Migraine Symptoms You Should Spot Early So You Can Take Action Sooner
You’re not alone if you encounter migraines; in the U.S., at least 1 in 6 people deal with these incapacitating headaches. Continue reading to discover: Migraine Symptoms You Should Spot Early
Migraine Symptoms You Should Spot Early
Typically, migraines begin slowly and progress to throbbing pain, frequently on one side of the head. You might also feel queasy and sensitive to light and sound when you have a migraine. These symptoms can persist for a few hours to several days, and you’re more likely to encounter them if you’re a woman or have a family member who suffers from migraines.
“The good news is that migraine sufferers have a wide range of therapeutic options. The goal is to identify migraines in their early stages, when treatment is most successful, advises Dace Zvirbulis, MD, a neurologist at Henry Ford Health.
How Do Migraine Auras Work?
This is the major migraine symptoms you should spot early. A migraine headache may start hours before the traditional symptoms, known as auras, such as a flash of light, spots, or blurriness in your vision. These migraine symptoms can occasionally be so mild or fleeting that you might not immediately detect them. Other people experience symptoms that are impossible to ignore, such as numbness on one side of the body or difficulty speaking.
However, only about 75% of those who get migraines truly feel an aura. They may instead present with prodrome symptoms. Fatigue, food cravings, more frequent urination, and mood swings are some of these symptoms.
Symptoms of the aura and prodrome differ from person to person, according to Dr. Zvirbulis. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to your symptoms before a migraine. “Migraine sufferers, including adults and kids, should be alert for these changes so they can take action to stop or lessen the intensity of a migraine attack.”
To discover the best treatment, it’s also critical to distinguish between migraine and other headache symptoms. When they feel pain in their forehead and face, many people mistakenly think they have a sinus headache rather than a migraine, according to Dr. Zvirbulis. But unless you also have a temperature and nasal congestion, you most likely have a migraine.
Recognizing the Causes of Migraines at Early Stage
Knowing what can cause your headache is another strategy to stop or reduce migraines. According to Dr. Zvirbulis, those who suffer from migraines have brains that are more susceptible to changes in their environments and bodies.
It’s possible that you have no control over bodily changes that cause headaches. But knowing if your risk is higher can help you avoid some triggers and choose the best course of action.
Hormonal changes in women can cause migraines. At the start of pregnancy, pregnant women may experience more migraines. In addition to having fluctuating estrogen levels, perimenopausal women are more likely to get migraines.
Normal hormonal fluctuations are difficult to control, but there are additional triggers that you may avoid or reduce, such as:
- Alcohol
- A few snacks and coffee (chocolate, processed meats and aged cheese)
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Loud noises or pungent odors
- Skipping meals
- Anxiety and tension
A few alterations to one’s way of living can either prevent or lessen the frequency of migraines. To reduce stress, get a good night’s sleep, maintain a balanced diet, drink enough of water, and engage in meditation and relaxation exercises. Your risk of migraines is also lowered by regular aerobic exercise, according to Dr. Zvirbulis.
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Medications for migraine headaches
Based on your medical history, the frequency and intensity of your headaches, and other factors, your primary care doctor or a neurologist can help you choose the best course of action. Treatments for migraines are categorized based on whether you use them as needed after the pain starts or as a preventative measure before the migraine starts.
Treatments for Migraines as Needed
If you occasionally have migraines, it is best to start using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and prescription drugs that block the neurological pathways that lead to migraines as soon as the first symptoms arise.
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As an alternative to taking medication, a new generation of wearable technology uses electrical stimulation to lessen or stop headache discomfort.
Dr. Zvirbulis advises against abusing the effectiveness of as-needed drugs by taking them frequently. These drugs may produce chronic headaches that are harder to manage if used more than twice a week, according to the author.
Treatments for migraine prevention
For those who get frequent or severe migraines, there are preventive treatment alternatives. You might take a daily pill or have monthly or yearly injections, depending on the sort of treatment you’re receiving.
CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) monoclonal antibodies, the newest migraine-specific drugs, have been successful in lowering migraine attacks. Additionally, certain people could gain from procedures like Botox. Both of these pharmacological types interfere with several brain nerve pathways that cause migraines.
Preventive therapy, according to Dr. Zvirbulis, “provide a better quality of life for persons with debilitating migraines by reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of headache attacks.”
When to Consult a Doctor About a Migraine Symptoms and Remedies
Track your headaches and potential triggers if migraines prevent you from going about your everyday business. You may then provide your doctor this information.
There is no justification for suffering, claims Dr. Zvirbulis. “See your doctor to identify a treatment that offers relief when migraines interfere with daily life.”
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