Migraine: More than Just a Headache

Authors: Iman Jalal, Dr. Sohaila Cheema, Dr. Amit Abraham, and Dr. Karima Chaabna

A headache is a common affliction experienced by nearly everyone in their lives. It represents a broad category of head pain, encompassing a spectrum of sensations that range from mild discomfort to more pronounced throbbing or pressure. A headache can manifest as either localized or diffused pain in the head region, and episodes can vary in intensity and duration. Among headaches, migraine is a common neurological condition affecting 1 in 7 people worldwide.

Migraine: Not just a bad headache

Commonly, people associate the term ‘migraine’ with a severe headache. However, a headache is just one symptom of a migraine, which can progress through four stages—prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome—which are not necessarily experienced by sufferers in the same way.

Prodrome: A day or two before experiencing a migraine, you may notice subtle warning signs like constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased urination, and fluid retention.

Aura: Migraines are typically preceded or accompanied by a range of symptoms, referred to as auras. These are reversible and usually consist of visual disturbances like flashes of light, seeing zig-zag lines, and vision loss. Each symptom usually begins gradually, building up over several minutes and lasting up to one hour.

Attack: During the headache phase, migraines are characterized by episodes of intense throbbing pain, generally on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraines vary in duration (from a few hours to several days) and severity among individuals.

Post-drome: After experiencing a migraine attack, individuals may often feel drained, confused, and fatigued for up to a day. Sudden head movement can potentially trigger a brief resurgence of pain.

Migraine Triggers

Currently, it is not known what causes a migraine, but common triggers include stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, irregular sleep, particular odors, the beginning of a menstrual cycle, female hormonal changes, dehydration, certain drinks like alcohol or too much caffeine, and foods like aged cheeses and even chocolate. Weather changes, including extreme heat, storms, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, may also induce migraines. Use a diary to track your activities, potential triggers, and symptoms to help reduce the frequency and severity of a migraine.

Proactive Strategies for Migraine Management

Manage the effect of a migraine on your daily life by following a healthy lifestyle.

Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine: It is vital to adopt an adequate and regular sleep schedule to prevent migraines. Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and create a comfortable sleep environment with soft bedding, dim lighting, minimal noise, and avoid interior perfumes. Establishing a bedtime routine signals to your body that it is time to sleep.

Make Smart Nutritional Choices: Opt for a well-balanced diet, limit processed foods, and avoid food that can trigger the onset of a migraine. Avoid skipping meals and ensure daily hydration.

Practice Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation and deep breathing exercises and pursue activities and hobbies that take your mind off things and help you unwind. Discover what works best for you and incorporate it into your daily routine.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can help manage migraines by improving overall wellbeing, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep. Be mindful that intense or strenuous exercise during a migraine attack may worsen symptoms, so listen to your body and adjust your exercise routine accordingly.

Seek Professional Help for Migraines: If migraines persist, are severe or difficult to control, occur more than once a week, or significantly affect your quality of life, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals can suggest suitable medication or treatment and can develop personalized plans to help with the management of a migraine. If your migraine lasts longer than a day, if the aura symptoms last longer than an hour at a time, if you experience a loss of consciousness or vision, or if you are pregnant or recently had a baby, it is strongly advised to urgently visit your doctor.

A migraine is more than just a bad headache, and effective management is crucial. Seek professional help when necessary, track triggers, and listen to your body's warnings heralding the onset of a migraine. Proactive steps like regular exercise, a consistent sleep routine, a healthy diet, and engaging in relaxation techniques can help you regain control over your life despite experiencing migraines. With the right strategies and support, managing migraines becomes a journey toward improved wellbeing and quality of life.

Sources: American Migraine Foundation 1 & 2 | Johns Hopkins Medicine | Penn Medicine | NHS UK | Mayo Clinic | Institute for Population Health - WCMQ | Aspetar

Editor: Julietta Mirghani