Migraines affect almost 40 million Americans, which implies that one out of every four families in the United States has a migraine sufferer. Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense headache episodes accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch. Migraine can impact people in a variety of ways, with different causes, intensity, symptoms, and frequency. 

Migraine vs headache

Many individuals use the term "migraine" to describe the headache itself. However, headache is only one of the symptoms of a migraine. A variety of different factors might contribute to headaches. Some common symptoms of migraine headaches include:

  • The pain is throbbing or pounding, and it gets worse as you move
  • You feel pain mostly on one side of your head
  • You additionally experience at least one of the following symptoms: sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, and vomiting

Migraine causes

Migraine headaches can be produced by complicated neurological processes that result in abnormal brain activity, impacting nerve signals/pathways, blood vessels, and brain chemicals. These occurrences can be caused by a variety of factors, including smoking, dehydration, low blood sugar, or stress. Other factors include high blood pressure, hot weather, bending over (which causes a quick rush of blood to the brain), and/or being at a high altitude.

Symptoms of migraines

Migraine symptoms often progress in stages:

  • Before: According to a 2023 migraine study, over 77% of migraine sufferers have symptoms hours or days before their headache. During this period, a person may suffer a "prodrome," which includes emotional changes like depression and irritability. Prodromes may also include yawning, dizziness, thirst, frequent urination, and sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, an aura can occur. This means physical or sensory symptoms, such as flashing lights in the field of vision.
  • During: In addition to a mild to severe, throbbing or pulsing headache, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness, and nasal congestion.
  • After: Tiredness and irritation may persist for several days after a migraine attack. This is sometimes known as the "migraine hangover." Officially, this is known as the postdrome period.

Other typical symptoms of migraine include pain that worsens during physical activity or straining, inability to perform regular activities, increased sensitivity to light and sound (which can be relieved by lying quietly in a darkened room), sweating, feeling unusually hot or cold, stomachache, and diarrhea.

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing migraine-like symptoms, it is best to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family health history. They can also perform tests to see whether the headaches are caused by something other than migraines (such as a sinus infection, muscular stress, or another medical condition).

Treatment options

There is no cure for migraines, but there are several ways to manage them. Some migraine headache treatments stop attacks when they develop, while others prevent them, and yet others can do both. Common migraine treatments include:

Over-the-counter pain medications

These medications are typically effective for headaches. Acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine, and ibuprofen are frequently used as major components. Due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, never give aspirin to anybody under the age of 19.

If you take OTC pain relievers excessively, you may develop rebound headaches or become dependent on them. If you are taking them more than twice a week, consult your doctor about prescription medicines that may be more effective.

Celecoxib (Celebrex or Elyxyb)

This is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that prevents your body from producing specific hormones that might cause pain when present in high concentrations in your system. Celebrex is available as a tablet that may be used once or twice daily. Elyxyb is a liquid that you take orally once a day.

Triptans

These medications regulate the chemicals in your brain to relieve pain. You may receive a pill to swallow, pills to dissolve on your tongue, a nasal spray, or an injection.

Preventive medications

If other therapies fail, your headaches are severe, or you experience four or more headache days each month, your doctor may recommend preventative medications. You take them on a daily basis to reduce the severity and frequency of your headaches.