Migraine: how to regain control of health to yourself forever

Migraine: how to regain control of health to yourself forever

1. Understanding of migraines: much more than just a headache

Migraine is a neurological disease characterized by repeating episodes of intense headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). It is important to understand that migraine is not just a “severe headache”. This is a complex state that affects various aspects of human life. Diagnosis and treatment of migraine require a comprehensive approach and understanding of its various forms and mechanisms.

• Differentiation from other types of headache: Primary headaches include migraines, tension headache and a cluster headache. Secondary headaches occur due to other diseases, such as infections, head injuries or brain tumors. Key signs that distinguish migraines include its pulsating nature, one -sided localization (although it can be bilateral), intensity, deterioration in physical activity and the presence of concomitant symptoms.
• Epidemiology: Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world. It is more common in women than in men, and usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. A genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of migraine. Understanding epidemiology helps to assess the scale of the problem and the need to develop effective treatment strategies.
• Migraine pathophysiology: complex mechanism: The pathophysiology of migraines is complex and has not fully studied. Currently, it is believed that it is associated with changes in the nervous system, blood vessels and neurotransmitters in the brain. Key mechanisms include:
  • Trigemins system: Activation of the trigeminal nerve (trigeminal nerve) leads to the release of neuropeptides, such as CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide), which cause the expansion of blood vessels in the brain and inflammation.
  • Crimely spreading depression (CRD): CRD is a wave of depolarization that spreads through the cerebral cortex and can cause aura, as well as activate the trigeminovascular system.
  • Neurotransmitters: The levels of serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters can change during a migraine attack, which can contribute to the development of pain and other symptoms.
  • Genetics: Many genes were associated with an increased risk of migraine development, which indicates a genetic predisposition to this disease.
• Migraine classification: International Society for the Headache Society has developed a classification of migraines, which includes:
  • Migraine with aura: Migraine, accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as visual, sensory or motor disorders, which usually last from 5 to 60 minutes.
  • Migraine without aura: Migraine, not accompanied by aura.
  • Chronic migraine: Headaches that occur at least 15 days a month for more than 3 months, while at least 8 days a month correspond to migraine criteria.
  • Episodic migraine: Headaches that occur less than 15 days a month.
  • Other types of migraines: These include hemiplegic migraine, basic migraine and abdominal migraine.
• Migraine diagnosis: The diagnosis of migraine is usually made on the basis of an anamnesis, physical examination and neurological examination. It is important to describe in detail the doctor of the headache, its localization, intensity, duration, accompanying symptoms and factors provoking attacks. In some cases, additional studies can be required, such as an MRI or CT of the brain, to exclude other diseases. Making a headache diary can be useful for tracking the frequency, intensity and triggers of seizures.

2. Migraine triggers: identification and avoidance

Migraine triggers are factors that can provoke an attack of headache. They are individual for each person, and their identification is an important part of migraine management. Keep a headache diary to track potential triggers and their connection with attacks.

• Food triggers:
  • Alcohol: Especially red wine and beer.
  • Caffeine: Both excess and a sharp cessation of caffeine use.
  • Sustained cheeses: Contain Tiramin, which can provoke migraines.
  • Processed meat: Contains nitrates and nitrites.
  • Artificial sweeteners: Aspartam.
  • Chocolate: For some people is a trigger.
  • Citrus fruit: For some people are a trigger.
  • Sodium glutamate (MSG): Common food supplement.
• Environmental factors:
  • Bright or flickering light: Fluorescent lamps, sunlight.
  • Loud sounds: Noise, music.
  • Strong smells: Spirits, chemicals.
  • Weather changes: Pressures of atmospheric pressure, temperature.
  • Height: Flight on an airplane.
• Life lifestyle factors:
  • Stress: One of the most common triggers.
  • Lack of sleep or excess sleep: Regular sleep mode is important.
  • Passing meals: Maintaining a stable blood sugar.
  • Dehydration: Sufficient water consumption.
  • Physical strain: Avoid excessive loads.
• Hormonal factors:
  • Menstruation: Migraine associated with the menstrual cycle (menstrual migraine).
  • Pregnancy: In some women, migraine improves during pregnancy, in others it worsens.
  • Menopause: Hormonal changes can provoke migraines.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: Some women experience a deterioration in migraines when taking hormonal contraceptives.
• Medicines:
  • Vasodilators: For example, nitroglycerin.
  • Some drugs for colds and flu: Contain pseudo -epedrine.
  • Some antibiotics.
• Other factors:
  • Overwork: Work at the computer, reading.
  • Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
  • Body position: Incorrect posture.

3. Migraine treatment: from relief to prevention

Migraine treatment includes the relief of acute attacks and the prevention of their occurrence. The doctor will select the optimal treatment strategy based on the frequency, intensity and type of migraine.

• Relocation of sharp seizures:
  • Anesthetic drugs:
    • Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, Narksen.
    • Paracetamol.
    • Combined drugs: Contain painkillers and caffeine.
  • TRIPTA: Selective agonists of serotonin receptors, effective in migraines. Constantin, risatriciptan, gymitrippan, naratriptan, ethletriptan, froverypantan. It is important to take tripatans at an early stage of the attack.
  • Ergotamines: Less effective than triptans and have more side effects. Dihydroergotamine.
  • Antimetics: To facilitate nausea and vomiting. Metoklopramide, cool reupererine.
  • Non -drug methods:
    • Rest in a quiet, dark place.
    • Applying a cold compress to the forehead or neck.
    • Massage.
    • Acupuncture.
• Preventive treatment: It is prescribed to patients with frequent or heavy migraine attacks. The goal is to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of seizures.
  • Beta blockers: Propranolol, Metoprolol.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants: Amititriptylin, NORTRIPTILIN.
  • Anticonvulsants: Topiramate, Valpoevaya Oilota.
  • Calcium channel blockers: Flunarizin.
  • Monoclonal antibodies to CGRP: Erenumab, Freanzumab, Galkanzumab, Eptynesumab. This is a new class of drugs designed specifically for migraine prevention. They block CGRP, neuropeptide, which plays an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine.
  • Botulininic toxin (Botox): Effective for the treatment of chronic migraine. Botox injections are introduced into the muscles of the head and neck.
  • Nutricevtiki: Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Feverfew (Pyrethrum Mrinity). It can be useful as an addition to the main treatment.
  • Alternative treatment methods: Acupuncture, biofidBek, cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• The choice of the drug for preventive treatment: Depends on many factors, including the type of migraine, concomitant diseases, tolerance of drugs and the preferences of the patient. It is important to discuss with the doctor all possible options and side effects. Preventive treatment usually requires several weeks or months to achieve the maximum effect.
• Life change change: He plays an important role in the prevention of migraine. Regular sleep mode, healthy nutrition, physical exercises and stress management can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

4. Alternative and additional treatment methods

In addition to traditional medical treatment methods, there are alternative and additional approaches that can help in migraine management. It is important to discuss their use with a doctor in order to verify their safety and effectiveness.

• Acupuncture: The traditional Chinese treatment method, in which thin needles are inserted into certain points on the body. It is believed that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and other substances that can reduce pain and improve the general condition. Some studies show that acupuncture can be effective for migraine prevention.
• Biofidbe: The method of teaching control over the physiological functions of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Biofidback can help reduce stress and muscle tension, which are common migraine triggers.
• Massage: Massage can help relax the muscles of the neck and shoulders, reduce tension and improve blood circulation. Regular massage can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
• Yoga and Tai-Chi: These practices combine physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga and tai-chi can help reduce stress, improve flexibility and strengthen muscles, which can be useful for migraine prevention.
• Meditation and Minfulness: Meditation and Mindfulnes are practices that help concentrate on the present moment and reduce stress. Regular meditation can help improve the general condition and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): The type of psychotherapy, which helps change the negative thoughts and behavior that can contribute to the development of migraines. KPT can teach stress stress strategies, pain and other symptoms of migraines.
• Herbal products and additives:
  • Pyrethrum girl (Feverfew): A grass that is traditionally used to treat headaches. Some studies show that the girl’s pyrethrum can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Ginger: It can help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with migraine.
  • Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil can be applied to the forehead and whiskey to relieve headaches.
  • Valerian: It can help improve sleep and reduce stress.
• It is important to remember: The effectiveness of alternative and additional methods of treatment of migraine can vary. It is necessary to discuss their use with a doctor and verify their safety and the absence of contraindications. Alternative treatment methods should not be used instead of traditional, prescribed by a doctor. They can be used as an addition to the main treatment.

5. Nutrition and migraine: dietary approaches to pain management

Food plays an important role in managing migraines. Although there is no universal diet that suits everyone, some dietary approaches can help reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

• General recommendations for nutrition:
  • Regular nutrition: Do not skip food meals. Maintaining a stable blood sugar can help prevent migraine attacks.
  • Sufficient water use: Dehydration is a common migraine trigger. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
  • Healthy nutrition: Use a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low -fat proteins. Limit the consumption of processed products, sugar and saturated fats.
  • Restriction or exclusion of food triggers: Identify and avoid products that provoke migraine attacks. Keep a diet to track the connection between food and headache.
• Diets that can be useful for migraines:
  • Elimination diet: It involves the exclusion from the diet of the most common food triggers, such as dairy products, gluten, eggs, soy, nuts and chocolate. Then the products are gradually returning to the diet to identify those that provoke migraine attacks. The elimination diet should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist.
  • Ketogenic diet: A high fat diet, moderate protein content and a very low carbohydrate content. A ketogenic diet can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks by changing brain metabolism. It is necessary to consult a doctor before the start of a ketogenic diet.
  • Low tyrammine diet: Tiramin is an amino acid contained in some products, such as aged cheeses, treated meat and alcohol. The restriction of the consumption of products rich in Tiramin can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Low constant diet: Histamine is a substance involved in immune reactions. Some products, such as fermented products, aged cheeses and red wine, contain a lot of histamine. Limiting the consumption of products rich in histamine can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  • Blind diet: Gluten is a protein contained in wheat, rye and barley. In people with celiac disease or sensitivity to gluten, a gluten -free diet can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Products that can be useful for migraines:
  • Products rich in magnesium: Leaf green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain products. Magnesium can help relax muscles and reduce tension.
  • Riboflavin products (vitamin B2): Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, green vegetables. Riboflavin can help improve the energy metabolism of the brain.
  • Products rich in Coenzym Q10: Meat, fish, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils. Coenzyme Q10 can help protect brain cells from damage.
  • Fish, rich omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, tuna, sardins, mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation.
• It is important to remember: Before making significant changes to your diet, it is necessary to consult a doctor or nutritionist. They can help develop an individual nutrition plan that meets your needs and health.

6. Stress and migraine: stress control to relieve pain

Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. Stress management is an important part of the complex treatment of migraine. Various stress management methods can help reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

• Relaxation techniques:
  • Deep breath: Slow and deep breathing can help relax the body and mind. Focus on every inspiration and exhale.
  • Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves consistent tension and relaxation of various muscle groups in the body.
  • Meditation: Meditation can help focus on the present moment and reduce stress. There are various types of meditation, such as meditation of awareness and transcendental meditation.
  • Yoga: Yoga combines physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga can help reduce stress, improve flexibility and strengthen muscles.
  • Tai-you: Tai-chi is a soft form of exercises that combines slow, smooth movements with breathing and meditation. Tai-chi can help reduce stress, improve balance and coordination.
  • Preview: Imagine a calm and peaceful place. Focus on the details of this place, such as sounds, smells and colors.
• Time management strategies:
  • Planning: Plan your day in advance to avoid overload.
  • Prioritization: Determine the most important tasks and focus on their implementation.
  • Delegation: Ask others about help, if possible.
  • Establishment of borders: Learn to say no to the tasks that are not important or which you cannot fulfill.
  • Breaks: Take regular breaks during the day to relax and restore strength.
• Life change change:
  • Regular physical exercises: Physical exercises can help reduce stress, improve mood and improve sleep. Try to engage in moderate physical exercises for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Healthy nutrition: Healthy nutrition can help improve the general condition and reduce stress. Use a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low -fat proteins. Limit the consumption of processed products, sugar and saturated fats.
  • Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can aggravate stress and increase the frequency of migraine attacks. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours at night.
  • Hobbies and interests: Do what you like and what helps you relax.
  • Social support: Spend time with friends and family. A conversation with someone you trust can help reduce stress.
• Professional help:
  • Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help learn stress stress strategies, pain and other symptoms of migraines. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT) and therapy for acceptance and responsibility (ACT) are two types of psychotherapy, which can be useful for migraine.
  • Consulting: The consultant can help develop stress management strategies and improve the general condition.

7. Dream and migraine: the importance of regular sleep mode

Sleep disorders can be both a trigger or a result of migraine. It is important to maintain a regular sleep mode in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

• Sleep hygiene:
  • Regular sleep mode: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  • Comfortable sleeping: Dark, quiet and cool bedroom.
  • Convenient bed and pillow: Provide yourself comfortable conditions for sleeping.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: These substances can disturb a dream.
  • Avoid heavy food before bedtime: Heavy food can cause discomfort and break the dream.
  • Regular physical exercises: Physical exercises can help improve sleep, but do not do them immediately before bedtime.
  • Relaxing classes before bedtime: Reading, warm bath or meditation.
  • Limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime: Blue light from the screens can break the dream.
• Sleep disorders treatment:
  • Insomnia: Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (KPT-B) is an effective method of treating insomnia, which helps change the negative thoughts and behavior associated with sleep. Snot-free drugs can be useful in the short term, but they should be used with caution due to the risk of side effects and dependence.
  • Obstructive Apnoe SNA Syndrome (SOAS): Soas is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. Soas may be associated with migraine. SAS treatment can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Treatment of the ISAS may include the use of CPAP apparatus (apparatus for constant positive pressure in the respiratory tract), surgical intervention or a change in lifestyle.
  • Restless legs syndrome (SBN): SBN is a condition in which an insurmountable desire to move your feet, especially in the evening and night time, arises. SBN can break the dream and aggravate migraine. Treatment of SBN may include taking iron drugs, dopamine agonists or benzodiazepines.
• It is important to remember: Sleep disorders can aggravate migraines, and migraine can aggravate sleep disturbances. It is important to identify and treat any sleep disturbances in order to improve the general condition and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. If you have sleep problems, consult a doctor.

8. Hormones and migraines: the connection of migraines with the menstrual cycle and menopause

Hormonal changes can play an important role in the development of migraine in women. Migraine associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause requires a special approach to treatment.

• Menstrual migraine: Migraine that occurs during menstruation or on days preceding menstruation. Associated with the fall of the estrogen level.
  • Diagnosis: It is confirmed by the maintenance of a headache diary, which marks the connection between migraine attacks and the menstrual cycle.
  • Treatment:
    • Relocation of sharp seizures: NSAID, triptans. Triptans can be more effective if they are taken at the beginning of the attack.
    • Preventive treatment:
      • Continuous reception of contraceptives: Allows you to maintain a stable estrogen level.
      • Reception of triptans during menstruation: To prevent migraine attacks. Frevitriciptan has a longer half -life and can be more effective for the prevention of menstrual migraine.
      • Magnesium: It can help reduce the frequency of menstrual migraine attacks.
      • Phytoestrogens: Contained in soy products, can help stabilize estrogen levels. Additional studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.
• Migraine and pregnancy: In some women, migraine improves during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. In other women, migraine deteriorates.
  • Treatment during pregnancy: It is necessary to avoid taking many drugs for migraine during pregnancy due to the risk for the fetus. Safe treatment options include:
    • Paracetamol: In moderate doses.
    • NSAID: It should be avoided in the third trimester.
    • Magnesium: It can be useful for the prevention of migraine.
    • Non -drug methods: Rest, applying a cold compress, massage.
  • Prevention during pregnancy: It is important to avoid migraine triggers, maintain a regular sleep and nutrition regime, and manage stress.
• Migraine and menopause: In some women, migraine deteriorates during menopause due to hormonal changes. In other women, migraine improves or disappears.
  • Treatment during menopause:
    • Hormonal therapy: Hormone replacement therapy (ZGT) can help stabilize estrogen levels and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. However, the ZGT can have side effects, so it is necessary to discuss risks and advantages with the doctor.
    • Non -hormonal drugs: Beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, monoclonal antibodies to CGRP.
    • Non -drug methods: Stress management, healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises, sufficient water consumption.
• It is important to remember: Hormonal changes can have a significant impact on migraine in women. It is necessary to discuss with the doctor all possible options for treatment and prevention in order to choose the optimal strategy taking into account individual characteristics and health status. Keeping a headache diary can help track the connection between migraine attacks and hormonal changes.

9. Migraine in children and adolescents: special aspects of diagnosis and treatment

Migraine can occur in children and adolescents. Diagnosis and treatment of migraines in children have their own characteristics.

• Diagnosis of migraine in children: Diagnosis of migraine in children can be complicated, as children can experience difficulties with a description of their symptoms. It is important to consider the following features:
  • Migraine diagnostics criteria in children are somewhat different from adult criteria. To diagnose migraines without aura, children require at least 5 headaches of headaches lasting from 2 to 72 hours, and accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: bilateral or unilateral localization (in babies and young children, localization can be difficult to determine), pulsating nature or intensity from moderate to strong physical activity or avoiding it, Nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia.
  • In children, bilateral headaches are more often observed.
  • In children, abdominal symptoms are more often observed, such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
  • In children, shorter bouts of headache are more often observed.
• Migraine triggers in children: Migraine triggers in children can be similar to triggers in adults, but some triggers can be more common in children, such as:
  • Stress associated with the school.
  • Passing meals.
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Dehydration.
  • Games and watching TV.
• Migraine treatment in children: Migraine treatment in children includes the relief of acute attacks and preventive treatment.
  • Relocation of sharp seizures:
    • Paracetamol: In appropriate doses.
    • Ibuprofen: In appropriate doses.
    • TRIPTA: Some triptans are approved for use in older children. It is necessary to consult a doctor. Constantin nasal spray is approved for children over 12 years old. Almotriptan is approved for children over 12 years old. Rizatriptan is approved for children over 6 years old.
    • Antimetics: To facilitate nausea and vomiting. Metoklopramide, cool reupererine.
  • Preventive treatment: Preventive treatment is prescribed for children with frequent or severe migraine attacks.
    • Life change change: Regular sleep mode, healthy nutrition, sufficient water balance, physical exercises, stress management.
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): It can help children learn stress and pain strategies.
    • Biofidbe: It can help children learn to control the physiological functions of the body, such as muscle tension.
    • Medication: In some cases, drug treatment may be required. Drugs that can be used to prevent migraine in children include:
      • Beta blockers: Propranolol.
      • Citiogepade: Antihistamine that can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
      • Topiramate: Anti -convulsant.
      • Amitriptylin: Tricyclic antidepressant.
• It is important to remember: Migraine treatment in children should be individual and carried out under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to consider age, weight, general health and related diseases of the child. It is important to involve the child and his parents in the process of treating and teaching migraine management strategies. Avoid self -medication and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

10. Migraine and related diseases: interconnection and management

Migraine is often combined with other diseases such as depression, anxiety disorders, irritable intestines (SRK) and others. Management of concomitant diseases can help improve the quality of life and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

• Depression and anxiety disorders: Migraine is often combined with depression and anxious disorders. These states can aggravate migraines and vice versa.
  • Treatment: Treatment of depression and anxiety disorders may include psychotherapy, drug treatment or their combination. Selective inhibitors of the reverse capture of serotonin (SIOOS) and selective inhibitors of the reverse capture of serotonin and norepinephrine (SIOSSN) are types of antidepressants that can be useful for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in patients with migraine. Cognitive