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Migraine is a medical condition that typically causes severe headaches that may feel throbbing or pulsing. Other symptoms include nausea, light aversion, and dizziness.

A migraine episode is a type of headache. An episode usually occurs in stages and can last for several days. Severe cases can affect a person’s daily life, including their ability to work or study.

However, the condition of migraine is more than a headache type. It is a complex neurological condition that typically involves headaches. However, not everyone with migraine will experience the headache aspect during an episode.

Migraine can affect people in different ways, and the triggers, severity, symptoms, and frequency can vary. Some people have more than one episode each week, while others have them only occasionally.

This article further explains what migraine is. It also goes over the symptoms, causes, and treatment for the condition.

Symptoms of migraine

Symptoms of migraine tend to occur in stages:

Before the headache: According to a 2023 review of migraine, around 77% of people with migraine experience symptoms that start hours or days before the headache.

At this stage, a person might experience a “prodrome,” which may involve emotional changes, specifically depression and irritability. A prodrome can also include yawning, dizziness, thirst, frequent urination, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Sometimes an aura can occur. This involves physical or sensory symptoms, such as flashing lights in the field of vision.

During the headache: Alongside a mild to severe, throbbing or pulsing headache, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness, and nasal congestion.

Resolution: After the headache, tiredness and irritability may last another few days. This is sometimes called the “migraine hangover.” Officially, it is known as the postdrome phase.

Other common features of migraine are:

• head pain that worsens during physical activity or straining
• an inability to perform regular activities due to the pain
• increased sensitivity to light and sound that can sometimes be relieved by lying quietly in a darkened room

Other symptoms may include sweating, feeling unusually hot or cold, a stomachache, and diarrhea.

Find out what else can cause a headache, nausea, and fatigue.

Migraine vs. headache

A migraine episode is different from a typical headache. The experience is different, and they can have different causes.

Writing down the symptoms and when they occur can help a person and their healthcare professional identify migraine episodes. Examples of what to note include:

• the time that symptoms start
• possible triggers, such as stress or menstruation
• the nature of the headache
• any other symptoms
• how long symptoms last
• any noticeable indicators of migraine, such as an aura
• any medications and their effects

Migraine treatment

There is no cure for migraine. However, medications can help manage the symptoms when they arise, and people can take steps to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

However, it is important to keep in mind that these medications can have side effects.

Medications

Pain relief and other types of medication can often help. Taking medication as soon as symptoms start may keep them from becoming severe.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications that may benefit people with migraine include:

• naproxen (Aleve)
• ibuprofen (Advil)
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Other options include:

• triptans, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), to help reverse the brain changes that occur during an episode
• antiemetics to manage any nausea and vomiting
• gepants to block a protein involved in inflammation and pain, called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
• ditans, which interact with 5-HT1F receptors on the sensory nerves and blood vessels

It is important to avoid overusing medication because overuse can cause a rebound headache. A healthcare professional can help inform an individual how much of each medication is safe and effective.

Home and natural remedies for migraine

Some home care strategies that can help relieve migraine symptoms include:

• using flexible cold packs or masks
• staying in a quiet, darkened room
• sleeping, when necessary

The following supplements might help prevent migraine. However, there is limited evidence that they work, and not much is known about their side effects:

• herbal extracts, such as feverfew
• magnesium
• coenzyme 10
• butterbur

Other non drug approaches may include acupuncture, neck exercises, or physical therapy.

Before trying any of these, speak with a healthcare professional. Research has not shown that these approaches work.

Anyone looking for an alternative therapy, such as acupuncture, should go to a qualified and experienced professional.

When to see a doctor

A person should consult a healthcare professional if they experience:

• what seems like a first migraine episode
• worsening or unusual migraine symptoms
• severe symptoms

If any of the following occur, seek immediate medical help:

• an unusually severe headache
• visual disturbances
• a loss of sensation
• difficulty speaking

These could indicate another condition that may need urgent attention, such as a stroke.

Summary

Migraine is a medical condition that involves a headache and other symptoms. It is not just a bad headache and it can have a significant impact on daily life, making it difficult to work and do everyday activities.

Identifying and avoiding triggers can often help reduce the frequency or severity of episodes, though it is not always possible to prevent them.

Medication and other treatments can help manage migraine symptoms. Anyone who has concerns should contact a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

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