How to defeat migraines forever: effective methods and strategies

How to defeat migraines forever: effective methods and strategies

Section 1: Understanding Migraines: Fundamentals and Mechanisms

Migraine is much more than just a severe headache. This is a neurological disease characterized by intense, pulsating headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Understanding the main migraine mechanisms is the first step towards an effective struggle with it.

1.1 Neurological nature of migraines:

Unlike headaches, which are often associated with muscle tension, migraine is associated with changes in brain activity. These changes affect the nervous paths, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

• Trigeminal nervous system: The key role in the development of migraine is played by the trigeminal nervous system – the main nervous system that is responsible for sensations in the face and head. Activation of this system leads to the release of neuropeptides, such as peptide associated with the calcitonin gene (CGRP), which cause inflammation and expansion of blood vessels in the brain.
• Crimely spreading depression (CSD): CSD is a wave of electrical activity that spreads through the cerebral cortex. It is believed that it plays a role in the emergence of an aura that precedes some people with a migraine headache.
• Neurotransmitter levels: The levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, play an important role in the development of migraine. Low levels of serotonin can cause the release of CGRP and other inflammatory substances.

1.2 Factors causing migraines:

Understanding triggers is a critical part of migraine management. Triggers vary from man to person, and their identification requires attentive observation and maintenance of the headache diary.

• Food triggers: Certain products and drinks can provoke migraines. The most common food triggers include:
  • Sustained cheeses: Contain thyramin, amino acid, which can cause narrowing and expansion of blood vessels.
  • Processed meat: Contains nitrates and nitrites, which can also affect blood vessels.
  • Chocolate: Contains phenylethylamine, which can be a trigger for some people.
  • Caffeine: Although caffeine can alleviate headache in small doses, its excess or a sharp cessation of use can provoke migraines.
  • Alcohol: Especially red wine contains thyramin and other compounds that can cause headache.
  • Artificial sweeteners: Aspartems and other artificial sweeteners can be triggers for some people.
• Ecological triggers:
  • Weather changes: Projects of atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity can provoke migraines.
  • Strong light: Bright or flickering light can be a trigger.
  • Strong smells: Spirits, chemicals, smoke and other severe smells can cause headache.
  • Noise: Loud or sharp sounds can provoke migraines.
• Hormonal changes:
  • Menstrual cycle: In many women, migraine is associated with the menstrual cycle, especially with the fall of estrogen levels before the onset of menstruation.
  • Pregnancy: Migraine can improve or worsen during pregnancy.
  • Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the frequency and intensity of migraines.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: Some hormonal contraceptives can aggravate migraines.
• Life lifestyle factors:
  • Stress: Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers.
  • Lack of sleep: The disadvantage or excess of sleep can provoke a headache.
  • Passing of food intake: A low blood sugar can cause migraine.
  • Dehydration: Inadequate fluid consumption can be a trigger.
  • Physical stress: Excessive physical activity can provoke a headache.

1.3 Types of migraines:

There are several types of migraines, each of which has its own characteristics.

• Migraine with aura: The headache is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as visual disorders (flickering lights, zigzag lines), sensory disorders (tingling or numbness) or speech problems.
• Migraine without aura: A headache occurs without any previous neurological symptoms.
• Chronic migraine: Headaches occur 15 or more days a month for more than 3 months, and at least 8 days correspond to migraine criteria.
• Abdominal migraine: It occurs more often in children and adolescents and is characterized by episodic pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Headache may be absent.
• Hemiplegic migraine: A rare type of migraine, in which headache is accompanied by weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.

Section 2: Migraine Diagnostics: from symptoms to accurate definition

Proper diagnosis of migraine is the basis for effective treatment. Self -diagnosis can lead to improper management and deterioration. A neurologist appeal to a neurologist is the first and most important step.

2.1 A history of history:

The doctor will start with a detailed collection of an anamnesis, which includes questions about:

• The nature of the headache: Where it hurts (one -sided or bilateral), the intensity of pain (on a scale of 1 to 10), the nature of the pain (pulsating, pressing, drilling), the duration of the headache.
• Concomitant symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, photophobia, sound, visual impairment, sensory disorders, weakness.
• Triggers: Factors that can provoke a headache (food, weather, stress, sleep).
• Family History: The presence of migraine in relatives.
• Medical history: Transferred diseases, medications taken.

2.2 Neurological examination:

A neurological examination is carried out to exclude other causes of a headache, such as brain tumors, aneurysm or infection. The examination includes:

• Assessment of a mental state: Orientation in time and space, memory, attention.
• Assessment of cranial nerves: Vision, hearing, smell, eye movements, face muscles, swallowing.
• Assessment of motor function: Muscle strength, coordination of movements, reflexes.
• Sensitivity assessment: A feeling of pain, touch, temperature.

2.3 Additional research methods:

In most cases, the diagnosis of migraine is enough to collect an anamnesis and neurological examination. However, in some cases, additional research methods may be required, such as:

• Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) of the brain: It is used to exclude structural abnormalities of the brain, such as tumors, aneurysm or malformation of blood vessels.
• Computed tomography (CT) of the brain: It can be used in emergency cases to quickly eliminate the hemorrhage in the brain.
• ElectroenceianChalograph (GCH): It is used to identify abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can be associated with other diseases.
• Blood tests: Can be used to exclude other diseases that can cause headache, such as infections or thyroid disease.

2.4 Differential diagnosis:

It is important to exclude other diseases that can cause headache, such as:

• Headache of tension: Usually bilateral, pressing, average intensity, is not accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
• Closter headache: A very severe headache, usually one -sided, is accompanied by lacrimation, nasal congestion and face redness.
• Sinusit: Inflammation of the sinus of the nose, which can cause headache, pain in the face and nasal congestion.
• The arteritis of the temporal artery: Inflammation of the temporal artery, which can cause headache, pain in the jaw and visual impairment.
• Glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure, which can cause headache, eye pain and visual impairment.
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the shells of the brain and spinal cord, which can cause headache, fever and rigidity of the occipital muscles.

Section 3: Migraine treatment: drug and non -drug approaches

Migraine treatment includes two main directions: stopping attacks and prevention. The relief of seizures is aimed at relieved pain and concomitant symptoms during migraine attacks, and prevention is aimed at reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of attacks.

3.1 Extragination of seizures:

The goal is to quickly and effectively relieve pain and related symptoms.

• Anesthetic drugs:
  • Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, steady, ketoprofen – are effective with mild and moderate migraines.
  • Aspirin: It can be effective for moderate migraine.
  • Paracetamol: It can be effective with mild and moderate migraine.
• TRIPTA:
  • Sumatiptan, Rateskytan, Zulamitrip, Grillet, Lubricant, Frierypant, Almaty: Specific preparations for the treatment of migraine, which affect serotonin receptors in the brain. They are effective for stopping moderate and strong migraines. It is important to take tripatans as early as possible after the start of a headache.
• Dihydroergotamin (DGE):
  • DGE Nazal spray, DGE injections: A drug that also affects serotonin receptors. It can be effective for migraine, which does not respond to tripatans.
• Antimetics:
  • Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine, Domperidone: They are used to facilitate nausea and vomiting, which often accompany migraine. They can also improve the absorption of other drugs.
• Combined drugs:
  • They contain a combination of analgesic drug (for example, aspirin or paracetamol) and anti -emitics (for example, meteclopramide). It can be effective for moderate migraines.

Important: Before taking any drugs, you need to consult a doctor. The abuse of painkillers can lead to medicinal headache.

3.2 preventive treatment:

Aimed at reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine attacks. Preventive treatment is recommended for people whose migraine occurs often (more than 4 times a month), the attacks are strong and long, or if drugs for stopping attacks are ineffective.

• Beta blockers:

  • Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol: Reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which can help reduce the migraine frequency.

• Antidepressants:

  • Amitryptylin, NORTRIPTILIN: It can be effective for the prevention of migraine, especially if you also have depression or anxiety.
  • Venlafaxin: The inhibitor of the reverse capture of serotonin and norepinephrine (SIOZSN), which can also be effective for the prevention of migraine.

• Anticonvulsants:

  • Topiramate, Valpoevaya Olya: Used to treat epilepsy, but can also be effective for migraine prevention.

• Calcium channel blockers:

  • Flunarizin: Reduces the excitability of nerve cells in the brain, which can help reduce the frequency of migraine.

• Botulinotherapy (Botox):

  • Botulinic toxin injections in the muscles of the head and neck: Effective for the treatment of chronic migraines.

• Monoclonal antibodies to CGRP:

  • Erenyumab, Fremenzumab, Galkanzumab: New drugs that block the action of CGRP, neuropeptide, which plays an important role in the development of migraine. They showed high efficiency in migraine prevention.

• Alternative treatment methods:

  • Acupuncture: It can be effective for reducing the migraine frequency.
  • Biological feedback (BOS): Allows you to learn how to control physiological processes, such as heart rate and muscle tension, which can help reduce stress and migraine frequency.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): Helps change thoughts and behavior that can contribute to the development of migraine.
  • Massage: It can help relax muscles and reduce stress, which can reduce the frequency of migraine.
  • Supplements:
    • Magnesium: It can help reduce the frequency of migraine.
    • Riboflavin (vitamin B2): It can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine.
    • Coenzim q10: It can help reduce the frequency of migraine.
    • Melatonin: It can help improve sleep and reduce the migraine frequency.

3.3 Change in lifestyle:

A change in lifestyle plays an important role in managing migraine.

• Keeping a headache diary: Helps to identify triggers and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
• Regular sleep: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Regular nutrition: Do not miss food meals and eat regularly.
• The use of a sufficient amount of liquid: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
• Stress management: Use relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
• Regular physical exercises: Take moderate physical exercises, such as walking, swimming or cycling.
• Restriction of alcohol and caffeine: Avoid or limit the use of these substances if they are triggers for you.
• Avoid famous triggers: Try to avoid products, smells or other factors that, as you know, cause migraine.
• Create a calm environment: In a dark and quiet place during a migraine attack.
• Cold or warm compress: Apply a cold or warm compress to the head or neck.

Section 4: Migraine in Women: Features and Management Strategies

In women, migraine is much more common than in men, which is associated with hormonal vibrations. Hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can affect the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

4.1 menstrual migraine:

Micrual migraine is a type of migraine that is associated with the menstrual cycle. It usually occurs a few days before or during menstruation, when the estrogen level decreases.

• Reasons: The drop in estrogen level before the onset of menstruation is the main trigger of menstrual migraine.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of menstrual migraine are similar to symptoms of other types of migraine, but can be more intense and long.
• Treatment:
  • NSAID: Ibuprofen, Drinka can be taken a few days before the start of menstruation and during it.
  • TRIPTA: It can be effective for stopping menstrual migraine attacks.
  • Hormonal therapy: It can be effective for the prevention of menstrual migraine. Hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone can help stabilize estrogen levels and reduce the frequency of attacks.

4.2 Migraine and pregnancy:

During pregnancy, migraine may improve or worsen. In many women, migraine improves during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, when the estrogen level is stably high. However, in some women, migraines may worsen, especially in the first trimester.

• Treatment during pregnancy:
  • Non -drug methods: Avoid triggers, follow the sleep and nutrition mode, use relaxation methods.
  • Medicines: Most migraine drugs are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy. Paracetamol is considered relatively safe for short -term use. In severe cases, the doctor can prescribe other drugs that are considered safer during pregnancy, but this decision should be made individually.

4.3 Migraine and menopause:

Menopause is a period in a woman’s life when menstruation stops. Hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. In some women, migraine improves after menopause, while in others it worsens.

• Treatment during menopause:
  • Hormonal therapy: It can be effective for the prevention of migraine in menopause.
  • Other drugs: Beta blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, botulinum therapy, monoclonal antibodies to CGRP.

4.4 Additional tips for women with migraine:

• Keeping a headache diary: It helps to identify the connection between the menstrual cycle and migraine attacks.
• Regular sleep: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Regular nutrition: Do not miss food meals and eat regularly.
• The use of a sufficient amount of liquid: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
• Stress management: Use relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
• Regular physical exercises: Take moderate physical exercises, such as walking, swimming or cycling.
• Avoid famous triggers: Try to avoid products, smells or other factors that, as you know, cause migraine.
• Consultation with a doctor: Discuss with the doctor, treatment options that are right for you.

Section 5: Migraine in children and adolescents: Features of diagnosis and treatment

Migraine in children and adolescents can manifest itself differently than in adults. Headaches can be shorter, and they are often accompanied by abdominal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

5.1 Features of diagnostics in children:

Diagnosis of migraine in children can be complicated, as children can experience difficulties with a description of their symptoms.

• Medical history: It is important to get a detailed history of the disease from the child and his parents, including information about the frequency, intensity, duration and nature of the headache, as well as the concomitant symptoms and possible triggers.
• Physical examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination to exclude other causes of headache.
• Neurological examination: A neurological examination is carried out to assess the function of the brain and nervous system.
• Headache diary: Keeping a headache diary can help identify triggers and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

5.2 Types of migraines in children:

• Migraine with aura: Symptoms of aura may include visual disorders (flickering lights, zigzag lines), sensory disorders (tingling or numbness) or speech problems.
• Migraine without aura: A headache occurs without any previous neurological symptoms.
• Abdominal migraine: It is characterized by episodic abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Headache may be absent.
• Cyclic vomiting: It is characterized by repeating episodes of strong nausea and vomiting, which can last several hours or days.

5.3 Treatment of migraines in children:

Migraine treatment in children includes stopping attacks and prevention.

• Embollation of seizures:
  • Anesthetic drugs: Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be effective with mild and moderate migraines. It is important to observe the dosage recommended by the doctor.
  • TRIPTA: They can be appointed to children over 12 years of age to stop moderate and strong migraines. It is important to consult a doctor to determine which tripan is suitable for your child.
  • Antimetics: Used to facilitate nausea and vomiting.
• Preventive treatment:
  • Life change change: Regular sleep, regular nutrition, consumption of a sufficient amount of liquid, stress management, regular physical exercises, avoiding known triggers.
  • Medicines: They can be prescribed to children whose migraines occurs often (more than 4 times a month), the attacks are strong and long, or if drugs for stopping attacks are ineffective. Medications used to prevent migraine in children include beta-blockers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. It is important to discuss with the doctor all the risks and advantages of drug treatment.
  • Alternative treatment methods: Acupuncture, biological feedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be effective for reducing the frequency of migraine in children.

5.4 Tips for parents of children with migraine:

• Support your child: Migraine can be very painful and disabled. It is important to support your child and help him cope with his symptoms.
• Work with a doctor: Cooperate your child to develop a treatment plan that suits him.
• Be patient: Migraine treatment can take time. It is important to be patient and continue to work with your child’s doctor to find effective treatment.
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the frequency of migraine.
• Seek for help: If it is difficult for you to cope with the migraine of your child, seek help from a specialist.

Section 6: Modern methods of treatment of migraines: innovations and prospects

In recent years, new migraine treatment methods have appeared, which offer new opportunities for patients suffering from this disease.

6.1 Monoclonal antibodies to CGRP:

Monoclonal antibodies to CGRP is a new class of drugs that block the action of CGRP, neuropeptide, which plays an important role in the development of migraine. They showed high efficiency in migraine prevention.

• The mechanism of action: Block CGRP or its receptor, preventing its effect on blood vessels and nerve cells in the brain.
• Advantages: High efficiency, few side effects, a convenient way of administration (subcutaneous injections).
• Flaws: Expensive drugs require regular administration.

6.2 GePanti:

Hevern is another new class of drugs that block the CGRP receptor. They are used to stop migraine attacks.

• The mechanism of action: CGRP receptor blocks, preventing its effect on blood vessels and nerve cells in the brain.
• Advantages: Effective for stopping migraine attacks, few side effects.
• Flaws: They can cause drowsiness.

6.3 Neurostimulation:

Neurostimulation is a treatment method that uses electrical or magnetic impulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain. It can be effective for the treatment of migraine.

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): Uses magnetic impulses to stimulate the cerebral cortex. It can be used to stop attacks and prevention of migraine.
• Non -invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve (NSBN): Uses electric impulses to stimulate the vagus nerve. It can be used to stop attacks and prevention of migraine.

6.4 Digital therapeutic agents:

Digital therapeutic tools are the software that is used to treat diseases. They can be effective for managing migraine.

• Mobile applications: They can help patients track their headaches, identify triggers, manage stress and observe the treatment regimen.
• Virtual reality: It can be used to reduce pain and stress associated with migraine.

6.5 Research Prospects:

Migraine studies continue, and new prospects appear for the development of more effective treatment methods.

• Genetics: The study of genetic factors that can be associated with migraine.
• Biomarkers: Identification of biomarkers that can help diagnose migraines and predict its course.
• New medications: The development of new drugs that affect other targets in the brain associated with migraine.

Section 7: Myths and errors about migraines: We dispel popular mistakes

There are many myths and errors around migraines that can impede the effective management of this disease. It is important to dispel these mistakes so that patients can receive adequate help.

7.1 myth: Migraine is just a severe headache.

Reality: Migraine is a neurological disease characterized not only by headache, but also by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, sound and visual impairment.

7.2 Myth: Migraine is a psychosomatic disease.

Reality: Migraine is a biological disease associated with changes in brain activity. Stress can be a migraine trigger, but it is not a cause.

7.3 Myth: Migraine is a female disease.

Reality: Migraine is found in men and women, but more often in women.

7.4 Myth: Migraine can be cured.

Reality: Migraine is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but can be effectively controlled.

7.5 Myth: If you have a migraine, you should avoid all the triggers.

Reality: Avoiding triggers can help reduce the migraine frequency, but it is not always possible and all triggers must be avoided. It is important to identify your triggers and try to avoid them, but do not limit your life excessively.

7.6 Myth: All medicines for migraine cause strong side effects.

Reality: Many medicines for migraine are well tolerated. It is important to discuss with a doctor possible side effects of drugs and choose a treatment that is right for you.

7.7 Myth: Alternative methods for treating migraines do not work.

Reality: Some alternative methods of treatment, such as acupuncture, biological feedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be effective to reduce the frequency of migraine.

7.8 Myth: If you have a migraine, you should just come to terms with this.

Reality: There are effective methods for treating migraines that can help reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of attacks. It is important to consult a doctor and get adequate treatment.

7.9 Myth: Migraine is a sign of weakness.

Reality: Migraine is a serious disease that is not associated with a weakness of character.

7.10 Myth: Migraine passes with age.

Reality: Migraine can improve with age in some people, but in others it can continue throughout life.

Section 8: Life with Migraine: Adaptation and Improving the Quality of Life

Life with migraine can be difficult, but there are many ways to adapt to this disease and improve the quality of life.

8.1 Creating a supporting environment:

• Discuss your migraine with family and friends: Explain to them what migraine is and how it affects your life.
• Ask for support: Feel free to ask for help when you need it.
• Join the support group: Communication with other people suffering from migraine can be very useful.

8.2 work management and study:

• Tell your employer or teacher about your migraine: Explain to them what you may need to do during a migraine attack.
• Plan your work and study: Try to plan your business for the days when you feel better.
• Take breaks: Regular breaks can help reduce stress and prevent migraine attacks.
• Create a comfortable working or educational environment: Make sure your working or training place is well lit, quiet and comfortable.

8.3 Traveling with migraine:

• Plan your trips in advance: Learn about the availability of medical care at the destination.
• Take the necessary medicines with you: Make sure that you have enough drugs to stop attacks and prevent migraine.
• Observe sleep and nutrition mode: Try to observe your usual sleep and nutrition mode during travel.
• Avoid famous triggers: Try to avoid products, smells or other factors that, as you know, cause migraine.

8.4 Rest and relaxation:

• Find the ways to relax: Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing or other relaxation methods.
• Select time for yourself: Do what you like and what helps you relax.
• Spend time in nature: Walks in the fresh air can help reduce stress and improve mood.

8.5 Healthy nutrition:

• Eat regularly: Do not miss food meals and eat regularly.
• Use a sufficient amount of liquid: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
• Avoid products that can be triggers: Keep a headache diary to identify products that can cause migraine.
• Adhere to a balanced diet: Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

8.6 Regular physical exercises:

• Take a moderate physical exercises: Walking, swimming or cycling can help reduce stress and improve the general health.
• Avoid excessive physical exertion: Excessive physical activity can provoke migraines.

8.7 Positive thinking:

• Focus on the positive aspects of your life: Try to think about what you do well, and about what makes you happy.
• Do not let migraines define your life: Live a full life, despite the migraine.
• Believe in yourself: Believe that you can cope with migraine and improve your quality of life.

Section 9: Additional resources and support for people with migraine

There are many resources and organizations that offer support and information for people with migraines