Part 1: Understanding Migraines – roots, triggers and phases
1.1 What is migraine? Delassing myths
Migraine is not just a severe headache. This is a neurological disease characterized by intensive, pulsating pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). It is important to debunk the common myths about migraine in order to ensure the correct understanding and effective treatment.
- Myth 1: Migraine is just a severe headache. Reality: Migraine – a complex neurological state with many symptoms that go beyond just headache. It can include visual auras, cognitive disorders and mood changes.
- Myth 2: Migraine is a sign of weakness. Reality: Migraine has nothing to do with weakness. This is a biological disease that affects people of all ages, professions and social status. Genetics plays a significant role in the predisposition to migraine.
- Myth 3: Migraine can simply “endure”. Reality: ignoring migraine can lead to chronic and reducing the quality of life. Timely treatment and prevention are key state management factors.
- Myth 4: All headaches are migraines. Reality: There are many types of headaches, including headaches of tension, cluster headaches and headaches associated with sinusitis. Diagnosis is important for determining the correct treatment.
1.2 Genetics and migraine: the role of heredity
Heredity plays a significant role in the predisposition to migraine. If you have close relatives with migraine, the probability of developing this disease is increasing significantly. Studies show that several genes are associated with an increased risk of migraine, but the exact mechanism of inheritance is complicated and has not been fully studied. Family history is an important factor that should be taken into account when diagnosing and planning treatment. Genetic studies are ongoing, and in the future new treatment methods may appear, based on an understanding of the genetic basis of migraine.
1.3 Migraine triggers: identification and avoidance
Migraine triggers are factors that can provoke a migraine attack of predisposed people. The identification and avoidance of triggers is an important part of migraine management. Triggers vary from person to person, so it is important to keep a diary of headaches to determine their individual triggers.
- Food triggers:
- Sustained cheeses: They contain thyramin, an amino acid that can cause migraine.
- Red wine: Contains tannins and sulfites that can be triggers.
- Chocolate: Contains caffeine and phenylethylamine.
- Processed meat: Contains nitrates and nitrites.
- Artificial sweeteners (aspartam): They can cause headaches in some people.
- Glutamate sodium (MSG): A common flavor.
- Environmental factors:
- Weather changes: Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity.
- Bright light: Sunlight, fluorescent lighting, flickering screens.
- Strong smells: Perfumes, smoke, chemicals.
- Noise: Loud sounds, constant noise.
- Life lifestyle factors:
- Stress: One of the most common triggers.
- Lack of sleep or excess sleep: Violation of the sleep regime.
- Passing of food intake: Low blood sugar.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid consumption.
- Physical strain: Intensive exercises.
- Hormonal changes:
- Menstruation: Estrogen level fluctuations.
- Pregnancy: In some women, migraine decreases, in others – intensifies.
- Menopause: Hormone levels fluctuations.
1.4 phases of migraines: from prodrome to postrome
Migraine often passes through several phases, each of which has its own characteristic symptoms. Understanding these phases can help you anticipate a migraine attack and take measures to facilitate it.
- Prodromal phase (harbinger): It occurs a few hours or days before a headache. Symptoms may include:
- Mood changes (irritability, depression, euphoria).
- Fatigue or lethargy.
- Violation of concentration.
- Sensitivity to light, sound or smells.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- An enhanced feeling of hunger or thirst.
- Aura phase (not everyone): It occurs immediately before a headache or during it. Aura is a neurological violation that usually lasts from several minutes to an hour. Symptoms may include:
- Visual disorders (flashing lights, zigzag lines, vision loss).
- Sensory disorders (numbness, tingling in hands, legs or face).
- Speech disorders (difficulties in pronouncing words).
- Motor disorders (weakness in the limbs).
- Phase of the headache: It is characterized by intense, pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. The pain can be enhanced with physical activity. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia).
- Dizziness.
- Lovetled vision.
- The postrome phase (recovery): It occurs after a headache. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and lethargy.
- Weakness.
- Violation of concentration.
- Mood changes.
1.5 Types of migraines: classification and characteristics
There are several types of migraines that are classified depending on the presence or absence of aura, the frequency of attacks and other factors.
- Migraine with aura (classic migraine): The headaches of the aura are preceded by a neurological violation, which usually lasts from a few minutes to an hour.
- Migraine without aura (ordinary migraine): The most common type of migraine. A headache occurs without a previous aura.
- Chronic migraine: Headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least 3 months, and at least 8 days a month correspond to migraine criteria.
- Episodic migraine: Headaches occur less than 15 days a month.
- Hemiplegic migraine: A rare type of migraine, characterized by weakness in one half of the body (hemiplegia) during the aura. It can be family (family hemiplegic migraine) or sporadic (sporadic hemiplegic migraine).
- Basial type migraine: It is characterized by symptoms emanating from the brain barrel (basic artery), such as dizziness, visual impairment, double -gathering, dysarthria (speech impairment), ataxia (impaired coordination).
- Abdominal migraine: More common in children. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and pallor.
Part 2: Diagnostics and treatment of migraine
2.1 Migraine Diagnostics: what to expect from a doctor
Migraine diagnostics usually include a detailed history of the anamnesis, a physics and neurological examination. The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, frequency and intensity of headaches, triggers, family history and other medical conditions.
- Anamnesis:
- Description of headache: localization, character (pulsating, pressing), intensity, duration.
- Related symptoms: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, smells.
- Triggers: food products, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, hormonal changes.
- Family history: the presence of migraines in close relatives.
- Medicines: what medicines do you take (including over -the -counter drugs and additives).
- Physical examination: The doctor will check your general health, measure blood pressure and conduct other standard examinations.
- Neurological examination: The doctor will check your reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, sensitivity and vision to exclude other neurological causes of headache.
- Additional research: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe additional studies such as an MRI or CT of the brain to exclude other diseases, especially if there are unusual symptoms or suspicion of structural changes. However, in most cases, with typical symptoms of migraine, these studies are not required.
2.2 Medications to facilitate migraine: Acute attack
Treatment of an acute migraine attack is aimed at relieving pain and other symptoms. There are several types of drugs that can be used for this purpose.
- Anesthetic drugs:
- Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, Neproksen, Ketoprofen. Effective with mild and moderate migraines.
- Paracetamol: It can be effective for mild migraine, especially in combination with other drugs.
- TRIPTA: Specific preparations for the treatment of migraines that affect serotonin receptors in the brain. Effective with moderate and heavy migraines. Examples: summptor, risatriptan, zolmitriptan, intrigratyptan, frutriptan, albraipriptan, ethletriptan. Available in various forms: tablets, nasal sprays, injections.
- Ergotamines: Previously, migraines were widely used, but are currently used less often due to side effects. Examples: ergotamine, dihydroergotamine.
- Antimetics: Preparations to reduce nausea and vomiting, often accompanying migraines. Examples: metoclopramide, cool reuperesin, domperidone.
- Combined drugs: They contain a combination of painkillers and other drugs such as caffeine.
It is important to take medicines as soon as possible after the start of an attack of migraine, so that they are most effective. If you often use painkillers, this can lead to the development of headaches from abuse of drugs, so it is important to discuss the treatment strategy with the doctor.
2.3 Preventive treatment of migraines: Reducing frequency and severity
Preventive treatment of migraines is aimed at reducing the frequency, severity and duration of seizures. It is recommended for people whose migraines occurs often (for example, 4 or more days a month), or if attacks significantly affect the quality of life.
- Beta blockers: Preparations usually used to treat high blood pressure. They can reduce the frequency of migraines. Examples: Propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as amitriptylin and wenlafaxin, can be effective for migraine prevention. They affect neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsants, such as topiramate and valproic acid, can reduce the migraine frequency.
- Calcium channel blockers: Flunarizin.
- Botulininic toxin (Botox): Botox injections are approved for the treatment of chronic migraine (15 or more head pain per month).
- Monoclonal antibodies to CGRP: A new class of drugs designed specifically for migraine prevention. They block CGRP (calcitonin-hen-tied peptide), which plays an important role in the occurrence of migraine. Examples: Erenumab, Freanzumab, Galkanzumab, Eptinezumab.
- Supplements:
- Magnesium: It can reduce the migraine frequency in some people.
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): It can be useful for the prevention of migraine.
- Coenzim q10: It can reduce the frequency of migraines.
- Melatonin: It can improve sleep and reduce the frequency of migraine.
The choice of preventive treatment depends on many factors, including the type of migraine, the frequency of attacks, other medical conditions and possible side effects of drugs. It is important to discuss with the doctor all possible options and choose the most suitable.
2.4 Non -drug methods for treating migraines
Non -drug methods of treatment can be effective for alleviating symptoms of migraine and reducing the frequency of attacks.
- Relaxation techniques:
- Meditation: Helps reduce stress and stress.
- Yoga: Improves flexibility, reduces stress and stress.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: It includes tension and relaxation of various muscle groups.
- Biological feedback: He teaches to control physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle voltage.
- Acupuncture: It includes the introduction of thin needles into certain points on the body. It can reduce the frequency of migraines.
- Massage: It can help relax muscles and reduce tension.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): Helps change thoughts and behavior that migraines can contribute.
- Physiotherapy: It may be useful for the treatment of migraines associated with problems in the neck and shoulders.
- Day of the day: Regular sleep, nutrition and physical activity.
- Avoiding triggers: Identification and avoidance of triggers that can provoke a migraine attack.
2.5 Changes in lifestyle to manage migraine
Changes in lifestyle can play an important role in managing migraine.
- Regular sleep: Try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekend. The lack of sleep or excess sleep can be a migraine trigger.
- Proper nutrition: Food regularly and do not skip food meals. Support the stable blood sugar. Avoid food triggers.
- Physical activity: Regular moderate physical exercises can help reduce the migraine frequency.
- Stress management: Study stress management methods such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing or other relaxation techniques.
- Hydration: Drink enough liquids during the day. Dehydration can be a migraine trigger.
- Caffeine restriction: Excess caffeine can be a migraine trigger.
Part 3: Migraine in special situations
3.1 migraine in women: hormonal influences
Migraine is often found in women more often than in men, which is associated with hormonal changes occurring throughout the life of a woman.
- Menstrual migraine: Migraine associated with the menstrual cycle. Usually occurs a few days before menstruation or during it. A decrease in estrogen levels can be a trigger.
- Migraine during pregnancy: In some women, migraine decreases during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. In other women, migraines may intensify. It is important to discuss with the doctor safe methods for treating migraine during pregnancy.
- Migraine during menopause: Hormone levels during menopause can cause migraine during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can alleviate the symptoms in some women, but can also aggravate migraine in others.
3.2 migraine in children and adolescents
Migraine can occur in children and adolescents. Symptoms may differ from symptoms in adults.
- Abdominal migraine: More common in children. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and pallor.
- Cyclic vomiting: Episodes of strong nausea and vomiting that can be associated with migraine.
- Stress headaches: Often accompany migraines in children and adolescents.
Treatment of migraine in children and adolescents includes avoiding triggers, changes in lifestyle and medicine. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
3.3 migraines and related diseases
Migraine is often found along with other diseases.
- Depression and anxiety: People with migraine more often suffer from depression and anxiety. Treatment of depression and anxiety can help reduce the frequency of migraine.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic disease characterized by muscle pain and fatigue. Often meets with migraine.
- Irritable intestine syndrome (SRK): The disease affecting the large intestine. Often meets with migraine.
- Sleep disorders: Insomnia and other sleep disturbances can be migraine triggers. Treatment of sleep disorders can help reduce the migraine frequency.
- Epilepsy: There is a connection between migraine and epilepsy, although the exact mechanism has not been fully studied.
Part 4: new methods of treatment and research
4.1 The latest medicines for migraine: monoclonal antibodies to CGRP
Monoclonal antibodies to CGRP (calcitonin-hen-tied peptide) is a new class of drugs developed specifically for migraine prevention. CGRP is a protein that plays an important role in the occurrence of migraine. These drugs block CGRP or its receptor, thereby reducing the migraine frequency.
- Érenumab (Aimovig): Blockable Reclement CGRP.
- Fremanesum (Ajovy): Blocks CGRP.
- Galkanzumab (Emgality): Blocks CGRP.
- Эптинезумаб (vyepti): Blocks CGRP. Entered intravenously.
These drugs are administered as injections once a month or once a quarter (in the case of epinosumab – intravenously every three months). They showed good results in a decrease in migraine frequency in many people.
4.2 Neurostimulation for the treatment of migraine
Neurostimulation is a treatment method that includes the use of electric or magnetic impulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): Uses magnetic impulses to stimulate the cerebral cortex. It can be used to treat an acute migraine attack or for prevention.
- Transcranial direct stimulation by current (TPS): Uses a weak electric current to stimulate the brain.
- Stimulation of the vagus nerve (SBN): It stimulates the vagus nerve that plays an important role in the regulation of many body functions.
4.3 Research in the field of migraine: Future of treatment
Migraine studies continue to develop, which allows us to hope for the emergence of new and more effective methods of treatment.
- Genetic research: Continue to identify genes associated with an increased risk of migraine. This can lead to the development of new drugs aimed at specific genes.
- Neurousualization research: They study changes in the brain associated with migraine. This can help better understand the mechanism of migraine and develop more effective treatment methods.
- New medications: New medications are being developed, aimed at various paths involved in the emergence of migraines.
Part 5: Life with migraine: tips and recommendations
5.1 maintaining headaches: tracking triggers and symptoms
Keeping a diary of headaches is an important tool for controlling migraine. The diary helps to track triggers, symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment.
- What to write in the diary:
- The date and time of the beginning of the headache.
- The intensity of pain (on a scale from 1 to 10).
- Localization hurts.
- The nature of the pain (pulsating, pressing, dull).
- Related symptoms (nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, smells).
- Suspecting triggers (food products, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, hormonal changes).
- The drugs you have taken.
- The effectiveness of drugs.
- The duration of the headache.
Regular analysis of the headache diary will help you identify your individual triggers and develop a migraine management strategy.
5.2 Work and migraine: how to deal with attacks at the workplace
Migraine can have a significant impact on your work.
- Tell your employer: Explain to your employer about your migraine and how she can influence your work.
- Develop an action plan: Consider an action plan with the employer in case of attack of migraine at the workplace.
- Create comfortable conditions: If possible, create comfortable conditions at the workplace to reduce the risk of migraine (for example, muffled light, silence).
- Breaks: Take regular breaks to relax and reduce stress.
- Medicines: Always have medications with you to facilitate migraine.
5.3 Travel and Migraine: Travel Planning
Travels can be a migraine trigger due to changes in sleep mode, nutrition, climate and atmospheric pressure.
- Plan in advance: Carefully plan your trips to reduce the risk of migraine.
- Sleep mode: Try to maintain a regular sleep mode while traveling.
- Nutrition: Take healthy food and snacks with you to avoid skipping meals.
- Hydration: Drink enough liquids while traveling.
- Avoid triggers: Avoid the migraine triggers known to you.
- Medicines: Take all the necessary medicines with you.
5.4 Support and resources for people with migraine
Life with migraine can be complicated. It is important to have support and resources.
- Doctor: Regularly visit a doctor to discuss your migraine and adjust the treatment plan.
- Support groups: Join the support groups for people with migraine.
- Online resources: Use online resources to get information about migraines and find the state management tips.
Part 6: Alternative and additional treatment methods
6.1 Phytotherapy and migraine: Plants that can help
Some plants can help alleviate the symptoms of migraines or reduce the frequency of attacks.
- White -skinned: Shows good results in migraine prevention. It is important to use standardized extracts containing a low level of pyrrolisidine alkaloids (PA) to avoid toxicity for the liver.
- Ginger: It has anti -inflammatory and antiemetic properties. It can help relieve nausea associated with migraine.
- Lavender: The aroma of lavender can help relax and reduce stress.
- Peppermint: Peppermint oil can be applied to whiskey to relieve headaches.
6.2 Homeopathy and migraine: individual approach
Homeopathy is a treatment system based on the principle of “like this.” Homeopathic drugs are selected individually for each person, depending on his symptoms and constitution.
6.3 Ayurveda and Migraine: Balans Energy
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine, which believes that health depends on the balance of three doshas: cotton, Pitt and Kapha. Ayurvedic treatment of migraines is aimed at restoring this balance.
6.4 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Migraine: Acupuncture and Herbs
Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, herbalus and other methods. Acupuncture can help reduce the frequency of migraines, and herbs can alleviate the symptoms.
It is important to remember that alternative and additional treatment methods should not replace traditional treatment. Always consult a doctor before using any alternative treatment methods.
Part 7: Final recommendations
Migraine is a complex disease that requires an individual approach to treatment. It is important to work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
- Be active in managing your migraine: Keep a headache diary, identify triggers and adhere to a treatment plan.
- Do not give up: The search for effective treatment of migraine can take time. Do not give up and continue to work with a doctor to find the best solution.
- Remember that you are not alone: Millions of people around the world suffer from migraine. Join the support groups and share your experience with others.
Following these tips and working with a doctor, you can control your migraine and improve the quality of your life.