Migraine headaches are much more than just a typical headache. They can be debilitating, incapacitating, and persistent.

Anyone who has had a migraine knows how it can affect life, throwing interference into everyday activities, causing missed workdays, and ruining social gatherings.

Migraines affect one in seven people worldwide, and around four million people globally have more than 15 migraines per month that lead them to miss many days of work and affects their normal life habits.

Chronic migraines can start at any age, but typically grow more common in people in their thirties.

Different Types of Migraines

There are several types of migraines, and each comes with its own symptoms and triggers. Here are the most widespread types of migraines:.

Migraine with Aura

Migraine with aura is a kind of migraine that occurs with warning signs. These are visual or sensory changes that appear about 20 minutes before the actual headache starts. The signs can last from a couple of minutes to an hour, including:.

Blurred vision.
Flashing lights.
Numbness.
Tingling sensation.

Vestibular Migraine

The vestibular migraine is a kind of migraine that differs from the typical migraine in that it can involve little to no head pain. Instead, it deals with problems with vision and balance, including:.

Dizziness and lightheadedness.
Double vision.
Unsteadiness while walking.
Sensitivity to sound.

Chronic Migraine

Chronic migraine is classified as having at least fifteen headaches a month for longer than three months. People with chronic migraines have an increased risk of developing other health issues, including:.

Depression and anxiety.
Medication overuse headaches.
Muscle problems.
Chronic daily headaches.

What Causes Chronic Migraines?

Chronic migraines are a complicated condition, that scientists and researchers are still learning about. Typically, migraines are thought to be caused by a mix of environmental, genetic, and brain changes, but a lot remains mysterious.

Here are some of the most common causes that can lead to chronic migraines:.

Genetics and Family History

The most prevalent causes of chronic migraines are genetics and family history.

There seems to be a strong hereditary component involved in migraines, with studies showing that people with a family history of migraines are more likely to have migraines themselves.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal fluctuations are a common trigger for migraines in women. Changes in hormone levels can lead to migraines, particularly during puberty, during pregnancy, or leading up to menstruation.

Weather Changes

Weather fluctuations are another potential cause of migraines. Blood vessels in the brain can change by temperature or air pressure changes.

Stress

Stress is another potential cause of migraines. Stressful events can trigger migraines in many people, as can changes in sleep patterns or disruptions to daily routine.

The Dangers of Chronic Migraines

Chronic migraines can lead to many adverse effects on individual’s health and their personal life, including:.

Depression and Anxiety

Chronic migraines have been strongly linked with depression and anxiety.

The pain and disruption to daily life and social activities caused by migraines can take a severe mental toll, leading to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and a lower quality of life.

Medication Overuse Headaches

When people rely on medication to control their migraines, they may find themselves in a spiral of medication overuse headaches.

This type of headache can cause them to have even more migraines, and they may then need to take more medication to manage them, leading to more medication overuse headaches. This cycle can be hard to break, and it’s crucial to talk to a doctor to avoid it.

Stroke and Heart Attacks

Chronic migraines have been linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart attacks. The pain and disruption from migraines can put a lot of strain on the body making it more vulnerable to such conditions.

It is imperative that those experiencing chronic migraines take quick action toward decreasing the frequency of their migraines.

Insomnia

People with migraines require a good sleep cycle, but unfortunately, chronic pain can lead to insomnia, making it challenging to sleep at night, which can worsen the impact of chronic migraines.

How to Prevent Chronic Migraines

While the specific triggers for migraines vary from person to person, there are plenty of things individuals can do to help reduce the possibility of experiencing a migraine attack. Here are some essential tips for migraine prevention:.

Take Control of Triggers

Identify and manage the individual triggers that cause migraines in your body. Triggers can be stress, processed food, allergies, sleeping patterns, or weather changes.

Therefore, it is essential to keep track of your physical and emotional habits and identify any potential triggers.

Begin Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can help prevent migraines, reducing the frequency of headaches and improving the general fitness of an individual.

Practice Bright Light Therapy

Bright light therapy has proved to be an effective way of preventing migraines. The light helps to initiate hormonal changes, providing pain relief for chronic migraines and may reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine episodes.

The Bottom Line

Chronic migraines are much more than just an occasional headache. They can cause unbearable pain that disrupts everyday life and can have a range of adverse effects on an individual’s health and wellness.

If you’re struggling with chronic migraines, consulting a doctor is vital. Identifying triggers can also help in preventing the frequency of migraines and leading a better life.