Understanding Migraines

Over 15% of the Indian population suffers from migraines, a big number when talking about the world’s most populated country. Though migraines are a complex neurological disorder with no cure, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage and prevent the symptoms. From over-the-counter medication to lifestyle modifications, someone dealing with migraines can employ a combination of various therapies to ensure they get maximum relief. While there are different types of migraines, the most common symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, throbbing and increased sensitivity to light, sound or odours. Migraines often are accompanied by auras as well. Auras are sensory disturbances, like lines or dots in one's field of vision, a high-pitched tone or difficulty in muscle coordination.?

How migraines develop is still not fully understood but there are several factors putting someone at higher risk of the condition. Studies show that reasons for migraines include dysfunction in pain pathways and structural brain changes. Activation of fibres in the brain's blood vessel walls might play a role as well. People with a family history of migraines are more likely to be inflicted, meaning genetics contribute to migraines too. It’s estimated that 60% of migraine sufferers in India are women, suggesting hormonal factors might lead to the development of migraines. Considering the pathophysiology of migraines still requires deeper research, making it difficult to cure at source, let's consider how one can achieve symptom relief effectively.?

Migraines occur at varying rates for different people. Some people might face migraines every day, making the need for an effective treatment a lot more urgent, while others face migraines once every few months, giving them a little more time to find long-term solutions. People most commonly use triptans to tackle migraines but there are side effects that you should beware of. Other over-the-counter medications for migraines include aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen and ergot derivatives, all riddled with their own unique side effects. Common side effects of common migraine medication include headaches, stomach issues, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness and more.?

Safer options with fewer to no side effects exist. Many people choose to tackle migraines via acupuncture. It's believed that acupuncture releases endorphins and improves circulation, helping reduce the pain associated with migraines. Massage therapy is another popular option. Massages, especially head massages, help release tension and stress in the muscles on your head, reducing the overall impact of migraines as well. While exercise might exacerbate migraines, light stretches help alleviate symptoms during the onset of migraines. Dietary modifications, like adding ginger or turmeric into your meals, help too. Chances are, if you are from an Indian household, your home preparations are laden with beneficial ingredients for migraine relief.?

Cannabinoid medication has proved to be extremely beneficial for migraines too. Cannabis contains cannabinoids, naturally occurring compounds in the plant, that affect various changes in the human body via the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors and endocannabinoids spread across the body. Endocannabinoids interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, signalling various changes to the brain. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system much like endocannabinoids do, helping give crucial signals to the body that an endocannabinoid deficiency might have missed. Cannabinoid medication helps reduce the severity of migraine symptoms through the endocannabinoid system, offering ways to both manage and prevent migraines.?

Though there are so many options when it comes to symptom relief from migraines, most people benefit from a combination of therapies and lifestyle changes. For example, certain stimulants trigger migraines, so if you're a coffee drinker and face migraines often, it might be wise to lay off the coffee for a while. At the same time, if one feels over-the-counter medication works better for them, it might help to use plant-based adjunct therapies to tackle symptoms that over-the-counter medication does not. Eventually, individual responses vary. Speak to a physician to find the best treatment plan for your needs if minor lifestyle changes haven't given you the relief you seek.?