Understanding Migraine: Causes and Remedies for Improved Well-being

A migraine is characterized by a pulsating headache typically on one side of the head. It often accompanies visual disturbances and nausea, with episodes lasting from hours to days. According to a recent report by the American Migraine Association, around 12% of the population, or 36 million people, experience migraines.

Major Causes of Migraine

The precise triggers of migraines remain unknown, but they are believed to involve changes in brain activity, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Common contributors in many cases include:

Foods containing MSG

High-salt and processed foods

Stress levels

Alcohol consumption

Use of birth control pills

Hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen

Lack of adequate sleep

Intense physical exertion

Exposure to secondhand smoke or solvent fumes

Migraines often peak in the 30s, and a person’s health history can influence its occurrence. Many women experience migraines during pregnancy and postpartum, with symptoms potentially recurring.

Signs and Symptoms

Begining in childhood or adolescence, migraines go through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache, and post-drome. The typical duration is up to 72 hours, with various symptoms impacting daily life.

Heightened sensitivity to smells, sounds, and light

Vomiting and nausea

Intense throbbing pain

Constipation

Emotional fluctuations

Cravings for certain foods

Neck stiffness

During the aura phase, speech issues, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness, and confusion may occur, often before or during the headache. Post-attack, dizziness and disorientation can persist.

Management & Treatment

Medications and therapies provide relief from migraines. Common strategies include:

Using triptan medications for home treatment (tolerance varies)

Diclofenac potassium oral solution for acute attacks

Supplements like magnesium, riboflavin, and butterbur

Alternative options such as DHE-45 nasal spray or intravenous infusion

Preventive drugs like topiramate, valproic acid, and gabapentin

To learn more about migraine causes and treatments, consult specialized centers like UCSF Headache Center, Stanford Headache Program, NYU Langone, or Montefiore Medical Center. Patients should also distinguish between general headaches and migraines and undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI scans when necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management.