How to Control Migraine Pain?
The duration of migraine attacks varies among individuals and can last from 4 to 72 hours, with an average duration of around 6 hours.
Headache... Perhaps there's hardly anyone who has not experienced it at least once in their life. While headaches are generally considered a common ailment, their range is broad, encompassing everything from ordinary headaches to severe migraines.
What is Migraine?
Migraine, commonly referred to as a headache (though it doesn't necessarily occur only on one side of the head), is generally a recurring headache that happens at intervals. Migraines are associated with additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and temporary visual disturbances, triggered by factors like bright lights, loud sounds, specific odors, etc., which can significantly impact normal life.
Migraines are often hereditary, meaning various members of the same family can suffer from this condition. If one parent has migraines, there's a 50% chance of the child having migraines. If both parents have migraines, the likelihood increases to about 75%.
Genetic factors aside, other triggers for migraines can include specific foods (such as cheese, chocolate, caffeine, and certain beverages). Each patient is unique, and the triggers for migraines can vary. Women are more prone to migraines, and factors like stress, mental tension, and seasonal changes can also contribute.
Lack of complete sleep, fatigue, and neglecting personal comfort can contribute to the onset of migraines. While this type of headache can be associated with mental conditions, it's not necessary for migraines to be linked solely to any one of the factors mentioned above.
How Common is Migraine?
According to Western research, almost 12% of individuals experience migraine pain. This rate may vary, and as this is being written, it's noted that migraines are more prevalent in women compared to men (about 2 to 3 times more), with roughly one in every five women being prone to migraines. Generally, people aged 24 to 25 are more susceptible to migraines. This makes migraines a significant social and economic issue. In Pakistan, according to an estimate, more than 40 million people suffer from migraines.
What are the Symptoms of Migraine?
Before or along with severe headaches in migraines, other symptoms appear. In the initial signs, mild sensitivity (sometimes excessive sensitivity), fatigue, neck pain, increased appetite, and mood changes may be present.
Each affected person goes through migraine attacks with different qualities. Typically, before the onset of a migraine attack, there is a warning or signaling period in which the patient feels unusually fatigued or restless. Afterward, complaints of nausea or vomiting may arise. During this time, there may be definite signs of intolerance to bright light or blurred vision. These symptoms can last for several minutes to several hours. Following these preliminary symptoms, a specific type of headache associated with pain on one or both sides of the head and its progressive nature occurs.
The duration of migraine attacks varies among individuals and can last from 4 to 72 hours, with an average duration of around 6 hours.
What to Do for Migraine?
If migraine attacks with severe and recurrent headaches occur along with over-the-counter pain-relief medications like paracetamol/ibuprofen proving ineffective, it is advisable to consult your family/neuro physician. In some cases, the doctor may recommend tests to rule out other signs of illness.
Some women are affected by contraceptive pills that can trigger migraines, so such women should consult their healthcare provider. Some individuals experience the onset of pain from exposure to intense sunlight or sunlight, and preventive measures can help avoid migraine attacks.
The record of migraines is effective not only for the patient but also assists the treating physician in the treatment. Avoidance of triggering items and factors, along with adopting a simple diet, increased intake of water and water-based items, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, proves helpful in controlling migraines.
Initiating treatment at the onset of a migraine attack is more effective. If you frequently experience migraines, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or neurologist for appropriate treatment advice.