Migraine: deliverance forever

Migraine: deliverance forever? The path to sustainable relief

Migraine is more than just a severe headache. This is a neurological state that can seriously worsen the quality of life, deprive the performance and affect the emotional state. Often characterized by pulsating pain, usually on the one hand of the head, migraine can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, sound and smells. Although “deliverance forever” can sound as an unrealizable dream, understanding of migraines, identification of triggers and the use of an integrated approach to treatment can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, making it possible to lead a full life.

Understanding of migraines: deeper than just a headache

Migraine is a complex state, and its exact causes have not been fully studied. However, researchers distinguish several factors that are believed to play a key role:

• Genetic predisposition: Migraine has a strong genetic component. If you have family members suffering from migraine, the probability of developing this state is increasing significantly. Certain genes associated with the regulation of the vessels of the brain and neurotransmitters can increase susceptibility to migraine.
• Neurotransmitter imbalance: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. The imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can play a role in the development of migraine. It is believed that a decrease in serotonin levels can launch a cascade of events leading to the expansion of the vessels of the brain and inflammation, which in turn causes pain.
• Brain activity: Studies show that during a migraine attack, changes occur in brain activity, especially in an area called the brain stem. The spreading depression of the cortic (Cortical Spreading Depression, CSD) is a wave of electrical activity, which slowly spreads through the cerebral cortex and can cause an aura that precedes migraine attacks.
• Vascular changes: It was previously believed that migraine is mainly associated with the expansion and narrowing of the vessels of the brain. However, modern studies show that vascular changes are rather a consequence of neurological processes than the main cause of migraine.
• Inflammation: Inflammation in the brain and around blood vessels can also play a role in the development of migraine. Inflammatory substances, such as CGRP (calcitonin-hen-tied peptide), are released during a migraine attack and can contribute to pain and other symptoms.

Migraine types: Know the enemy in the face

Migraine is classified into several types, each of which has its own characteristics:

• Migraine with aura: This type of migraine is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms called aura that precedes headaches or arise with it. The aura may include visual disorders (for example, shimmering lights, zigzag lines, visual fields), sensory disorders (for example, tingling, numbness) or speech disorders.
• Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine. Attacks arise without a previous aura.
• Chronic migraine: This type of migraine is characterized by headaches that occur at least 15 days a month for more than 3 months, and at least 8 of these days correspond to migraine criteria. Chronic migraine can be very exhausting and significantly reduce the quality of life.
• Tension migraine: This type of headache is often confused with migraine, but they have different characteristics. The voltage migraine is usually described as pressing or tightening pain in the head, and not pulsating. It is also less often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
• Migraine with an aura of brain stem: This rare type of migraine is characterized by an aura coming from the brain trunk. Symptoms may include dizziness, double -gathering, slurred speech, loss of balance and violation of consciousness.
• Hemiplegic migraine: This rare type of migraine is characterized by weakness or paralysis of one side of the body (hemiplegia) that arise along with a headache.

Migraine triggers: Keys to prevent seizures

Migraine triggers are factors that can provoke a migraine attack of susceptible people. Triggers can be different for each person, and it is often necessary to keep a headache diary in order to identify their individual triggers. The common migraines triggers include:

• Food products and drinks: Certain products and drinks can cause migraine in some people. These include:
  • Sustained cheeses (for example, Chedder, Bree, Parmesan)
  • Treated meat (for example, sausage, bacon, salami)
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol (especially red wine and beer)
  • Sodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Artificial sweeteners (for example, aspartam)
  • Caffeine (although some caffeines can alleviate headache, in others it can provoke it)
• Changes in sleep mode: The lack of sleep, an excess of sleep or a violation of sleep mode (for example, changing time zones) can provoke migraines.
• Stress: Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers.
• Hormonal changes: In women, hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can cause migraine.
• Weather changes: Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity can provoke migraines.
• Sensory incentives: Bright light, loud sounds, strong smells and flashing lights can cause migraine.
• Passing of food intake: Passing for food intake can lead to a drop in blood sugar and provoke migraine.
• Physical strain: Intensive physical exercises or overvoltage can cause migraine.
• Medicines: Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives and vasodilators, can provoke migraines.
• Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to dehydration and provoke migraine.
• Smells: Strong smells, such as perfume, paint, smoke and some cleaning agents, can cause migraine.

Headache diary: your personal investigator

Keeping a headache diary is a powerful tool for identifying triggers and monitoring treatment effectiveness. Write down the following in the diary:

• The date and time of the beginning and end of the headache.
• Localization and intensity of pain (on a scale from 1 to 10).
• Symptoms accompanying the headache (for example, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound).
• Potential triggers (for example, food, drinks, weather, stress, sleep).
• The medicines that you took and their effectiveness.
• Any other factors that can be related to headache.

Analysis of the headache diary will help you and your doctor determine your individual triggers and develop a treatment plan that will be the most effective for you.

Migraine treatment: an integrated approach to relief

Migraine treatment includes both the relief of acute attacks and the prevention of their occurrence.

• Relocation of sharp seizures:
  • Anesthesia:
    • Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, Drinks and Diclofenac can be effective with mild and moderate migraine attacks.
    • Acetaminophen (paracetamol): Acetaminophene can be effective for migrants of migraine, especially in combination with other painkillers.
  • TRIPTA: Triptans are specific drugs developed for the treatment of migraines. They work, narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and blocking the release of inflammatory substances. Examples of triptans include collapse, risatriciptan, gymitrippan, intrigipetan, ethletriptan and frutitripitan.
  • Dihydroergotamin (DGE): DGE is another drug that can be effective in the treatment of migraine. It works, narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and blocking the release of inflammatory substances. DGE can be introduced intravenously, intramuscularly or in the form of a nasal spray.
  • Antimetics: Anthematics are drugs that help reduce nausea and vomiting, often accompanying migraines. Examples of anti -emitics include metoclopramide and coolroperazine.
  • Combined drugs: Some drugs, such as Excedrin Migraine, contain a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine. They can be effective in the treatment of migraines, but they should be used with caution, since excessive use can lead to a headache caused by an overdose of drugs.
• Preventive treatment: Preventive treatment is aimed at reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine attacks. It can be recommended to people whose migraine attacks often arise (more than 4 days a month), or in which attacks seriously worsen the quality of life.
  • Beta blockers: Beta blockers, such as propranolol and metoprolol, are often used to prevent migraine. They work by blocking the effect of adrenaline and reducing blood pressure.
  • Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as amitriptylin and wenlafaxin, can be effective for migraine prevention. They work, increasing the level of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain.
  • Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsants, such as topiramate and valproic acid, can be effective for migraine prevention. They work, stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.
  • CGRP Ingitors: CGRP (Calcitonin-Gen-tied peptide) is a protein that plays a role in the development of migraine. CGRP Ingators are a new class of drugs that block the effect of CGRP and can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Examples of CGRP Ingators include Erenyumab, Freanzumab, Galkanzumab and Eptynesumab. They are introduced in the form of injections.
  • Botulininic toxin (Botox): Botox can be used to prevent chronic migraine. It is introduced in the form of injections into the muscles of the head and neck and works, blocking the release of neurotransmitters that cause pain.

Non -drug treatment methods: natural support

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

• Biological feedback (biofidBEC): Biofidback is a technique that helps people learn to control certain physiological functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Biofidback can be effective for reducing stress and muscle tension, which are common migraine triggers.
• Iglowerie (acupuncture): The acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that includes the introduction of thin needles into certain points on the body. The acupuncture can be effective for reducing pain and stress that are associated with migraine.
• Massage: Massage can help reduce muscle tension and stress, which are common migraine triggers.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): KPT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change negative thoughts and behavior that can contribute to the development of migraines. KPT can be effective for managing stress, anxiety and depression, which often accompany migraine.
• Yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation are relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and improve overall well -being. They can be effective for migraine prevention.
• Dietary changes: Avoiding trigger products and drinks, maintaining a stable level of blood sugar and using a sufficient amount of water can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Some people also benefit in compliance with certain diets, such as a ketogenic diet or a low histamine diet.
• Food additives: Some food additives can be effective for migraine prevention. These include:
  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Riboflavin can help improve energy metabolism in brain cells and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Magnesium: Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of the function of nerves and muscles. Magnesium deficiency can be associated with migraine. Magnesium additives can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Coenzim q10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that helps protect the cells from damage. Coenzyme supplements Q10 can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the cycle of sleep and wakefulness. Melatonin additives can help improve sleep quality and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Drivery drill (Feverfew): Drill is a grass that is traditionally used to treat headaches. Some studies show that the drug drill can be effective for the prevention of migraine.

Life and migraine: the basis of sustainable relief

Changes in lifestyle play an important role in managing migraine and can help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

• Regular sleep: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Healthy nutrition: Adhere to a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid missing meals and consume a sufficient amount of water.
• Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises can help reduce stress and improve overall well -being. However, avoid intensive physical exercises that migraine can provoke.
• Stress management: Explore stress management methods such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing or tai-chi.
• Avoid triggers: Determine your individual triggers and avoid them if possible.
• Limit caffeine consumption: Although caffeine can alleviate the headache in some people, excessive caffeine use can lead to a headache caused by an overdose of drugs.
• Support a sufficient level of hydration: Drink enough water during the day.
• Limit alcohol use: Alcohol, especially red wine and beer, is a common migraine trigger.
• Protect yourself from bright light and loud sounds: If you are sensitive to light and sound, wear sunglasses and use bears in noisy places.

Alternative treatment methods: additional support

Some people are beneficial in alternative methods for treating migraines, such as:

• Manual therapy: Manual therapy can help reduce muscle stress and improve the mobility of the spine, which can be useful for migraine prevention.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a non -invasive procedure that uses magnetic impulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain. TMS can be effective for the treatment of migraine with an aura.
• Technical nerve electrical stimulation (Tens): Tens is a non -invasive procedure that uses electrical impulses to stimulate the trigeminal nerve. Tens can be effective for reducing pain associated with migraine.

Migraine in women: special considerations

In women, migraine is often associated with hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

• Menstrual migraine: Menstrual migraine is a type of migraine that occurs during menstruation. It is associated with the fall of the estrogen level. Treatment of menstrual migraine may include the use of NSAIDs, triptans or hormonal therapy.
• Migraine during pregnancy: During pregnancy, many women have an improvement in the state with migraine. However, in some women, migraine attacks may become more frequent or more powerful. Migraine treatment during pregnancy requires special attention, as some drugs can be dangerous for the fetus.
• Migraine during menopause: During the period of menopause, some women have a deterioration in the state during migraine, while others have an improvement. Hormonal therapy can be effective for the treatment of migraine during menopause.

Migraine in children and adolescents: early diagnosis and treatment

Migraine can occur in children and adolescents. Symptoms of migraines in children and adolescents may differ from symptoms in adults. For example, in children and adolescents, migraines are more often accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Early diagnosis and treatment of migraines in children and adolescents are important to prevent chronic condition and improve the quality of life.

When to see a doctor: important signals

Consult a doctor if:

• Headaches become more and more frequent or severe.
• Headaches are accompanied by neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, visual impairment or speech.
• Headaches do not pass after taking painkillers.
• Headaches interfere with your daily life.
• You suspect that headaches are associated with any other disease.

Conclusion: the path to control of migraine

Although the complete “deliverance forever” from migraine can be hard -to -use, active participation in managing their condition, identifying and avoiding triggers, using a complex approach to treatment, including drugs, non -drug methods and changes in lifestyle, can significantly improve the quality of life and give the opportunity to lead a full and active life, despite migraine. It is important to remember that each person is unique, and what works for one may not work for the other. Therefore, it is important to cooperate with your doctor in order to develop an individual treatment plan that will be the most effective for you. Do not give up, look for solutions, and you can take control of your migraine.