Understanding the Causes and Treatment Methods of Migraines.

Migraines are one of the most painful primary headaches, often accompanied by pulsating pain on one side of the head and sometimes nausea or vomiting. They frequently occur in teenagers, with a characteristic feature of being more common in women, affecting them more than three times as often as men.

 

Factors Related to the Causes of Migraines

Accurate information about the exact causes of migraines is limited. However, sudden changes in the environment or internal changes in the body are believed to trigger abnormal reactions in the brain nerves and blood vessels, leading to repetitive pain. In women, hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle are considered a contributing factor, and a genetic predisposition can also play a role.

 

Irregular lifestyle habits, stress, lack of sleep, and excessive sleep are among the various factors that can trigger migraines. Additionally, external stimuli such as specific foods, bright lights, loud noises, and perfumes can also induce migraines.

 

It is important for patients to maintain a headache diary to understand the frequency, intensity, duration, and triggering factors of migraines.

 

Symptoms and Phases of Migraines

Migraines go beyond simple head pain, presenting various symptoms across four phases: prodromal, aura, headache, and postdrome. Each phase includes a range of symptoms. The prodromal phase preceding a migraine attack involves changes in mood or energy, such as lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhea. The aura phase includes visual disturbances or localized neurological symptoms that occur before the onset of a headache.

 

The headache phase involves throbbing pain, dizziness, nausea, and eye discomfort. The postdrome phase, occurring after the headache subsides, includes mood deterioration or fatigue. While not all patients experience each phase, migraine symptoms can manifest in various forms.

 

Effective Migraine Treatment Methods

Effective treatment for migraines involves both acute drug therapy and preventive measures. It is crucial to take migraine medication as soon as an attack begins. Acute drug therapy includes specific medications like triptans, pain relievers, and antiemetics.

 

Caution is necessary to avoid medication-overuse headaches from frequent drug use. Preventive therapy aims to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of pain and involves choosing suitable medications for the patient. Recently, a new drug called anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody has been developed and effectively used in the preventive treatment of migraines.

 

It is important for patients to maintain a headache diary to understand the frequency, intensity, duration, and triggering factors of migraines. Through this, individuals can identify coping strategies for individual triggering factors and consult with a specialist to develop personalized treatment plans. Effective migraine management can be achieved by reducing or avoiding triggers, improving lifestyle habits, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep.