Migraine will no longer return: the secrets of stable remission

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Migraine will no longer return: the secrets of stable remission

Part 1: Understanding the nature of the migraine: deep look

Migraine is not just a severe headache. This is a complex neurological disease characterized by attacks of intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia) and odors (osmophobia). Migraine can significantly affect the quality of life, limiting the performance, social activity and overall well -being. Understanding the mechanisms of the development of migraine and factors contributing to its chronization is a key step towards achieving sustainable remission.

1.1. Neurobiological foundations of migraines:

The migraine is based on a complex chain of neurochemical and neurovascular changes in the brain. The main players in this process are:

  • Trigeminal nervous system: This system, which is responsible for the sensitivity of the face and head, plays a central role in the development of migraine pain. Activation of the trigeminal nerve leads to the release of vasoactive substances, such as peptide associated with the calcitonin gene (CGRP), which causes expansion of blood vessels and inflammation in the brain shells.
  • Cerebral cortex: The cerebral cortex, especially the visual bark, can be involved in the process of migraine development. It is believed that cortical depression, a wave of electrical activity spreading along the bark, can be a migraine trigger with an aura.
  • Hypothalamus: This section of the brain, which is responsible for the regulation of many functions, including sleep, appetite and hormonal balance, also plays a role in the pathogenesis of migraines. The dysfunction of the hypothalamus can contribute to the occurrence of harbing dremers and influence its course.
  • Serotonin: This neurotransmitter plays an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep and pain. Changes in the level of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of migraine.
  • Glutamate: This exciting neurotransmitter plays a role in transmitting pain signals in the brain. Excess glutamate can contribute to the development of migraine pain.

1.2. Risk factors and migraine triggers:

Migraine is a multifactorial disease, the development of which is due to a combination of a genetic predisposition and influence of environmental factors.

  • Genetic predisposition: Heredity plays an important role in the development of migraine. If one of the parents has a migraine, the probability of its development in a child increases significantly. There are several genes associated with an increased risk of migraine development.
  • Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can affect the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks in women. Estrogen level fluctuations can be a migraine trigger.
  • Food triggers: Some products and drinks can provoke a migraine attack of sensitive people. The most common food triggers include:
    • Alcohol: Especially red wine and beer.
    • Caffeine: Both excess and a sharp abolition of caffeine.
    • Sustained cheeses: Contain tiramin.
    • Processed meat: Contains nitrates and nitrites.
    • Artificial sweeteners: Aspartam.
    • Chocolate: Contains phenylethylamine.
    • Citrus: They may contain thyramin.
  • Environmental factors:
    • Weather changes: Swanks of atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity.
    • Bright light: Flashing light, sunlight.
    • Strong smells: Spirits, paints, chemicals.
    • Noise: Loud sounds, constant noise.
  • Stress: Physical and emotional stress are one of the most common migraine triggers.
  • Sleep disorders: Lack of sleep, excess sleep, irregular sleep mode.
  • Dehydration: Insufficient fluid consumption.
  • Passing of food intake: Hunger can provoke a migraine attack.
  • Physical strain: Intensive physical activity.

1.3. Migraine types:

Migraine is classified into various types, depending on the presence or absence of aura and other characteristics:

  • Migraine without aura (ordinary migraine): The most common type of migraine, characterized by headache, which usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours and is accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia.
  • Migraine with aura (classic migraine): It is characterized by a headache preceding or accompanied by neurological symptoms called aura. The aura may include visual disorders (flickering lights, zigzag lines, field fields), sensory disorders (numbness, tingling), speech disorders or motor disorders. The aura usually lasts from 5 to 60 minutes.
  • Chronic migraine: Headache occurs at least 15 days a month for more than 3 months, while at least 8 days a month correspond to the criteria of migraine.
  • Rare types of migraines: Hemiplegic migraine, basic migraine, ophthalmoplegic migraine.

1.4. Migraine diagnosis:

Migraine diagnosis is based on the collection of an anamnesis, physical and neurological examination. It is important to exclude other causes of a headache, such as brain tumors, aneurysm and meningitis. In some cases, additional studies can be required, such as an MRI of the brain or electroencephalography (EEG). It is important to keep a headache diary in order to track the frequency, intensity and triggers of seizures.

Part 2: Strategies for achieving sustainable migraine remission

Achieving sustainable migraine remission is a multifaceted process that requires an integrated approach, including a change in lifestyle, pharmacological treatment and non -drug methods. The goal is to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine attacks, as well as improving the quality of life.

2.1. Modification of lifestyle: the basis of long -term success:

A change in lifestyle plays a key role in the prevention of migraine and the achievement of sustainable remission.

  • Migraine diet:
    • Identification and exclusion of food triggers: Maintaining a diet will help determine the products that provoke migraine attacks. Exclude potential triggers from your diet and gradually return them one by one to determine which products really cause problems.
    • Regular nutrition: Passing for eating can provoke a migraine attack. Try to eat regularly, every 3-4 hours.
    • Sufficient fluid consumption: Dehydration can cause headache. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
    • Limiting caffeine and alcohol: Excess caffeine and alcohol can be a migraine trigger. Limit the consumption of these substances or completely exclude them from your diet.
    • Increase in magnesium consumption: Magnesium plays an important role in the regulation of the nervous system. Products rich in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Consider the possibility of taking magnesium additives after consulting a doctor.
    • Increase in riboflavin consumption (vitamin B2): Riboflavin is involved in energy metabolism in brain cells. Riboflavin products include meat, dairy products, eggs and green leafy vegetables.
    • Coenzyme additives Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant who plays a role in energy exchange. Some studies have shown that Q10 Coenzyme additives can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Regular sleep:
    • Compliance with sleep mode: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
    • Creating comfortable sleep conditions: Dark, quiet and cool bedroom.
    • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: These substances can disturb a dream.
    • Relaxation before bedtime: Take a warm bath, read a book or listen to relaxing music.
  • Stress management:
    • Determination of stress sources: Identify factors that cause stress in your life.
    • Development of stress management strategies:
      • Meditation and awareness: Meditation helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
      • Yoga and Tai-Chi: These practices combine physical exercises with meditation and breathing exercises.
      • Respiratory exercises: Deep breathing helps to reduce stress and relax.
      • Natural walks: Spend the time in the fresh air.
      • Hobbies and interests: Do what you like and bring pleasure.
      • Psychotherapy: Contact the psychotherapist to learn how to effectively cope with stress.
  • Regular physical exercises:
    • Moderate loads: Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming and cycling, can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
    • Avoid intense exercises: Intensive physical activity can provoke a migraine attack.
    • Gradual increase in load: Start with small loads and gradually increase their intensity and duration.
  • Avoid triggers:
    • Keeping a headache diary: Write down information about migraine attacks, including date, time, intensity, duration, symptoms and possible triggers.
    • Exclusion of identified triggers: Avoid the effects of factors that, as you know, provoke migraine attacks.

2.2. Pharmacological treatment of migraines:

Drug therapy plays an important role in the treatment of migraine and can be divided into two main types: abortive treatment (for stopping attacks) and preventive treatment (to reduce the frequency of attacks).

  • Abortive treatment:
    • Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, Neproksen, Ketoprofen. Effective for migrants of migraine.
    • TRIPTA: Constantin, risatriptan, ethletriptan, albraipriptan, frutitripyptan. Are specific drugs for the treatment of migraine. They act by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and blocking the release of vasoactive substances. Triptans are most effective if they are taken at the beginning of the migraine attack.
    • Ergotamines: Dihydroergotamine (DGE). It can be effective in severe migraine attacks, but have more side effects than triptans.
    • Antimetics: Metoklopramide, Domperidon. They are used to treat nausea and vomiting accompanying migraines.
    • Combined drugs: Contain NSAIDs and triptans.
  • Preventive treatment:
    • Beta blockers: Propranolol, metoprolol. Used to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
    • Tricyclic antidepressants: Amititriptylin, NORTRIPTILIN. They can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and improve sleep.
    • Anticonvulsants: Valproic acid, topiramate. Used to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
    • CGRP blockers: Erenumab, Freanzumab, Galkanzumab. Are the latest class of drugs for migraine prevention. They block the action of CGRP, substances that play an important role in the development of migraine.
    • Botulininic toxin (Botox): Used to treat chronic migraines. Botox is inserted into the muscles of the head and neck and helps to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

The choice of drug therapy should be carried out by the doctor taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the severity and frequency of migraine attacks, the presence of concomitant diseases and possible side effects.

2.3. Non -drug methods for treating migraines:

In addition to changing the lifestyle and pharmacological treatment, there are various non -drug methods that can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

  • Biological feedback (BOS): A method that helps to learn how to control the physiological functions of the body, such as heart rate, muscle tension and skin temperature. Bos can help reduce stress and muscle stress, which can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Acupuncture: The method of traditional Chinese medicine, which consists in introducing thin needles into certain points on the body. Acupuncture can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
  • Massage: Massage can help relax the muscles of the head and neck, which can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): The method of psychotherapy, which helps to change the negative thoughts and behavior associated with migraine. KPT can help learn to cope with stress, anxiety and depression that migraine can aggravate.
  • Neurostimulation:
    • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): The non -invasive method of brain stimulation, which uses magnetic impulses to change the activity of neurons. TMS can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
    • Stimulation of the vagus nerve (SBN): The non -invasive method of stimulating the vagus nerve, which can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

2.4. Integrative approach to migraine treatment:

The most effective approach to the treatment of migraine is an integrative approach that combines a change in lifestyle, pharmacological treatment and non -drug methods. It is important to work with a doctor to develop an individual treatment plan that takes into account your features, preferences and needs.

Part 3: maintaining remission of migraines: long -term strategies and monitoring

Achieving migraine remission is only half the case. It is important to maintain remission in the long run in order to avoid relapses. To do this, it is necessary to continue to follow recommendations on a change in lifestyle, regularly visit a doctor and keep a headache diary.

3.1. Constant observance of recommendations on the lifestyle:

A change in lifestyle is not a temporary measure, but a long -term investment in your health. It is important to continue to comply with the recommendations for diet, sleep, stress and physical activity, even if you feel good.

  • Continue to adhere to a diet during migraines: Do not return to your previous food habits that could provoke migraine attacks.
  • Observe sleep mode: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  • Manage stress: Continue to use stress management strategies that help you.
  • Regularly engage in physical exercises: Continue to perform moderate physical exercises.

3.2. Regular visits to the doctor:

Regular visits to the doctor are important for monitoring your condition and adjusting the treatment plan, if necessary. The doctor can evaluate your reaction to treatment, identify new migraine triggers and adjust the dose of drugs.

3.3. Keeping a headache diary:

Keeping a headache diary is an important tool for monitoring your condition and identifying potential migraine triggers. Continue to record information about migraine attacks, including date, time, intensity, duration, symptoms and possible triggers. This information will help you and your doctor evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and identify factors that can provoke a migraine relapse.

3.4. Identification and management of relapses:

Migraine relapses can happen even after remission reaches. It is important to be prepared for this and know how to deal with relapse.

  • Early detection of triggers: Keep a headache diary to identify potential relapse triggers.
  • Fast stopping of the attack: Take a medicine to stop the migraine attack as early as possible.
  • Consult a doctor: If you have a recurrence of migraines, consult a doctor to adjust the treatment plan.

3.5. Support and education:

Support and education can help you cope with migraine and maintain remission.

  • Join the support group: Communication with other people suffering from migraine can be very useful.
  • Learn more about migraines: The more you know about migraines, the better you can control your condition.

3.6. Prospects and future treatment of migraines:

Migraine studies continue, and new methods of treatment and prevention appear. It is important to keep abreast of the latest achievements and discuss them with your doctor.

  • New medications: New drugs are being developed for the prevention and treatment of migraine.
  • New methods of neurostimulations: New methods of neurostimulations for the treatment of migraine are studied.
  • Gene therapy: In the future, genetic therapy can become a possible method of treating migraine.

Maintenance of migraine remission requires constant effort and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. However, with the right approach and support, you can control your migraine and live a full life.

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