Migraines

By: Pratibha

What are migraines?

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.

Migraines with Aura

migraine with aura is when where there are warning signs before the migraine attack. About 1 in 3 people with migraine have temporary warning symptoms, known as aura, before a migraine. These include, visual problems – like seeing flashing lights, zig-zag patterns or blind spots, numbness or a tingling sensation like pins and needles – which usually starts in one hand and moves up your arm before affecting your face, lips and tongue

Neurological Triggers behind migraines:

Nerve cells (trigeminal nerve) Migraines occur in people whose nervous system is more sensitive than that of other people. In these people, nerve cells in the brain are easily stimulated, producing electrical activity. As electrical activity spreads over the brain, various functions, such as vision, sensation, balance, muscle coordination, and speech, are temporarily disturbed. These disturbances cause the symptoms that occur before the headache (called the aura). The headache occurs when the 5th cranial (trigeminal) nerve is stimulated. This nerve sends impulses (including pain impulses) from the eyes, scalp, forehead, upper eyelids, mouth, and jaw to the brain. When stimulated, the nerve may release substances that cause painful inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain (cerebral blood vessels) and the layers of tissues that cover the brain (meninges). The inflammation accounts for the throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Estrogen hormone level

Migraine is strongly influenced by estrogens as illustrated by the frequency of onset at puberty, of menstrual migraine, and of improvement during pregnancy. Migraine, particularly with aura, is a risk factor for ischemic stroke.

Prevention Strategies:

Supplements or medications Some research suggests that certain nutrients and herbal supplements may reduce the likelihood of migraine.

1. The 2018 review suggests a dosage of 600 mg of magnesium citrate for acute migraine prevention

2. calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, which include erenumab

3. antihypertensives, such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers

References

Lee, S. W. (n.d.). Migraine prevention: Medication, diet, and natural remedies. MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/migraine-prevention#what-prevention-inv

olves Migraine. (2024, June 3). NHS inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/mi

graine/ Migraine - Symptoms and causes. (2023, July 7). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-cause

s/syc-20360201 Silberstein, S. D., Kimmel, S., & Jefferson, T. (n.d.). Migraines - Migraines - Merck Manual Consumer Version. Merck Manuals. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/headac hes/migraines#Causes_v735268