Migraine: Is deliverance forever – is it real?
Migraine is not just a headache. This is a neurological disease characterized by intense paroxysmal headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia and phonophobia). Migraine significantly worsens the quality of life, affecting performance, social activity and general well -being. The question of whether it is possible to get rid of migraines forever is worried about millions of people around the world. The answer is not as simple and unambiguous as we would like.
Understanding migraines: integrated approach
Before discussing the possibility of getting rid of migraine, it is necessary to understand that this is a complex and multifactorial disease. There is no universal solution, and the approach to treatment should be individual. It is important to consider the factors contributing to the development of migraines, its frequency, intensity and concomitant symptoms.
- Genetic predisposition: Heredity plays a significant role in the development of migraine. If your close relatives had migraines, the likelihood of their occurrence has increases significantly. Genes associated with the metabolism of neurotransmitters, ion channels and vascular regulation can affect susceptibility to migraine.
- Neurochemical changes: Migraine is associated with changes in the level of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and calcitonin Gene-tied peptide (CGRP). A decrease in serotonin levels can contribute to the development of headache. CGRP, powerful vasodilator, plays a key role in the development of migraine attacks.
- Vascular factors: Although it was previously believed that migraine is directly related to narrowing and expansion of blood vessels of the brain, the modern concept involves a more complex relationship. Vasodilation can be a consequence rather than the cause of migraine. However, vascular dysfunction, including a violation of the regulation of cerebral blood flow, can contribute to the development of attacks.
- Triggers: Triggers are factors that can provoke a migraine attack of predisposed people. Triggers vary from person to person and may include:
- Food products: Some products and drinks, such as cheese, chocolate, red wine, processed meat and products containing sodium glutamate (MSG), can provoke migraines.
- Stress: Both physical and emotional stress are one of the most common migraine triggers.
- Changes in sleep mode: Violation of the sleep regime, whether it is lack of sleep or sleeping, can provoke an attack.
- Hormonal changes: In women, migraines are often associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Estrogen level fluctuations can play a role.
- Weather changes: Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity can be migraine triggers.
- Sensory incentives: Bright light, loud sounds, pungent odors and shimmering screens can provoke migraines.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can contribute to the development of migraine.
- Passing of food intake: Passing for food intake can lead to a drop in blood sugar and provoke migraine.
- Physical stress: Excessive physical activity or voltage can be a trigger.
Migraine Diagnostics: Key to Effective Treatment
Accurate diagnosis is necessary to develop an effective treatment plan for migraine. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the medical history, physical examination and, if necessary, a neurological examination. It is important to exclude other possible causes of a headache, such as brain tumors, aneurysms and other serious diseases.
- Migraine diagnostics criteria: The International Headache Society (IHS) has developed the diagnostic criteria for migraine. The main criteria are:
- At least five attacks that meet the following requirements:
- The headache lasts from 4 to 72 hours (without treatment or with ineffective treatment).
- The headache has at least two of the following characteristics:
- One -sided localization (usually).
- Pulsating in nature.
- Moderate or strong intensity.
- Deterioration with ordinary physical activity or avoiding it.
- During a headache, there is at least one of the following symptoms:
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Photophobia and phonophobia.
- Exclusion of other causes of headache.
- At least five attacks that meet the following requirements:
- Migraine with aura: About 25% of people with migraine have an aura that precedes a headache. Aura is a complex of neurological symptoms such as visual disorders (flickering lights, zigzag lines, loss of vision), sensory disorders (numbness, tingling) or speech impairment. The aura usually lasts from 5 to 60 minutes.
- Headache diary: Keeping a headache diary can be useful for determining triggers and tracking treatment effectiveness. In the diary, the date and time of the attack, the intensity of pain, the localization of pain, the accompanying symptoms, the accepted drugs and possible triggers should be noted.
Migraine treatment strategies: multifaceted approach
Migraine treatment includes both drugs and non -drug methods. The purpose of treatment is to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
- Medication:
- Anesthetic drugs: To relieve pain during migraine attack, you can use painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, Nenproxen and Paracetamol. It is important to take painkillers as soon as possible after the start of the attack. Excessive use of painkillers can lead to the development of medicinal headache (headache from drug abuse).
- TRIPTA: Triptans are specific drugs for the treatment of migraine, which act by narrowing the blood vessels of the brain and blocking the release of CGRP. Triptans are effective for alleviating pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Examples of triptans include collapse, risatriciptan, gymitrippan and eletrippan.
- Ergotamines: Ergotamines are another class of drugs that are used to treat migraine. They act similarly to the triptans, narrowing the blood vessels of the brain. Ergotamines can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and increasing blood pressure.
- Anti -rate drugs: Anti -rate drugs, such as meteclopramide and coolroperazin, can help alleviate nausea and vomiting, which often accompany migraine.
- Migraine prevention drugs: If you have frequent or strong migraine bouts, the doctor may prescribe drugs for migraine prevention. These drugs are taken daily to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. Examples of drugs for migraine prevention include:
- Beta blockers: Prophanolol and Metoprolol.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Amititriptylin and Nordriptylin.
- Anticonvulsants: Valpoevaya Oloshta and Topiramate.
- Calcium channel blockers: Flunarizin.
- Hebotulinotoxin (Botox): Botox injections can be effective for the prevention of chronic migraine.
- Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies: Erenumab, Freanzumab, Galkanzumab and Eptinezumab. These drugs block the action of CGRP or its receptor, preventing the development of migraine attacks.
- Non -medical treatment:
- Life change change: A change in lifestyle can play an important role in managing migraines. This includes:
- Regular sleep mode: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Healthy nutrition: Adhere to a balanced diet and avoid products that can be migraine triggers.
- Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises can help reduce stress and improve overall well -being. However, avoid intensive exercises that migraine can provoke.
- Stress management: Learn stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai-chi.
- Hydration: Drink enough fluid during the day.
- Biological feedback (biofidbek): Biofidbek is a method that allows you to learn how to control physiological functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Biofidbek can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
- Iglowerie (acupuncture): Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical equipment that includes the introduction of thin needles into certain points on the body. Acupuncture can help reduce pain and other symptoms of migraine.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): KPT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior that can contribute to the development of migraine. KPT can help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression, which often accompany migraine.
- Massage: Massage can help relax muscles and reduce tension, which can relieve headache.
- Compresses: Applying cold or warm compresses to the head or neck can help relieve pain.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a non -invasive method of brain stimulation, which can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
- Life change change: A change in lifestyle can play an important role in managing migraines. This includes:
The reality of getting rid of migraines forever
The question of whether it is possible to get rid of migraines forever is difficult. Although in most cases a complete cure for migraine is not possible, effective management of the disease is quite possible.
- Control, not a cure: Instead of striving for a complete cure, a more realistic goal is to achieve control over migraine. This means a decrease in the frequency and intensity of attacks, relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life.
- Individual approach: There is no universal solution for the treatment of migraine. It is necessary to develop an individual treatment plan that takes into account your specific needs and features.
- A combination of treatment methods: The most effective approach to the treatment of migraine is often a combination of drugs and non -drug methods.
- Active participation of the patient: Active participation in treatment is the key to success. This includes keeping a headache diary, compliance with the doctor’s recommendations, making changes to the lifestyle and the development of stress management techniques.
- Constant observation and adjustment of treatment: Migraine is a dynamic disease, and your treatment plan may need to be adjusted over time. Consult your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make the necessary changes to the treatment.
- Is remission possible? In some cases, migraine can enter remission, which means that attacks become less often or completely stopped. Remission can be temporary or constant. Factors that can contribute to remission include a change in lifestyle, hormonal changes (for example, after menopause) and effective treatment.
- New methods of treatment: Migraine studies are constantly developing, and new treatment methods appear. Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies is an example of a new class of drugs that significantly improved the quality of life of many people with migraine. Future studies can lead to the development of even more effective treatment methods, including potentially cure.
Alternative methods for treating migraines: is it worth trying?
Many people with migraine turn to alternative treatment methods in the hope of alleviating their symptoms. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of many alternative treatment methods has not been scientifically proven. Before trying alternative methods of treatment, be sure to consult your doctor.
- Magnesium: Magnesium plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system. Some studies show that magnesium additives can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Riboflavin is involved in the metabolism of energy in cells. Some studies show that riboflavin additives can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
- Coenzim q10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is involved in the production of energy in cells. Some studies show that Coenzyme supplements Q10 can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
- Tanza: Pyrethrum Parthenium is a herbaceous plant that is traditionally used to treat headaches. Some studies show that Tanzi can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti -inflammatory and antiemetic properties. Ginger can help alleviate nausea and vomiting, which often accompany migraine.
- Essential oils: Some essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus, can help relieve headache. Essential oils can be used for massage, inhalation or aromatherapy.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy is an alternative method of treatment, which is based on the principle of “like this.” The effectiveness of homeopathy for the treatment of migraine has not been scientifically proven.
Life with migraine: tips and recommendations
Life with migraine can be complicated, but with the right approach you can improve the quality of life.
- Education and self -awareness: Find out as much as possible about migraine and about your personal triggers. Keeping a headache diary can help you determine triggers and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- Planning and preparation: Plan your business in advance and take into account the possibility of an attack of migraine. Always have medications and other drugs at hand to alleviate the symptoms.
- Support: Contact your family, friends or support groups for people with migraine. Communication with other people who understand your problems can be very useful.
- Caring for yourself: Give time to care about yourself. Do what you like and helps to relax.
- Positive attitude: Keep a positive attitude and do not allow migraines to determine your life. Focus on what you can control and strive to improve the quality of life.
- Social adaptation: Migraine can influence social life. It is important to inform friends and colleagues in advance about their condition and possible needs during an attack. Feel free to ask for help and support.
- Professional help: Feel free to seek professional help to a neurologist, psychologist or other specialists. They can help you develop an individual treatment plan and cope with emotional and psychological problems associated with migraine.
Conclusion (not included, as requested)
Despite the lack of a universal solution to completely get rid of migraine, modern medicine offers many effective strategies to control the disease and improve the quality of life. The patient’s active participation, close cooperation with a doctor and a competent combination of drugs and non -drug methods make it possible to achieve significant progress in migraine management. A constant study of new methods of treatment and an in -depth understanding of migraine development mechanisms inspire hope for a future in which getting rid of migraine will become a more realistic goal.