Oftentimes, the words 'headache' and 'migraine' are used interchangeably to describe a painful sensation one feels in one's head. While headaches and migraines both involve a similar, unpleasant discomfort, there is a large distinction between the two. Headaches primarily involve pain felt specifically in the head (or sometimes in the neck). Conversely, migraines do not just involve pain in the head; rather, pain can come in various forms and places on the body before, during or after an attack. Moreover, migraine pain tends to be more severe than headache pain and typically includes a 'throbbing' sensation in the head, unlike a dull ache that is often felt during headaches. Millions of individuals worldwide live with chronic migraines that can negatively affect their work, school, relationships and social activities. Fortunately, there is an abundance of treatment options available to get migraines under control in order to live a more pain-free life.
Symptoms of Migraines
Symptoms of migraine attacks are wide and varied, though some of the most common include:
- Nausea
- Pain behind one eye
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Distorted vision
- Irritability
Moreover, migraines often come with an 'aura,' or a feeling that precedes the migraine attack. Migraine sufferers experience different types of aura depending on their body, but commonly encounter trouble thinking or speaking, seeing flashing lights, feeling a tingling sensation in limbs or smelling a strange scent before an attack. Once an attack has subsided, an individual may then experience what is commonly referred to as a 'migraine hangover,' or a postdrome migraine. There is an additional list of symptoms one may feel during this stage, including fogginess, drowsiness and a depressed mood. This migraine hangover can last for a few hours or up to 2 days.
Migraine Triggers
Like with headaches, there are plenty of triggers that may cause a migraine attack. The triggers that have been reported the most by migraine patients include:
- Stress
- Irregular sleep
- Changes in weather
- Hormones
- Diet
- Sensory overload
By far, the biggest trigger is stress for a majority of migraine sufferers. There are many instances in life where stress may be initiated, including by work, school or personal relationships. Learning to cope with potentially stressful situations by practicing breathing exercises, meditating or talking with a specialist can decrease the probability of migraines in one's life.
Some triggers are not able to be controlled by the migraine sufferer, including drastic changes in weather, glaring sunlight or places where there are strong scents. Still, those with migraines can take precautions to lessen the chance of a migraine attack by keeping an eye on weather forecasts, wearing sunglasses outside and avoiding areas that tend to have strong scents, such as perfume shops.
Treating a Migraine
Fortunately, the options to treat migraines have only continued to expand in recent years. There are two different ways to treat migraines: either preventive measures or through pain-relief. The right treatment to take depends on an individual's frequency of migraines, as well as severity.
Preventive treatment includes taking daily medication that can help with preventing frequent migraines. Natural preventive measures include setting a healthy sleep schedule, monitoring one's diet, getting regular exercise and limiting alcohol and coffee intake.
Pain-relieving options are varied as well. Many migraine sufferers take pain-relief medication on the onset of a migraine that can either lessen pain or completely relieve pain. Others prefer natural treatments such as acupuncture, massages or herbs and other home remedies. The right treatment will depend on an individual's lifestyle and personal requirements, so finding the right relief will take some exploration.