Consider a throbbing pain behind the eyes, accompanied by a never-ending wave of nausea, sensitivity to light, and a symphony of pain that reverberates throughout the body. Migraines, unlike other types of headaches, cause a complicated web of sensory overload that leaves patients particularly vulnerable.
According to study, migraines are neurological disorders that are characterised by moderate to severe unilateral or bilateral headaches that can last 4 to 72 hours. As per a journal, migraines affect more than 10% of people globally and are the second leading cause of disability.
“Migraines are termed chronic when the headaches continue for 15 or more days per month, for at least three months. They are often accompanied by moderate to severe throbbing on one or both sides of the head, as well as dizziness, and impaired focus,” said Dr Sumit Singh, Chief, Neurology, Artemis Hospitals.
Trigger factors Of Migraines
Migraines can be triggered by a diverse array of factors, both medical and non-medical. Though triggers may vary from person to person, some individuals may have multiple ones.
Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly in women, can trigger migraines. In fact, women are three times more likely to have migraines than men. As per MayoClinic, 75% of women find that they experience attacks during their menstrual cycles. Pregnancy, menopause, or the use of hormonal medications like birth control pills can also trigger migraines.
Medications
"Certain medications such as nitrates, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) trigger migraines in some individuals. Moreover, regular intake of over-the-counter and prescription pain medications for migraines can cause more attacks, a phenomenon which is termed medication overuse headache", said Dr Singh.
Also read: Migraine: Health Risks Associated To Migraine Pain
Stress and anxiety
Emotional stress, anxiety, and tension can be significant triggers for migraines. Almost 50-70% of patients have a substantial correlation between their daily stress level and migraine episodes.
Sleep disturbances
Both inadequate sleep and excessive sleep can trigger migraines. Irregular sleep patterns, jet lag, and shift work can also contribute to them.
Sensory stimuli
These can include bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells such as perfumes, paint thinner, and passive smoking.
Weather changes
Changes in weather patterns, particularly shifts in temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure, can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.
Certain foods and beverages
Some people are sensitive to certain foods and beverages that can trigger migraines. These include foods that contain histamine and MSG, chocolate, cheese, and other dairy products, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, cured meats, and anything with a strong smell.
Also read: Study Reveals Migraine Could Lead To Pregnancy Complications
Preventive management
Apart from avoiding triggers, there are several preventive measures that patients with migraines can take. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is important as sufficient and quality sleep can help prevent an attack. Since eating habits can influence migraines, regular meals can keep them at bay. Moreover, engaging in regular to moderate exercise may reduce the severity of migraines and make them less frequent. Along with these, preventive therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also help in managing the pain.
Identifying your triggers is important to make informed choices and adopt preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes. However, it should be kept in mind that healthcare professionals play a crucial role in guiding patients through the process of finding the most effective and personalised approach to managing migraines.
