migraines.

Symptoms of migraines

The symptoms of migraines vary from person to person and are usually divided into four stages:

1. **Prodromal stage**: Hours or days before the onset, patients may experience symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and changes in appetite.
2. **Aura stage**: About 25% of patients will experience visual auras, such as flashes, blind spots, jagged lights, etc., and may also have speech disorders or limb numbness.
3. **Headache stage**: Throbbing pain occurs on one or both sides of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity, which lasts for hours to days.
4. **Recovery stage**: After the headache is relieved, the patient may feel tired, inattentive, or even depressed.

Treatment of migraine

The treatment of migraine is divided into acute treatment and preventive treatment.

1. **Acute treatment**:
- **Over-the-counter drugs**: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can be used to relieve mild migraine.
- **Prescription drugs**: Triptans (such as sumatriptan) are commonly used drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe migraine.
- **Antiemetics**: Such as metoclopramide, which can relieve nausea and vomiting.

2. **Preventive treatment**:
- **Drugs**: β-blockers (such as propranolol), antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), antiepileptic drugs (such as sodium valproate), etc. can be used to reduce the frequency of attacks.
- **Biologics**: Monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) are emerging preventive treatments in recent years.

3. **Non-drug treatment**:
- **Neurostimulation therapy**: such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can be used to relieve symptoms.
- **Acupuncture**: Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for patients with migraine.

Daily management and prevention

1. **Keep a headache diary**: Record the time of attack, symptoms, diet, sleep and other information to help identify the trigger.

2. **Adjust your lifestyle**:
- Maintain a regular schedule and avoid staying up late.
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid known triggering foods.
- Moderate exercise, such as yoga and swimming, can help relieve stress.

3. **Manage stress**: Relieve stress through meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, etc.

4. **Avoid environmental triggers**: Stay away from strong light, noise and special smells, and keep the indoor air circulating.

When to see a doctor

If the following situations occur, you should see a doctor in time:
- The frequency of migraine attacks increases (more than 4 times a month).
- Changes in the severity or nature of headaches.
- Accompanied by abnormal symptoms, such as vision problems, speech disorders, limb weakness, etc.
- Conventional drugs cannot relieve symptoms.

Conclusion

Migraine is not just a headache, it is a complex neurological disease that requires comprehensive treatment and long-term management. By understanding the causes, taking effective treatment measures and adjusting lifestyle, patients can significantly reduce the frequency of attacks and improve the quality of life. If you or someone around you is experiencing migraine, please seek professional medical help in time and deal with this disease scientifically.

Migraine may not be completely cured, but through proper management and treatment, we can live with it peacefully and regain health and vitality.