What is Migraine?

Migraines are a frequent neurological condition in India, affecting millions. Recent studies show that over 213 million people in the country suffer from migraines. Approximately 60% of these instances involve women. Though anyone can get migraines, they mostly affect people aged 20 to 35. Migraines are more prevalent in cities than in rural regions. Your risks are higher if migraines run in your family.

The brain and blood arteries interact during migraine attacks, resulting in a range of symptoms. Severe headaches, light or sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting are some of the symptoms of a migraine. There is currently no cure for migraines, however medications can assist. They reduce the frequency of symptoms and treat them. For individuals who are affected by them, this offers respite.

Best Migraine Treatment in India

The finest migraine treatment is available in India from various big institutions and doctors. Treating migraines usually involves both medication and lifestyle changes. Providing such enhanced treatment aims to relieve pain and stop various aura symptoms and headache types. Doctors may prescribe medications like Triptans, which work by narrowing blood vessels and easing migraine pain. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol to alleviate headaches. (note: discuss with your doctor once for any medicinal intake as per your medical conditions)

If you get frequent migraines (chronic migraine), you want to look into preventative treatment. Medicines like beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anti-seizure drugs can help in minimizing the frequency and how badly migraines hit. Sticking to a regular sleep routine, managing stress with yoga or meditation, and avoiding certain foods that trigger headaches can all help control your migraines. See your physician and develop a customized treatment plan if you wish to lessen the triggers of migraine.

Symptoms of Migraine

Migraines are more than painful headaches. They are complex neurological disorders that can disrupt your whole day. In addition to the severe pain, several other symptoms might occur. These might include light sensitivity and nausea, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks. It’s like your body goes into overdrive, dragging you through different phases of discomfort. 

Prodrome, aura, headache, and post-drome are the four stages that migraines usually progress through. Every level has a unique set of difficulties and signs.

Prodrome Phase: Early Signs

The prodrome period might start days or even hours before the headache really appears. You might feel unusually tired, moody, or sensitive to light. Some people experience digestive problems, like bloating or constipation, during this time. These signs and symptoms might be undetectable and small. Although your body is attempting to alert you, it might get lost in the rush of day-to-day activities.

Aura Phase: Sensory Disruptions

The percentage of people with migraines who develop aura symptoms is about 25%. This phase brings temporary neurological symptoms. You may experience tingling, see light flashes, or have difficulty speaking. These gradually intensifying feelings often last anywhere from five to sixty minutes. Though they give you time to prepare for the headache, they are uncomfortable on their own.

Headache Phase: The Main Problem

The most common phase most people identify with migraines is the headache. Although it might change, it usually affects just one side of your head. Physical movement can make the pain worse. This stage is also accompanied by acute light, sound, or even scent sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting in many cases. Everyday things, like perfume or food odors, can suddenly become unbearable. It’s difficult to get past the headache phase, which might linger for four to seventy-two hours.

Post-Drome Phase: The Aftermath

The migraine doesn’t cease when the headache does. Up to a day may pass during the post-drome period. You may experience fatigue, agitation, and difficulty concentrating. This stage is sometimes referred to as a “migraine hangover.” You’re left feeling worn out and low on energy.

Other Symptoms

Head discomfort is not the only symptom that migraineurs frequently experience. You may experience dizziness, neck stiffness, or nasal congestion. An increase in sensitivity to fragrances can make even common scents strong.

Migraines are a complex condition. Everyone has a unique experience with them. However, recognizing the stages might help you handle them more effectively.

Migraine Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing migraines is a multi-step process that is not simple. Doctors begin by gathering important details from the patient. Extra testing may occasionally be required to rule out other conditions. Early diagnosis helps ensure proper treatment to relieve migraine pain.

Medical History

Having a thorough medical history is the first step. Your physician will inquire about the kinds of headaches you have. How often do they happen? How long do they last? Do you experience any additional symptoms, such as light sensitivity or nausea? They will also investigate if migraines are inherited. This assists in ruling out other possible causes and determining whether your symptoms fit the pattern of a migraine.

Neurological Exam

The doctor will examine your nervous system after talking about your past. They will check reflexes, sensory responses, and memory to ensure normal brain function. For the diagnosis to be confirmed, several tests are essential. This is particularly true if you have experienced five or more migraine attacks that lasted four to seventy-two hours each and included the usual symptoms of migraine.

Diagnostic Criteria

Doctors use specific criteria for a migraine diagnosis. One-sided headaches, throbbing or pulsating pain, moderate to severe severity, and pain that becomes worse when you move are common symptoms. Light and sound sensitivity, as well as nausea, are other critical indicators.

When Imaging is Needed

An MRI or CT scan may be prescribed by doctors in some circumstances, particularly if your symptoms are unexpected or severe. These tests help rule out serious issues like tumors or aneurysms. However, imaging isn’t routine for most migraine diagnosis. It’s only done when something seems atypical.

Considering Lifestyle Factors

Doctors also look at lifestyle factors when diagnosing migraines. Migraines can be brought on by stress, food, and general health. Several medical professionals advise maintaining a migraine journal to record symptoms and causes. This helps make the diagnosis more accurate. One of the best migraine treatment ways is to manage one’s lifestyle.

Referral to a Specialist

Your doctor may recommend seeing a neurologist if migraines are suspected. Neurologists specialize in migraine treatment. With consideration of your medical history and symptoms, they can design a customized treatment strategy for you. This is frequently essential for long-term administration.

Telehealth Consultations

Patients who are unable to see a doctor in person might find it simpler to use telehealth. Virtual consultations allow patients to speak with specialists, get diagnosed, and start treatment from home. This option offers a hassle-free way to access care when migraines strike.

Types of Migraine

Knowing the types of migraines can help find the right treatment. Let’s look at the most common ones and how they are different from each other. 

Migraine with Aura

This kind, often known as a “classic migraine,” begins with an aura, which is a warning indication. You might see flashes of light or zigzag patterns. Before the pain starts, some people experience tingling in their hands or face. An aura often lasts less than an hour and signals the arrival of a migraine.

Migraine without Aura

It is the most common type of migraine. The pain is intense yet there is no aura. It often feels like a throbbing or pulsing on one side of your head. Physical activity makes it worse, so people usually seek a dark, quiet room to rest.

Chronic Migraine

Chronic migraines last for more than half a month. If you have 15 or more migraine days per month, it’s chronic. These headaches take over your life, making everyday tasks hard to manage.

Menstrual Migraine

For some women, hormones trigger migraines around their period. These migraines often start two days before and last up to three days after. They usually don’t come with an aura, but the timing is predictable.

Vestibular Migraine

Have you ever felt dizzy or off-balance with no clear cause? That could be a vestibular migraine. It often comes with vertigo, but not always head pain. This kind is more common among people who are prone to motion sickness.

Abdominal Migraine

This type mostly affects children. Instead of head pain, it causes stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Over time, these may turn into regular migraines, but they can be hard for kids and parents to deal with.

Hemiplegic Migraine

This uncommon kind results in momentary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. The symptoms can feel like a stroke. If you ever get these signs, seek medical help right away.

Silent Migraine (Acephalgic Migraine)

Not all migraines come with a headache. Without any underlying pain, silent migraines can cause symptoms like aura, light sensitivity, or nausea. It’s still difficult, but there’s no crushing headache.

Basilar-Type Migraine

This rare migraine affects the brain stem. It causes dizziness, ringing in the ears, and vision problems. Basilar migraines affect more than just the head, disrupting basic brain functions.

Steps for Migraine Prevention

Know Your Triggers

Keeping a record of your symptoms is among the greatest migraine prevention techniques. You can maintain a migraine journal that can help you spot patterns. You will notice what causes your migraines. It could be certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes. Once you know the triggers, avoiding them gets easier and it will reduce the chance of an attack.

Stick to a Routine

You should ensure to follow a regular schedule. Eat meals, go to bed, and exercise at the same time every day. Your body may become stressed by sudden changes in habit, which might result in migraines. Decide on a schedule that suits you and follow it.

Manage Stress

Stress is a common trigger for migraines. But you can manage it. Try relaxation techniques, biofeedback, or cognitive-behavioral therapy. These methods help lower stress and reduce migraines. You should also experiment with techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness. Make it a habit.

Exercise Regularly (But Don’t Overdo It)

Aerobic activities such as swimming, cycling, or walking might be beneficial. They improve overall health and reduce migraines. But don’t push yourself too hard. Intense exercise might trigger an attack. A moderate routine works best for most people.

Watch What You Eat

Certain foods can trigger migraines such as aged cheeses, processed meats, and alcohol. Keep an eye to how your body responds to different meals. Adjust your diet if needed. At times, eating regular meals helps keep blood sugar stable. This can prevent migraines too.

Prioritize Sleep

Good sleep is important for managing migraines. Create a relaxing environment before bed. Dim the lights and avoid screens. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. It’s important to have a regular sleep schedule in addition to the quantity of sleep.

Talk to a Doctor if Needed

If lifestyle changes don’t help enough, see a doctor. Some medications can reduce how often migraines happen. Your doctor can help you find the right treatment.

Learn Coping Strategies

You won’t always be able to avoid triggers and hence, coping skills are important. Learn to manage pain or gradually expose yourself to triggers. These techniques can help you deal with migraines when they occur.

Why Should You Choose Drome Clinic for Migraine Treatment?

Choosing Drome Clinic means you are not simply getting a medical team. Rather, you are getting partners who will understand your migraines. These aren’t just headaches—they are complex, often with genetic causes. At Drome Clinic, we will personalize our care and we will help in creating better migraine treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and triggers. 

Our doctors do not just prescribe medicines. They will also guide you through lifestyle changes with their SEEDS (Sleep, Exercise, Eating healthy, Diary tracking, and Stress management) program. The goal is to reduce how often and how severe your migraines are.

Feel free to discuss your migraine symptoms and we will come up with the latest treatment plan that would suit you. 

FAQ

What are the most effective medications for migraines?

Triptans are among the most effective migraine treatment treatments. Eletriptan works about 78% of the time, making it the most effective migraine treatment. Zolmitriptan follows close behind at 74%, and sumatriptan works for 72% of people. Other useful treatments include ergots and anti-emetics, which can help with nausea, a common symptom during migraines.

Are there non-medication treatments for migraines?

Yes, there are. Lifestyle changes, relaxation methods, and alternative therapies can be extremely beneficial. Regular exercise, good sleep, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy are a few natural ways to manage migraines.

How do I know if I need preventive treatment for migraines?

If you have migraines twice or more a week, you may require preventative therapy. These treatments aim to lower the frequency and intensity of migraines. On the other hand, acute treatments help ease the symptoms during an attack. A healthcare professional can help you figure out the best plan.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent migraines?

Healthy habits can make a big difference in the lives of a migraine patient. Drink plenty of water, eat on time, manage stress, and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. You should avoid known triggers like certain foods or bright lights to reduce the risk of getting a migraine.

What are CGRP-targeting therapies, and how do they work in migraine prevention?

CGRP-targeting therapies are newer drugs that block a substance linked to migraine attacks. They work both for immediate relief and as a way to prevent future migraines.