Migraine Headaches 101: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Many different triggers can cause migraines—from something you ate to strong smells, stress, or lack of sleep.

You will need to track your migraine attacks for at least a few weeks to know your triggers. This can help you know what leads them on and when to seek migraine treatment near you.

You may also want to consider keeping a diary of all the different things you do right before an attack starts.

What is a Migraine Headache?

A migraine headache can be debilitating and painful and can last from four hours to three days. The pain can be localized to one side of the head or pulsating.

While migraines are usually not life-threatening, they can be incapacitating and cause significant pain.

Some migraine symptoms may include light and noise sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, mood change.

These migraines symptoms may clear with home treatment, but sometimes, you may need an ER for a migraine.

Several types of migraine headaches, including hemiplegic migraines, can cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body.

What Causes a Migraine?

The exact cause of migraine is not known, but several factors can contribute to a migraine attack, and they include:

• Stress
• Food sensitivities
• Lack of sleep
• Weather changes, extreme heat or cold

What Are the Types of Migraines?

There are two general types of migraine: migraines with aura and those without. Correlated symptoms for each type of migraine may vary and should be consulted with the doctor and other providers to determine the best course of treatment. Aura means migraine accompanied by flashing lights and zigzag lines.

Classic migraines (migraine with aura) usually affect one side of your head and can make you feel sick. Headaches (migraine without aura) come on gradually over an hour or two. They also affect both sides of your head, making you more sensitive to light or sound.

Who is at Risk of Developing Migraines?

Migraines are more prevalent in women than men. But, a person’s risk of developing headaches is very closely related to their genetic makeup: people with a family history of migraines are more likely to develop them themselves. Likewise, people with a family history of depression or anxiety have a higher risk of developing these conditions.

When Do You Need Migraine Emergency Care?

Migraines should be considered an emergency if they are causing neurological symptoms such as aura, neurologic deficits, or loss of consciousness.

If the migraine is due to a risk factor, such as increased blood pressure or stroke, you need emergency migraine medication to prevent further complications.

How is Migraine Treated?

No two people experience migraines in the same way or get them for the same reasons. Some people only get one type of migraine, while others may get more than one type. As such, there is no single cure for all types of migraines. Based on an individual’s needs and preferences, a doctor will come up with a treatment plan that suits them best.

Migraines are often treated with medicines such as common painkillers and preventive medications. The preventive drugs include blood-pressure-lowering medications, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs.

One of the most popular home remedies for migraines is a ginger extract. This is because it has medicinal properties that help reduce inflammation in the brain and also help stimulate the release of serotonin which reduces pain.

How Can You Prevent Migraines?

Migraines are severe headaches that can sometimes last for hours or days. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent migraines before they occur. Here are three simple migraine-prevention strategies:

1. Take medication appropriate for preventing migraines regularly
2. Manage your stress levels
3. Get plenty of sleep

Preventing Migraine Attacks & Treating Them When They Occur

It is important to understand the relationship between migraines and triggers. Consistent avoidance of triggers and taking medication for acute attacks can stop migraines from occurring.

They often recur over time, but it is possible to develop a routine that helps prevent them from occurring as often. Taking medication and avoiding stress can go a long way in preventing the symptoms. However, if you have severe migraines, do not wait until the situation worsens.

Visit Ascent ER a Houston Emergency room because we offer 24/7 migraine care.