Many people think that headaches and migraines are the same, but this is not true. A migraine is much more severe; it comes in the form of a pulsing sensation or throbbing pain, usually restricted to only one side of a person’s head. Along with migraine, one may also experience vomiting, nausea, or sensitivity to sound and light. Let’s take a look at some information regarding migraines.

Symptoms of the condition
Symptoms of this condition include constipation, frequent yawning, increased urination and thirst, stiffness of the neck, craving certain foods, changes in one’s mood, and the like. Some additional symptoms include uncontrollable jerking, speaking difficulties, hearing music or noises, numb or weak face and side of the body, needle-like sensation in the leg or arm, loss of vision, and seeing bright spots or flashes of light.

Causes
Although the primary causes of migraines are yet to be determined, some environmental and genetic factors may trigger migraines. Such triggers include:

• Food additives like sweeteners (aspartame)
• Aged cheeses and processed, salty foods
• Oral contraceptives and vasodilators
• Changes in the weather
• Physical exertion
• Missing sleep or getting too much of it
• Exposure to bright lights and loud sounds
• Stress at home or work
• Alcoholic drinks and caffeine
• Hormonal changes in women, especially during pregnancy or menstruation

Based on the causes, certain risk factors of migraines include hormonal changes and a family history of migraines.

Preventive medications
Some migraine treatment options help to prevent the frequency of migraines, that is, how long they last and how often they occur. These include:

• Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies
• Botox injections
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure-lowering medications

Diagnosis methods
When you visit the doctor, he/she will ask you important questions about your migraines and their pain intensity and frequency. He/she will conduct a physical and neurological examination along with other tests, such as MRI scan and CT scan, to rule out different causes of the pain.

Treatment options
Migraine treatments with the help of medicines to stop symptoms or prevent future attacks include:

• Preventive medications: These are usually consumed regularly to reduce the frequency or severity of the migraine.
• Pain relievers: These are known as abortive or acute treatment measures, designed to stop symptoms during a migraine attack.

Medical relief treatments
Migraine treatments that help at the time of the first sign of oncoming migraines involve:

• Anti-nausea drugs: These help tackle vomiting and nausea during a migraine attack.
• Opioid medications: These are ideal for people who cannot consume other migraine medications, particularly the ones that contain the chemical codeine.
• Ubrogepant: This is an oral calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist that helps with acute migraines. However, common side effects of this include nausea, dry mouth, and excessive sleepiness.
• Lasmiditan: This oral tablet improves the pain as well as light and sound sensitivity.
• Dihydroergotamines: These come in the form of nasal sprays or injections. But they should be avoided by people suffering from coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease.
• Triptans: Drugs like sumatriptan and rizatriptan help block pain pathways to the brain. They can be taken as pills or shots.
• Pain relievers: These can be ibuprofen or aspirin. They usually help against only mild migraine pain.

The information on treatments, symptoms, causes, and prevention methods for migraines should help you navigate this condition better. It’s best to visit a doctor as soon as you sense an oncoming headache or migraine.