Migrane

It is a very frequent neurological disease in the adult population of the world. It is a recurring type of headache that is throbbing and pulsing in nature. It can occur in stages and last for several days. People suffer from pain on one side of the head. ?Migraine is a French word. But in Greek, this disease is called “hemicrania”, which means ‘only the half head’.

Now a days, 12% of the world’s population is suffering from migraine. Women are more prone to have migraine than men with a ratio 3:1.

There are many symptoms of migraine other than headache:

·?????? Increased sensitivity to light and sound.

·?????? Feeling sick.

·?????? Sweating.

·?????? Poor concentration.

·?????? Abdominal pain.

·?????? Diarrhoea.

·?????? Feeling hot/cold.

Causes of Migraine:

Causes of migraine is a mystery. Scientists have identified possible causes. But definite causes are still unknown.

Gene plays an important role in migraine. Chance of getting migraine of a person is 50% if one of the parents has migraine and it is 75% if both the parents have migraine.

Most of the migraineurs show a decreased level of a neurotransmitter, serotonin. Drop of serotonin causes a neurovascular disorder involving extracellular blood vessels and stimulation of trigeminal sensory nerves. It causes headache.

Activation of trigemino vascular system releases CGRP (Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide), that also induces headache.

Types of migraine:

There are almost 5 different types of migraines. Depending on the personal triggers and patterns, severity of migraines differ from person to person. Let us have a look on different type of migraines:

·???????? Migraine without Aura: This is the most common migraine. People experience throbbing pain on one side of the head. It lasts for 4 to 72 hours.

·???????? Migraine with Aura: Before start of the migraine attack, people experience an aura. Here aura means; seeing wavy lines, flashing lights, temporary blind spots etc. It lasts for 4 to 72 hours.

·???????? Chronic Migraine: People experience headache 15 days per month and every time it lasts for minimum 4 hours.

·???????? Menstrual Migraine: Many women experience migraine before, during and after their menstrual cycle. Symptoms are like common migraine.

·???????? Abdominal Migraine: It is common in children and in some adults. Its symptoms are stomach pain, vomiting etc. It lasts for 2-72 hours.

Treatment of migraine:

Doctors provide two types of treatments for migraines:

·???????? Pain relieving medications: These are taken during the migraine attacks and designed to stop symptoms. Patients get best results of these medicines if they are taken on the first sign of an oncoming migraine.?

Examples of migraine pain relievers:

a)??? Pain killers: They are good for mild migraine pain. Eg : Aspirin,Ibuprofen, Acetaminophena etc.

b)??? Triptands: They can block the pain pathways in the brain.But their uses are not safe for the people having cardiac problem. Eg: Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan etc.

c)???? Dihydroergotamine: This is good for severe migraine pain. But people having cardiac problem, high blood pressure and coronary artery problem should avoid this medicine.

d)??? Anti-nausea Drugs: These are useful for the patients having nausea and vomiting symptoms.

·???????? Preventive medications: ?These are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headache.

Examples of preventive medicines:

a)??? CGRP Inhibitors: CGRP (Calcium Gene Related Peptide) is a chemical responsible for migraine attack. Effect of CGRP can be blocked by CGRP inhibitors. ?Eg : Eptinezumab, Erenumab, Fremanezumab etc.

b)??? Botox: It is often used to treat wrinkles. But this good for people for having chronic migraine problems.

c)???? β-blockers: These are used in high blood pressure and heart problems. Some of them work in preventing migraine. eg: Metroprolol, Propranolol, Timotol etc.

d)??? Anti-depressants: These medicines can affect seretonine level and keep the headache away. Eg.: Antitriptyline, Venlafaxine.

Effect of Life Style to Prevent Migraine:

Lifestyle plays an important role to reduce the severity of migraines and other types of headache. A migraineur should maintain the following habits:

·???????? Exercise: Moderate exercise every day for 30 minutes.

·???????? Quit Smoking: Smoking not only affects lungs, but also increases migraine pain.

·???????? Good postures: Bad postures (like: bent spine during computer work) can strain head, neck and shoulder muscles and cause migraines.

·???????? Reduce Stress: Stress always triggers headaches and migraines Music, Yoga and meditation can help to reduce stress.

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FAQ on Migrane

Why have I suddenly started getting migraines?

Migraine triggers. Many possible migraine triggers have been suggested, including hormonal, emotional, physical, dietary, environmental and medicinal factors. These triggers are very individual, but it may help to keep a diary to see if you can identify a consistent trigger.

How long has society known about migraine headaches?

It most often starts at puberty and is worst during middle age. As of 2016, it is one of the most common causes of disability. An early description consistent with migraines is contained in the Ebers papyrus, written around 1500 BC in ancient Egypt.

How many migraines a month is normal?

While most sufferers experience attacks once or twice a month, more than 4 million people have chronic daily migraine, with at least 15 migraine days per month. More than 90% of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine.

What to do if you feel a migraine coming?

At the first sign of a migraine, take a break and step away from whatever you're doing if possible.

1. Turn off the lights. Migraines often increase sensitivity to light and sound. ...
2. Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. ...
3. Drink a caffeinated beverage.

?What blood tests are done for migraines?

Using blood tests to diagnose headaches Laboratory tests for patients with headache may be helpful under certain circumstances. A complete blood count (CBC), thyroid function, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are basic tests that are helpful in evaluating some headache patients.26-Nov-2020

?Is there any test to check migraine?

There's no specific test to diagnose migraines. For an accurate diagnosis to be made, a GP must identify a pattern of recurring headaches along with the associated symptoms. Migraines can be unpredictable, sometimes occurring without the other symptoms. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis can sometimes take time.

?What are the pressure points to relieve migraines?

Pressure point LI-4, also called Hegu, is located between the base of your thumb and index finger. Doing acupressure on this point to relieve pain and headaches.24-Oct-2019

?What happens if migraine is not treated?

If left untreated, your headache pain will become moderate to severe. Pain can shift from one side of your head to the other, or it can affect the front of your head, the back of your head or feel like it's affecting your whole head.03-Mar-2021?

What is the most severe migraine?

Sometimes called an intractable migraine, status migrainosus is a very serious and very rare migraine variant. It typically causes migraine attacks so severe and prolonged (usually lasting for more than 72 hours) that you must be hospitalized.26-Jan-2021

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What is the latest treatment for migraines?

Preventative medications, sometimes called “prophylactic” medications, stop migraine attacks from starting. CGRP monoclonal antibodies like eptinezumab (Vyepti), erenumab (Aimovig), and galcanezumab (Emgality) are the latest preventative drug therapies.

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Is migraine can be cured completely?

Migraine is a treatable disease. Treatment cannot “cure” Migraine but the headache could be significantly reduced or completely removed with proper treatment. It constitutes of prophylactic treatment and rescue treatment. A Prophylactic treatment is given on a daily basis in order to reduce “attacks” of Migraine.

References:?

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/could-migraine-be-cured/

https://www.spinemd.com/what-should-migraine-sufferers-know-before-getting-their-covid-19-vaccine/

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https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/how-to-avoid-one-before-it-happens

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