According to the Migraine Research Foundation, chronic
migraines are the sixth most debilitating disease in the
world. Despite the commonality of the disorder, migraine
research is severely underfunded and not much is
understood about the condition. However, scientists in
Milan, Italy at the University Vita-Salute's San Raffaele
Scientific Institute found that the brains of migraine
sufferers are structurally different from those who don't
suffer from migraine headaches. It has also been reported
that migraines may permanently alter the brain by
increasing the risk of brain lesions (damaged tissue inside
the brain), and lead to changes in white and grey matter
and the brain's volume. Additionally, research suggests
chronic migraines are linked to cardiovascular disease.
While their cause is unclear, migraines are more common in
people with anxiety and depression, and are more prevalent
in women than in men. Children also suffer migraines, with
many experiencing a migraine attack before the age of 12.
Migraine triggers are numerous and they vary. Triggers
include allergies, light, sound, smells, hormone fluctuations,
several foods, and alcohol. Furthermore, genetics play a
role in whether or not a person experiences migraines. A
person with one parent who suffers chronic migraines has a
50% chance of inheriting the condition. Migraines can
happen suddenly or after exposure to known triggers, and
they last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Additionally, certain weather patterns, such as low air
pressure, and sudden weather changes may trigger an
attack.
Migraine attacks tend to happen over a series of stages. The
prodrome stage, also known as the pre-headache or
warning stage, marks the beginning of a migraine and can
last from hours to days. Symptoms of the prodrome stage
vary by person, but are numerous and include:
● Mood swings
● Depression and irritability
● Difficulty focusing
● Sensitivity to light and smell
● Fatigue
● Insomnia
● Nausea
● Constipation or diarrhea
● Muscle stiffness
● Food cravings
● Frequent urination
● Yawning
Next, an individual might experience the migraine aura.
Along with the aforementioned flashing lights and zig zags,
auras cause vision blurriness, vision loss, or blind spots in
one or both eyes. The aura phase usually lasts for up to an
hour, and it can occur during the migraine headache itself.
After the headache, some people experience the postdrome
or hangover stage. Symptoms of the postdrome stage are
almost identical to the prodrome stage, with the difference
being that it happens at the end of the migraine attack. Not
everyone who gets migraines experiences all four stages,
and the experience of migraine attacks may vary from time
to time within the same person.
While there is no cure for migraines, they are managed and
treated in a number of ways. Medications that treat
migraines include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and
varying tryptamine-based medications. In addition to
medication, several non-pharmaceutical remedies exist to
help individuals manage their migraine pain. At home
remedies include a warm (or cold) compress, yoga, staying
hydrated, meditation, pressure point massages, or laying in
a dark room. Migraine sufferers may also seek out
acupuncture or Botox as a long-term treatment. Botox
injections are an FDA approved treatment
for chronic
migraines, as the drug works by reducing muscle
contractions where injected. Finally, doctors can prescribe
their patients magnesium and riboflavin supplements as a
preventative measure.
Though migraines can be treated at home, medical
intervention is necessary under certain circumstances. For
example, the symptoms of a stroke can be confused for a
migraine attack. Along with severe headache, if an
individual experiences a loss of balance or movement,
vision, or speech impairments they've never had before,
they should seek emergency medical attention right away.
Additionally, if experiencing a stiff neck or fever with a
migraine, or if it comes on suddenly like a thunderclap,
these could be signs of a stroke. Aside from stroke,
common chronic migraine comorbidities include heart
disease, hypertension, patent foramen ovale (hole in the
upper chambers of the heart), restless leg syndrome,
epilepsy, and asthma.
Migraine headaches are an exhausting experience, and
many sufferers are left incapacitated as the pain runs its
course. It's not uncommon to miss out on events, cancel
plans, or take the day off from work or school due to a
migraine attack. Despite this, the American Migraine
Foundation (AMF) estimates that less than 50% of people
who experience chronic migraines seek out medical
attention. As a result, the AMF created a locator for
individuals to find headache specialists near them.
Though challenging, migraines can be overcome. Whether
through dietary or lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques,
the right medications - or a combination of all of the above
- there is relief for individuals who endure migraines. Little
is understood about migraines and what causes them, or if
there will ever be a cure, but it's important for people to
know that they have options outside of being plagued by
chronic pain and bodily discomfort.
PAGE 17 June Issue 2021
