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Migraines: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing Your Condition
Migraines are a common neurological condition that can cause severe headaches, nausea, and other debilitating symptoms. While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, there are a number of factors that can trigger them, including genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.
How are migraine brains different?
Migraine brains are different from non-migraine brains in a number of ways. These differences include:
- Increased sensitivity to pain: People with migraines have a lower threshold for pain, meaning that they experience pain more intensely than people without migraines.
- Changes in brain activity: Migraines are associated with changes in brain activity, including increased activity in the trigeminal nerve and decreased activity in the brainstem.
- Structural differences: People with migraines have been found to have differences in the structure of their brains, including a smaller brainstem and a larger hypothalamus.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a migraine is a severe headache. However, migraines can also cause a variety of other symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
The Aura
Some people with migraines experience an aura before the headache begins. An aura is a temporary disturbance in vision, sensation, or speech. Auras can last for a few minutes or up to an hour.
The Headache
The headache phase of a migraine is typically the most severe and can last for several hours or even days. The pain is often described as throbbing or pounding and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Influence of Estrogen
Estrogen levels play a role in migraines. Many women find that their migraines are worse during certain times of their menstrual cycle, such as before or during their period. This is because estrogen levels drop during these times.
Influence of Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also affect migraines. Some women find that their migraines improve during pregnancy, while others find that they get worse. This is likely due to the changing levels of hormones during pregnancy.
Oral contraceptives (!)
Oral contraceptives can also trigger migraines in some women. This is because oral contraceptives contain estrogen, which can increase the risk of migraines.
Triggers
There are a number of things that can trigger migraines, including:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate
- Changes in weather
- Bright lights
- Loud noises
- Strong smells
Postdrome
The postdrome is the period after a migraine headache has ended. During the postdrome, people may feel tired, weak, and irritable. They may also have difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
Treatment
There are a number of different treatments for migraines, including:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help to relieve the pain of migraines.
- Triptans: Triptans are a type of medication that is specifically designed to treat migraines. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation.
- Anti-seizure medications: Some anti-seizure medications, such as topiramate and valproate, can also be used to prevent migraines.
- Botox injections: Botox injections can be used to prevent migraines in people who have chronic migraines.
- Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress, can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Next video
In the next video, we will discuss the different types of migraines and how to identify them.