What is Migraine, Symptoms and Triggers
A migraine is a severe, painful headache that can be followed or complemented by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine is a neurological disease considered by recurrent moderate to severe headaches, the severe pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days. According to global burden of disease survey, a migraine is ranked as 3rd most prevalent common problem affecting many people around the world and 7th highest specific cause of disability.
Below are some key points about the migraines
- Migraines are preceded by an aura of sensory disturbances followed by a severe one-sided headache.
- Migraines tend to affect people between 15-50 years of age.
- Over a period medications can decrease or disappear the pain.
- Some people get a warning symptom indicating the onset of a migraine headache.
- Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify the triggers or factors that cause headaches such as allergies, light, sound and stress.
- People suffering from severe attacks can take preventive medications.
- The cause of a migraine is still not known
- Migraines are more common in women than men
- A migraine is commonly misdiagnosed as a tension-type headache or sinus- headache.
- According to World Health Organisation (WHO), it is ranked as number 19 among all diseases world-wide causing disability.
Signs and Symptoms of Migraines
- Aura(sensation) such as flickering of lights, heavy sounds or noise, strong odours
- Depression, irritability or excitement
- Lack of sleep
- Throbbing pain on one side of the head
- Eyes pain
- Yawning
- Tingling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble speaking
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Vertigo or dizziness and double vision
- Stuffy nose and watery eyes
- Headache hangover like trouble concentrating, loss of energy, fatigue, dizziness, weakness.
- Other symptoms such as sweating, stomach ache, diarrhea
Triggers of a Migraine
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Harmonal imbalance
- Processed foods and cheese
- Preservatives
- Eye strain
- Oral contraceptive pills
- Perfumes
- Leftovers
- Wrong prescribed glasses
- Weather conditions
Also Read: Different types of Migraine
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