How to recognise & treat migraines - causes & symptoms
Pulsating headaches, occurring in attacks & often only on one side. More than one billion people worldwide suffer from migraines, including one million in Austria alone. The severe headache, together with accompanying symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, can have a considerable impact on the daily lives of those affected. In this article, you will learn all about the causes, symptoms and what really helps against migraines.
What is a migraine?
Migraines are characterised by attacks of severe, pulsating headaches caused by various triggers. Most people suffer from episodic migraines; the attacks occur at regular intervals. In the worst cases, people with migraines have a chronic form in which the headaches recur over a period of more than three months. Migraines are often mistaken for normal tension headaches, with the result that people do not consult a doctor. Headaches can also indicate a possible iron deficiency; you can read more about this here: Headaches caused by iron deficiency.
APO24 tip: To determine whether it is a migraine, your doctor will need a precise description of your symptoms and when they occur in addition to a physical examination. A migraine diary can help to identify possible triggers and record the duration, cycles and accompanying symptoms.
Migraine symptoms
Migraine attacks are particularly painful and can have a significant impact on the entire body and quality of life. Possible symptoms of a migraine can vary, as they often occur in several phases:
The prodromal phase - first signs
The migraine attack may begin hours or days before the headache phase. Common symptoms are mood swings, nervousness, cravings and thirst, neck stiffness, concentration problems, fatigue and an increased sensation of cold.
The aura phase - migraine with aura
The aura phase now occurs in around 20% of those affected. They complain of visual disturbances, such as bright spots or flashes of light, speech problems, tingling and numbness in the face, arms or legs. If you suffer from migraine with aura, you should retreat to a dark room at the beginning if possible. This phase usually lasts 10 to 60 minutes.
The pain phase - migraine attack
The pain then sets in. This usually only occurs on one side of the head, but can also spread to the other side or to the forehead, eyes and temples. Throbbing, pulsating or stabbing headaches are accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases, the main phase of the migraine can last up to 72 hours.
Postdromal phase - resolution & recovery
Although the symptoms of the migraine are still present, they slowly subside. Afterwards, patients are often very tired, groggy and exhausted. In order to regain strength and performance, it is important to get plenty of sleep and rest during this phase.
How long does a migraine attack last?
As not everyone goes through all phases, it is not possible to give a generalised migraine duration. The symptoms of a migraine last for several days. From the early phase to full recovery, the total duration can be a week, as the recovery phase after the severe headache should not be underestimated.
Causes of migraine
The exact causes of migraines are not yet fully understood. Researchers and doctors suspect that a temporary increase in blood flow to the blood vessels in the brain causes the pain or causes painful inflammation in the blood vessel walls. Genetic factors also play a role, as the predisposition to migraines is probably inherited.
Consequently, the triggers for migraine attacks can be of different natures:
- Bright light and loud noise
- Weather influences and changes
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Female menstrual cycle
- Irregular meals, lack of fluids
- Fatigue due to too little, poor sleep
- Stress, but also the easing of stress
- Lack of exercise and physical overload
- Preservatives, flavour enhancers
- Histamine-rich foods (red wine, citrus fruits, chocolate)
What helps against migraines?
Sometimes it is not possible to avoid the everyday stresses and strains that lead to a migraine attack. Nevertheless, the aim is to promote a relaxed approach to dealing with them. Stress is one of the most common triggers for migraines. Bring structure into your daily routine and avoid irregular habits such as unsteady meals, not drinking enough or lack of sleep.
Every person has individual triggers that cause migraines. While some are sensitive to changes in the weather, others may be particularly sensitive to foods with histamine, such as tomatoes. A migraine diary is a helpful tool to identify personal triggers and take early action before headaches develop.
Painkillers (mainly migraine medication: triptans) can also help. In general, the following applies to migraines: the earlier the medication is taken, the better the effect during acute attacks. It is best to discuss with your doctor which medication can help you with migraine attacks, how to take it and the dosage. On APO24 you will also find the opening hours and on-call services of Austrian pharmacies.
Your APO24 team