A migraine is a type of headache that causes strong throbbing pain or a pulsating sensation on one side of the brain, usually on one side only.
It is frequently accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and acute sensitivity to light and sound, among other things.
In this article, Dr. Mohana Rao is one of the best neurosurgeons in Andhra Pradesh talks about “What is a Migraine and what are the causes and symptoms?”
Dr. Rao’s Hospital in Neurosciences is the first independent state-of-the-art facility in two Telugu states for comprehensive brain, spine, and nerve care.
It is considered one of the best neurology hospitals in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, for its holistic approach to inpatient care. Here, you are assured of quick and personalized medical attention.
Pain from a migraine episode can last anywhere from a few hours to many days, and it can be so severe that it makes it difficult to go about your everyday activities.
Some people get a warning sensation known as an aura before or simultaneously with their headache.
In addition to visual abnormalities such as flashes of light or blind patches, an aura can include sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness on one side of the face or in an arm or leg, as well as difficulties speaking.
Some migraines can be prevented and made less severe with the use of medications. It is possible that the correct drugs, in conjunction with self-help treatments and lifestyle adjustments, will be beneficial.
Causes
According to Andhra Pradesh’s Leading neurosurgeon Dr. Rao opines that, Although the exact cause of migraine is still unknown, genetics and environmental factors both appear to have a part in its development.
It is possible that changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, which is a significant pain channel, are responsible.
In addition, chemical imbalances in the brain, such as serotonin, which helps control pain in the neurological system, could be a problem.
Researchers are investigating the significance of serotonin in the treatment of migraines. There are other neurotransmitters that contribute to the pain of migraine, such as the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
Triggers for migraines
There are a variety of migraine triggers, including the following:
Women’s menstrual cycles are changing
Many women report that fluctuations in estrogen, such as those that occur before or during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, cause them to experience headaches.
Medications that affect hormones, such as oral contraceptives, might potentially aggravate migraines. Some women, on the other hand, report that using these drugs causes their migraines to occur less frequently.
Drinks
Drinks containing excessive amounts of caffeine, such as coffee and alcohol are examples of such beverages.
Stress Migraines can be brought on by stress at work or at home.
Sleep has an effect on one’s mood
Some people experience migraines as a result of a lack of sleep or an excessive amount of sleep says Dr Rao a Premium Neurosurgeon from Andhra Pradesh.
Symptoms
Migraines, which can afflict both adolescents and teenagers as well as adults, move through four stages: the prodrome, the aura, the attack, and the postdrome (after the headache has passed). Not everyone who suffers from migraines goes through the entire process.
Prodrome
Subtle changes that signal the onset of a migraine can be noticed one or two days before the attack, and they include the following:
- Constipation
- Changes in mood, ranging from sadness to exhilaration
- Cravings for certain foods
- Neck stiffness is a common complaint
- increased frequency of urination
- Retention of fluid
- yawning on a regular basis
Aura
It is possible for some people to have an aura before or during a migraine attack, but this is rare. Auras are temporary symptoms of the nervous system that can be reversed if the cause is identified.
In nature, they are often characterized by optical disturbances, though they can also incorporate other sorts of disruptions. Generally, each symptom appears gradually, builds up over several minutes, and can last for up to 60 minutes total time in the majority of cases.
A few examples of migraine auras are as follows:
- Visual phenomena such as seeing different shapes, bright spots, or bursts of light are examples of what you might see.
- Loss of vision
- Stitching using pins and needles an arm or leg experiencing unusual sensations
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the face or on one side of the body
- Speaking is a challenge.
Attack
A migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if it is not treated immediately. From individual to person, the frequency with which migraine attacks occur varies. Migraines can occur only sometimes or as frequently as several times a month on a regular basis.
You may experience the following symptoms while suffering from migraine:
- Pain normally occurs on one side of your head, but it might occur on both sides at times.
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and, in rare cases, smell and touch is experienced.
- Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.
Post-drome
Depending on the severity of your migraine episode, you may feel wiped out for up to a day following it. Some folks claim to be elated as a result.
A sudden movement of the head may cause the pain to return for a brief period of time.
When should you visit the doctor?
Dr Rao a Top neurosurgeon who hails from Andhra Pradesh states that It is common for migraines to go undetected and untreated. If you experience the signs and symptoms of migraine on a frequent basis, maintain a record of your attacks and how you dealt with them. If your headaches persist, schedule an appointment with a medical professional.
Even if you have a history of headaches, you should consult your doctor if the pattern changes or if your headaches start to feel different abruptly.
Immediately consult your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department if you have any of the following signs and symptoms, which could signal a more serious medical problem:
- A terrible headache that comes on suddenly, like a thunderclap
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness in any area of the body could all be signs of a stroke, according to the American Stroke Association.
- Following a head injury, you may experience headaches.
- Coughing, exercising, straining, or making a sudden movement can aggravate an existing chronic headache.
- After the age of 50, one experiences new headache discomfort.
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