A migraine is a neurological disease that causes a variety of symptoms, most notably a throbbing, pulsing headache on one side of the head. The pain is caused by the activation of specific nerves in the blood vessels that send pain signals to the brain, which releases inflammatory substances into the nerves and blood vessels of the head. Migraine attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and changes in sleep patterns. Some people have migraine with aura, which is a temporary reversible neurological symptom that usually occurs before or during a migraine attack. Aura can cause visual phenomena such as seeing geometric shapes or bright spots, or flashing lights, or even loss of vision.
There are four distinct phases of a migraine attack: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. The primary symptom of migraine is a headache, which can begin as a dull ache that develops into pulsing pain that is mild, moderate, or severe. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines are unique to each individual, and the best outcomes are usually achieved by learning and avoiding personal migraine triggers, managing symptoms, and practicing preventive methods. There are two primary types of treatments for migraine: acute and preventive treatment. Acute medication is taken as soon as symptoms occur to relieve pain and restore function, while preventive treatment involves taking medicines daily to reduce the severity of future attacks or keep them from happening. Non-drug therapy for migraine includes biofeedback and relaxation training, both of which help individuals cope with or control the development of pain and the bodys response to stress.
