Migraine is a neurological condition that is marked by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache pain. This condition is also often accompanied by additional symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.

About one in seven people in the world suffer from migraines.

Symptoms of Migraine

The most common migraine symptom is a severe headache that is usually felt on one side of the head. This headache may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:.

Throbbing pain in the head that worsens with any kind of movement
Sensitivity to light and sound
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Blurred vision or vision loss
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Tingling or numbness on one side of the face or in the arm or leg

Not everyone with migraines experiences all of these symptoms, and some people may have migraines without headaches.

Migraine with Aura

Some people experience a type of migraine called “migraine with aura”. Aura symptoms typically develop gradually over several minutes and, most commonly, affect the vision.

This can include seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blurry vision. Other aura symptoms include:.

Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Feeling a prickling or numb sensation in the arms or face
Having difficulty moving
Feeling dizzy or light-headed

Aura usually lasts for up to an hour before the headache phase of migraine begins, although some people may get no headache at all. In rare cases, aura symptoms can persist for several days.

Treatments for Migraines

While there is no cure for migraines, there are several treatments available to help relieve the symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. These include:.

1. Pain Relief Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers are often the first treatment option for a migraine attack. This includes aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.

For those with more severe migraines, prescription medications such as triptans can be used to help reduce symptoms.

2. Preventive Medications

For those who have frequent migraines, preventive medications can be taken daily to reduce or even eliminate future attacks. These medications include beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent migraines or lessen their intensity. These may include:.

Getting regular exercise
Getting enough sleep
Reducing stress with relaxation techniques
Avoiding common triggers such as certain foods, alcohol, and too much caffeine

4. Migraine-Specific Medications

There are several medications that are specifically designed to treat migraines, including:.

Erenumab (Aimovig)
Fremanezumab (Ajovy)
Galcanezumab (Emgality)
Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)

These medications target a protein that is common in the brains of people who suffer from migraines and have been proven effective in reducing the frequency of migraines.

Migraine Trigger Factors

Several factors can trigger migraines. These include:.

Stress, anxiety or depression
Hormones in women, menstrual cycle
Certain foods such as chocolate, aged cheeses and processed foods
Alcohol and caffeine
Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep
Physical Exertion
Weather
Strong smells and loud noise

When to See a Doctor

If you suffer from migraines or headache pain that affects your life, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to help you identify triggers and recommend treatments that can help:.

Prevent migraines
Treat migraines when they occur
Lessen the impact of migraines on your life

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care:.

Sudden, severe headache
Headache accompanied by confusion, fever, seizures, double vision, weakness or numbness
Headache after a head injury or exertion
Headache accompanied by a stiff neck, rash, or trouble breathing

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Migraines are a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While they can be debilitating, there are several treatments available that can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Working with your doctor to identify triggers and establish a treatment plan can help you manage the impact of migraines on your life, improve your quality of life, and prevent future attacks.