Migraine is a form of headache that predominates in women, affected up to four times as often as men, especially during childbearing years
Generally, the attacks appear before the age of thirty and then recur occasionally or chronically. The associated pain may be so severe as to be disabling to the point of impeding usual activities and requiring bed rest.
Cause
The exact causes of migraines are not known. It is known, however, that the disease can be favored by a genetic predisposition, since it is often frequent in several members of the same family.
There is also a fairly complex and variable set of factors that can promote the triggering of attacks. The most common are: exposure to intense light, cold and noise; the stress; insufficient night’s rest; hormonal alterations; the intake of particular foods, drinks or medicines.
Watch also the video [Migraine and its secrets.][1]
Common symptoms
Intense throbbing pain, concentrated in only one half of the head (either right or left or not necessarily always the same), lasting from a few hours to 2-3 days, is the most characteristic symptom of migraine, which can add visual disturbances, nausea , dizziness, general malaise and tiredness.
In forms “with aura” the actual attack is preceded by premonitory signals, especially of a visual type (appearance of “flashes” of light or shadows/blurred vision, distortion of images, difficulty in focusing), pins and needles and speech difficulties.
Sometimes, the pain may not even be present and be replaced by attacks of vertigo similar to those of labyrinthitis which experts define as the “migraine equivalent”.
Complications
The main risk associated with migraine derives from its inadequate treatment which can lead to an increase in the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks, resulting in a significant decline in quality of life.
To avoid seeing the disorder worsen, the advice is not to abuse analgesic drugs, especially if the migraine tends to occur 2-3 times a month or persist for more than 3-4 days.
Better to consult your doctor and start a targeted treatment of acute attacks or undertake prophylactic therapy if the migraine is chronic.
The cure
When the migraine attack appears sporadically, the intake of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol or NSAIDs in general from the onset of the symptoms is generally sufficient to calm the disorder effectively and safely.
When the migraine is very intense or is not adequately relieved by these remedies, but still remains an occasional phenomenon, specific anti-migraine drugs such as triptans (by prescription from the doctor) can be taken to control the acute attacks.
If the pain recurs frequently, for a total of more than 12-15 days per month, for periods of at least six months, consideration should be given to initiating migraine prophylactic therapy, aimed at reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks . In this case, a neurologist specialized in the treatment of headaches should be consulted.
When to see your doctor
If the migraine is very intense, does not respond to common analgesics or becomes a regular companion, it is advisable to consult a doctor or neurologist for a correct evaluation.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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