What is a migraine? Learn about its Symptoms and Treatment
2025-02-24 00:00:00
A migraine is a type of headache that is caused by a disorder of the nervous system in the brain. This pain is very painful. When a person has a migraine, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound increase in a person. The duration of its pain can range from a few hours to several days. Migraines are also considered to be genetic.
Migraines are complex problems related to neurology and are often painful headaches. It causes unbearable pain with tingling on one side of the head or sometimes on both sides. During a migraine, the arteries below the head become enlarged, and sometimes there is swelling in the painful area. This problem usually starts at puberty.
According to Ayurvedic doctors, a migraine is a pain caused by disturbances in the blood vessels of the brain or face. Apart from this, migraine can also be caused by changes in diet, increased stress, or sleeping more.
Types of migraine
There are two types of migraine: classic migraine and non-classic migraine. Both are described in detail below.
Classic Migraine
Classic migraine has many such symptoms that indicate that the patient is having a migraine attack, such as blurred vision before the onset of a headache. In some cases, symptoms of shoulder stiffness and burning are also seen. In the case of classic migraine, the blood vessels in the patient's body start constricting. In such a situation, it is best to contact the doctor immediately.
Nonclassic migraine
In a non-classic migraine, there is a severe headache from time to time, but other symptoms are not visible. During a non-classic migraine, the onset of headache as well as taking pain relievers provides relief to the patient.
Causes of Migraine
Hormonal changes—
Major hormonal changes that occur in the body of women can cause the onset of migraines. A lot of hormonal changes take place in the body for various reasons, like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Fluctuating hormonal levels can also sometimes be the cause of headaches. According to a medical study, migraines affect women more than men due to hormonal changes.
Changing environment—
Changes in the environment are also considered to be one of the main causes of migraines. Sometimes the sensory arousal is aggravated by loud noises, unstable lighting, excessive smells, or noises that can cause migraines. Changes in temperature, such as strong sunlight, extreme heat, or extreme cold, can also cause migraines.
As a side effect of alcohol smoking-
A hangover after drinking alcohol or excessive smoking also causes migraines. Apart from this, sweet foods and extremely spicy foods can also trigger migraines.
Excessive consumption of caffeine-
People who use caffeine excessively complain of headaches if they suddenly stop taking it. That is, abruptly stopping excessive consumption of coffee can also be a cause of migraines.
Symptoms of Migraine
- The main symptom of migraine is severe tingling on one side of the head, or sometimes on both sides.
- People suffering from migraine headaches often experience an inability to perform routine activities, eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Migraine sufferers may be hypersensitive to changes in light, sound, and smell.
- During a migraine, there is a terrible pain in the eyes, and there is also a burning sensation in the blinking of the eyelids.
- Migraine headaches cause rapid mood changes. In such a situation, some patients suddenly feel very sad or become more excited for no reason.
- Migraine pain gets worse with regular activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
- Frequent urination can also be a symptom of migraine, but this symptom is not seen in everyone.
Home Remedies for Migraine
The following home remedies are usually used to get rid of the problem of initial migraine:
Ice pack
With the help of ice packs, it is beneficial to relax the swollen muscles due to migraine. For this home remedy, place a few pieces of ice in a clean towel and apply it to the back of the head, neck, and forehead for 10-15 minutes.
Massaging the head
Head massage is a very effective way to relieve stress. By doing this, the blood circulation in the body increases, which helps to reduce the pain of migraine. Massaging the back of the head of a person suffering from a migraine provides relief from pain.
Peppermint is beneficial.
Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to stabilize and calm the mind. Drinking tea made from peppermint and mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with honey in water provides relief from migraines. Apart from this, massaging the head and forehead with peppermint oil also benefits the patient.
Ginger is helpful.
Ginger helps in relieving symptoms of migraine such as nausea or vomiting. Apart from this, the use of ginger also provides relief from swelling and pain caused by migraines. Boil the pieces of ginger in water and let them cool down. Drinking a few drops of honey and lemon in this water provides relief from migraines.
Basil oil is effective.
Basil oil relaxes the muscles. This reduces stress and gives relief from pain. For this reason, using basil oil provides great relief from migraine pain.
Measures to prevent migraine
- Try to avoid changing temperatures. In the summer, use the air conditioner. Do not go out in the cold or hot weather.
- Avoid direct sunlight and use goggles or an umbrella while going out in the summer.
- Avoid eating too much chili or very oily, spicy food.
- Do yoga or exercise regularly for 30 minutes.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol and smoking.
- Make it a habit to walk barefoot on the grass every morning. Along with working stress, it also balances hormones, due to which the risk of migraine is reduced.
When to go to the doctor?
Migraines usually get better on their own within a few days, but if you experience any of the following serious symptoms, you should go to the doctor immediately.
- Unbearable headache on one side of the head.
- Headache with mental confusion and stiff neck.
- Difficulty in normal activities such as climbing stairs and commuting.
- Blindness of eyes due to strong sunlight or severe headache due to loud sounds, smell, etc.