Migraine is considered a neurological disorder that causes symptoms like intense headaches. It is also one of the most common conditions that affect nearly 14% of the world’s population. There are three probable biological causes of a migraine, which are endocrine dysregulation, inflammation, and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Women are usually more likely to get a migraine than men. Additionally, the number of young girls and boys to be affected by migraines is the same; however, the prevalence of migraine in females starts to climb up in their teenage years.
Causes of migraine and its diagnosis
A migraine in most people is due to hereditary reasons. However, there are several triggers of a migraine, which include hormonal changes, food additives, certain foods, stress, sensory stimuli, alcohol, a disrupted sleeping pattern, changes in the environment, and certain medications.
It is common for migraines to go undiagnosed and untreated. If the signs and symptoms of migraine attacks are regular, one should consider going to a doctor. It is important to note the number of times one has experienced migraine attacks as that helps the doctor understand the depth or seriousness of the condition.
It becomes easier to diagnose a migraine when the symptoms are intense and unavoidable. To confirm their diagnosis, doctors often check the medical history of the patient and perform some neurological exercises. These exercises are performed on the patient to check their reflexes, sensations, and strength. Subsequently, with the help of an elimination round as the final process of diagnosing migraine, a doctor rules out the possibility of sinus, cluster headaches, and other potentials.
Symptoms of a migraine
There are multiple symptoms of a migraine, and no two people will have the same symptoms. However, some common symptoms include the following:
- Prodrome (mood swings such as irritability, sadness, and sensations)
- Visual or auditory disturbances (scotomas, hemianopsia, auditory hallucinations)
- Headache termination
- Postdrome
Treating or managing migraine
A migraine can be improved by following a certain diet that involves healthy alternatives. A healthy diet often negates the migraine triggers and improves one’s overall health.
Other than diet, one can take the help of certain medication. Medication helps subside the headaches temporarily, but do not treat the condition. However, there are other alternative therapies that can be tried by people affected by a migraine. Alternative therapies include acupuncture, oxygen therapy chiropractic care, clinical massage therapy, heat therapy, and aromatherapy.
Apart from alternative therapy, one can also try yoga and breathing exercises. These are known to have numerous health benefits. People across the globe have cured several chronic diseases by regularly practicing yoga and other breathing exercises. Additionally, there are special poses in yoga that can relieve a migraine when performed daily for several months. A professional yoga instructor’s help can be taken to perform yoga.
Migraine is not a fatal or a dangerous disease; however, it can alter one’s quality of life and increase the risk of heart attack and early death. Moreover, as per some medical observations, women with a migraine have an increased risk of developing a fatal heart problem. However, to combat this risk, one can take medications available for lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases for people with a migraine.
