What Is a Migraine? Why Does It Occur and How Does It Pass?

Migraine is one of the conditions that reduces quality of life and restricts daily life activities. Pain is the primary symptom of this common condition. This pain, which starts at the nape of the neck, temples, or around the eyes, can worsen with movement, may have a throbbing character, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of discomfort with light and sound.

Many migraine attacks are seen as the “migraine without aura” type. Patients with migraine with aura, however, may experience “aura attacks” lasting between 5 and 60 minutes before the headache attacks begin.

Aura attacks are known as a temporarily experienced neurological disorder. In this temporary neurological disorder, patients are affected both visually and sensorially (such as difficulty finding words, numbness, or tingling). Among these, the most common is visual aura. In visual aura, patients may encounter bright flashes of light or problems in their visual field before an attack.

If a headache that occurs in attacks is experienced more than 15 days a month within 3 months, lasts at least 4 hours, and occurs as a migraine-type pain for at least 8 days a month, it is defined as “chronic migraine.” In migraine treatment, the plan is tailored based on the frequency and severity of the person's headaches and other accompanying medical conditions.

Migraine medications used in migraine treatment help to eliminate pain during headache attacks, stop accompanying symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, or control the frequency of frequent migraine attacks.

A migraine is a type of headache that can affect a patient's daily life and create limitations in activities performed during the day. It usually starts at the nape of the neck, temples, or around the eyes and can worsen with movement depending on the type of pain. The pain is often accompanied by conditions such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. The desire of patients to sleep in a dark room or the feeling of nausea can help alleviate or end a migraine attack. Especially in the type known as ocular migraine, patients may experience visual “ocular migraine symptoms” such as flashes of light, zigzag lines, or temporary vision loss in their visual field. These visual auras occur just before or during the headache and can make a person's daily activities even more difficult.

The desire of patients to sleep in a dark room or the feeling of nausea can help alleviate or end a migraine attack. Different types of migraines, including ocular migraine, vary from person to person and can affect each individual in different ways. For example, migraine attacks experienced at intervals are called “episodic migraine.” If attacks occur fifteen days or more per month within the last three-month period, last longer than 4 hours, and at least 8 days of migraine attacks are experienced per month, this is called “chronic migraine.” Chronic migraine can often be accompanied by anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep problems. If left untreated, chronic migraine can lead to serious health problems.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINE?

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that manifests with many different symptoms. Its most common symptom is a severe headache, usually felt on one side of the head, in a throbbing manner. In addition, various precursor symptoms experienced 1-2 days before the headache starts and symptoms of migraine with aura are also characteristic features. Frequently observed migraine symptoms include the following.

Severe and Throbbing Headache: It usually concentrates on one side of the head and can worsen with movement. The pain is felt as throbbing or pulsation.

Back Pain: Some migraine patients may also experience back pain during attacks. These pains can usually start from the neck and shoulder area and spread to the upper part of the back. Factors such as stress, muscle tension, and poor posture can both trigger migraines and increase back pain.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is common during a headache and can lead to vomiting in some people.

Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) is frequently seen during migraine attacks.

Visual Auras: Visual disturbances such as flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or temporary vision loss can occur during the aura phase of a migraine.

Dizziness and Fainting: Some migraine patients may experience dizziness and a feeling of fainting.

Tinnitus: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can occur during migraine attacks.

Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking or slurring words can occur during the aura phase.

Mood Changes: Fluctuations in mood, pessimism, or a feeling of restlessness can be common before and during a migraine.

Fatigue and Low Energy: Fatigue and low energy after migraine attacks are common symptoms seen in the postdrome phase.

Numbness in Hands and Feet: Migraine can lead to numbness in the hands and feet. These symptoms occur during the aura phase of the migraine and are caused by temporary changes in the nervous system. They can also be symptoms of other health problems.

MIGRAINE ATTACKS AND PHASES

Migraine is a complex neurological disease often characterized by severe headache attacks that negatively affect a person's daily life. Migraine attacks usually consist of four main phases: prodrome, aura, pain, and postdrome. Each of these phases manifests with different symptoms and plays an important role in the recognition and management of migraines.

Symptoms Experienced During the Aura Phase

The aura phase of a migraine is defined by temporary neurological symptoms that occur just before or during the onset of a headache. Aura usually lasts 20 to 60 minutes and manifests with visual, sensory, or motor symptoms. Visual auras are among the most common symptoms and are usually described as flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or temporary vision loss. Sensory symptoms may include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Additionally, in some people, speech disorders may occur, manifesting as difficulty pronouncing words or slurred speech. The aura phase provides a warning to individuals that a migraine attack is approaching, thereby providing an opportunity for patients to take precautions.

Symptoms That Appear During the Pain Phase

The pain phase of a migraine is the stage where the most prominent and disturbing symptoms are experienced. During this phase, severe headaches that are throbbing in nature and usually concentrated on one side of the head are seen. The pain can worsen with physical activity and usually lasts between 4 and 72 hours. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of the pain phase. This can be quite challenging for people who experience stomach upset during migraine attacks. Extreme sensitivity to light and sound is also common; patients usually try to relax in a dark and quiet environment. In some people, tinnitus, dizziness, and rarely fainting can also occur during the headache.

Post-Pain Phase Symptoms (Postdrome)

The period after a migraine attack is called postdrome and can usually last for about a day. During this period, individuals may feel extreme fatigue and exhaustion. Low energy can make it difficult to perform daily activities. Some people may experience confusion and emotional fluctuations. The headache may continue mildly during this period, but usually, the most severe symptoms of the migraine have subsided. The postdrome phase is considered a process in which the physical and mental effects left by migraine attacks on the person are recovered.

Migraine Symptoms in Children and Adults

Migraine can manifest in different ways in both children and adults. Migraine symptoms are similar in both groups, but may vary depending on age.

Migraine Symptoms Seen in Children: In children, migraines usually manifest with shorter attacks. Headaches in children generally last shorter than in adults and may recur at more frequent intervals. Abdominal pain and nausea are among the common symptoms of childhood migraines and are frequently seen together with headaches. Additionally, sensitivity to light and sound can appear as a common migraine symptom in children. Children may feel restless, irritable, or exhausted during a migraine attack. Migraine symptoms in children can sometimes be confused with other problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or anxiety, so an accurate diagnosis is important.

Migraine Symptoms Seen in Adults: In adults, migraines can manifest with longer and more severe attacks. Throbbing headache is the most common symptom of migraine in adults and usually concentrates on one side of the head. Nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced during migraine attacks in adults. Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell are characteristic features of adult migraines. Mood changes can be more pronounced in the pre- and post-migraine periods and can affect people's daily lives. Adults can resort to various treatment methods to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

WHY DO MIGRAINES OCCUR?

Migraine is a complex neurological condition, and although its causes are not fully understood, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play an important role. Imbalances in brain chemicals and various hormonal changes are also accepted as important factors in the development of migraines. More detailed information about why migraines occur and their triggering factors is explained below.

Genetic Factors: It is thought that migraine has a genetic component. If there is a history of migraines in your family, your likelihood of developing migraines may increase. Research shows that migraines are more common within families. Individuals with first-degree relatives who have migraines have a higher risk of developing migraines compared to other individuals. Genetic predisposition can cause certain chemicals and nerve pathways in the brain to be more sensitive.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes can trigger migraine attacks, especially among women. The frequency of migraines in women is higher than in men, and this situation is attributed to hormonal differences. Migraine symptoms in women; fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially during the menstrual period, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger migraine attacks. Drops in hormone levels before and during menstruation can be a factor that triggers migraines in some women.

Imbalances in Brain Chemicals: One of the most widely accepted theories about migraines concerns the imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Serotonin, a chemical that constricts the brain's blood vessels, experiences a drop in its level during migraine attacks. This drop leads the trigeminal nerve to send chemical signals to blood vessels, which can cause inflammation and pain. Chemical changes in the brain play a key role in the formation of migraine pain.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Release: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is one of the chemical messengers that plays an important role in migraine attacks. During migraine attacks, the level of CGRP can increase, which can cause inflammation and pain in the brain membranes (meninges). The increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide can increase the severity of migraine pain, and painkillers for migraines are used in some migraine treatments to block the effects of this peptide.

Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety are common factors that can trigger migraine attacks. The stress brought on by daily life can disrupt the chemical balance in the brain and trigger migraines. Stressful situations and emotional fluctuations can increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Anxiety disorders can be more common in migraine patients, and there may be a link between these two conditions.

Sleep Irregularities: Disruption of sleep patterns can lead to migraine attacks. Insufficient or irregular sleep can affect the brain's chemical balance and trigger migraines. Changes in sleep habits, such as oversleeping or undersleeping, can trigger migraine attacks. Insomnia can contribute to the triggering of migraines by increasing the body's stress levels.

Dietary Habits: Dietary habits are another important factor that can trigger migraines. Some foods and drinks such as chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, processed meats, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives can trigger migraine attacks. Especially skipping meals or irregular eating can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, triggering migraines. Healthy and regular eating habits can help prevent migraine attacks.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors can play an important role in triggering migraine attacks. Sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, and sharp odors can trigger migraine attacks. Environmental stress factors, air pollution, seasonal changes, and sudden weather changes can also trigger migraines. Especially bright or flickering lights can cause a migraine to start quickly in some individuals.

Weather Changes: Weather changes are known as another factor that triggers migraines. Especially sudden changes in air pressure can be effective in the onset of migraine attacks. Windy or stormy weather conditions and fluctuations in atmospheric pressure can trigger migraines.

Hormonal Changes (Menstrual Period, Pregnancy, Menopause): Hormonal changes are a determining factor in the emergence of migraines among women. Fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual period, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger migraine attacks.

WHICH FOODS CAUSE MIGRAINE ATTACKS?

Migraine is a condition that negatively affects the quality of life for many people, and some foods can be triggers for these attacks. Identifying foods that trigger migraine attacks can help patients carefully regulate their diets and prevent migraine attacks. Some foods that have the potential to trigger migraine attacks and the conditions they may cause are as follows.

Cheeses: Certain types of cheese can trigger migraine attacks. Cheeses such as Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Swiss cheese contain high amounts of a compound called tyramine. Tyramine is an amino acid that can trigger migraine attacks and can trigger migraines in some people by increasing blood pressure. Therefore, the consumption of cheeses containing tyramine should be carefully monitored by migraine patients.

Alcohol: Alcohol, especially red wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne, has the potential to trigger migraine attacks. Histamines and tannins found in red wine can trigger headaches. At the same time, alcohol can trigger migraines by causing dehydration in the body.

Food Preservatives: Nitrates and nitrites are food preservatives commonly found, especially in processed meats. They are found in foods such as salami, sausage, and smoked meats and can trigger migraine attacks by dilating blood vessels. Avoiding or limiting the consumption of foods containing nitrates can help prevent migraine attacks.

Cold Foods: Cold foods consumed, especially in hot weather, can trigger headaches. Rapid consumption of cold foods such as ice cream or iced drinks can lead to a sudden headache known as “ice cream headache.” For people with migraine sensitivity, this situation can turn into a migraine attack. Consuming cold foods slowly can reduce this risk.

Nuts and Shellfish: Nuts and shellfish can contain various chemicals that can be migraine triggers. Especially nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts contain components such as tyramine and phenylethylamine. People sensitive to migraine attacks should be careful when consuming such foods and limit their intake if possible.

Smoked or Dried Fish: Smoked or dried fish products can contain high levels of tyramine. The consumption of such fish, especially when stored for a long time, can increase tyramine levels, which can trigger migraines. Consuming fresh fish can reduce the risk of migraine attacks.

Baked Yeasted Foods: Cakes, homemade breads, and other baked yeasted foods can trigger migraine attacks. Yeast can contain biogenic amines that can trigger headaches in some people. Especially fermented or yeasted products should be consumed carefully.

Some Fruits: Bananas, citrus fruits, kiwi, pineapple, and red plums are among the fruits that can trigger migraines. These fruits can promote the release of chemicals such as histamine and tyramine.

Aspartame and Other Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can trigger headaches in some migraine patients. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, candies, and some processed foods. Individuals at risk of migraine attacks can prevent attacks by avoiding such sweeteners.

HOW IS MIGRAINE TREATED?

Migraine is a headache condition that significantly affects quality of life. Symptoms such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light can occur during migraine attacks. The treatment process should be carried out with an approach customized to personal needs. The main goal in migraine treatment is to prevent attacks, alleviate pain, and reduce the frequency of attacks. There are two main approaches in migraine treatment: pain-relieving treatment and preventive treatment. The treatment plan is shaped according to the frequency and severity of the patient's migraine attacks and other accompanying health conditions.

Pain Treatment: Pain-relieving treatment is applied to alleviate the pain and other symptoms that occur during migraine attacks. These types of treatments are taken when migraine symptoms begin and help to stop or alleviate the pain. Treatments in this category alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and constricting blood vessels. They can also help control other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Preventive Treatment: Preventive treatment is a method applied to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. This type of treatment is especially suitable for people who experience frequent migraine attacks. When applied regularly, preventive treatment can help prevent the formation of migraine attacks. These types of treatments reduce migraine attacks by regulating chemical balances in the brain and controlling the function of blood vessels.

Other Treatment Methods: Non-drug methods can also be effective in migraine treatment. Lifestyle changes, stress management, regular sleep, and healthy eating can reduce migraine attacks. Chronic migraine symptoms are characterized by headaches lasting 15 days or more per month and require a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. In this process, migraine Botox also stands out as an effective treatment option. Migraine Botox can reduce the severity and frequency of headaches by being injected into specific points. A personalized treatment approach should be applied to alleviate the effects of migraines and improve quality of life. A personalized treatment approach should be applied to reduce the effects of migraines and improve quality of life.

WHAT IS GOOD FOR MIGRAINES?

Migraine is a condition characterized by severe headaches that can negatively affect individuals' daily lives. To prevent migraine attacks and alleviate symptoms, you can try things that are good for migraines (such as lifestyle changes and preventive measures). You can look at the items below for the answer to the question “What is good for migraines?”

Keeping a Headache Diary: Keeping a headache diary to track your migraine attacks and potential triggers can be useful. This diary helps you determine when headaches start, how long they last, and which factors are triggers. This information can guide your doctor in personalizing your migraine treatment.

Eating Healthy and Drinking Water: Regular and balanced nutrition is one of the most effective ways to control migraines. Avoid skipping meals and eat at regular intervals to balance your blood sugar level. Consuming a sufficient amount of water prevents dehydration, which can reduce migraine attacks. Staying hungry for a long time can trigger migraines by causing a drop in blood sugar.

Regular Exercise and Sleep Pattern: Exercising regularly reduces stress levels by increasing endorphin secretion. Light exercises can alleviate headaches and help prevent migraines. Additionally, getting regular and sufficient sleep can reduce migraine attacks by keeping the body's biological clock in balance. It is important to sleep and wake up at the same times every day.

Stress Management and Protection from Sunlight: Stress is a major trigger for migraines. Stress management techniques can reduce the frequency of headaches with methods such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. Another way to prevent migraines is to protect yourself from sunlight.

Following Doctor's Recommendations: Finally, it is important to follow doctor's recommendations in migraine treatment. Your doctor can create a personalized treatment plan for the prevention and management of migraine attacks.

Also, while looking for an answer to the question of what is good for migraines during pregnancy, it is important to remember that non-drug methods should be preferred. Any treatment method to be applied during this period must be carried out with doctor approval.

HOW IS A MIGRAINE DIAGNOSED?

Migraine diagnosis is usually made through clinical evaluation, neurological examination, and imaging techniques if necessary. Migraine is a chronic headache disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition usually manifests as a throbbing and severe pain on one side of the head. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound can also accompany the headache. Making an accurate diagnosis of migraine and starting the treatment process greatly improves the quality of life of patients. You can read the items below for the answer to the question of how a migraine is diagnosed.

Clinical Evaluation: Migraine diagnosis usually begins with clinical evaluation. In this process, the doctor listens to the patient's medical history in detail and evaluates their complaints. How often and for how long the patient's headaches last, the intensity of the pain, the presence of other symptoms, factors that trigger the pain, and the experiences the patient has during the pain are carefully examined. There are specific criteria for diagnosing a migraine; one of these criteria is that the headache has been experienced at least five times and each has lasted between 4 and 72 hours. In addition, the pain must be of a throbbing character, worsen with physical activity, and be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea or light sensitivity.

Neurological Examination: The next stage of migraine diagnosis is the neurological examination. This examination allows for the evaluation of nervous system functions and the exclusion of other potential causes of headaches. During the neurological examination, the doctor evaluates parameters such as reflexes, muscle strength, sensory responses, balance, and coordination. Although migraine typically does not show abnormalities in a neurological examination, this examination helps to exclude more serious neurological conditions, especially whether there is a structural problem in the brain. The presence of specific neurological symptoms such as migraine aura is also evaluated, and it is analyzed whether these symptoms point to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the migraine.

Imaging Techniques (Brain Tomography, MRI): Although most migraine diagnoses are made with clinical findings and neurological examination, imaging techniques may be needed in some cases. Especially in patients with severe headaches that appear for the first time or have a sudden onset, techniques such as brain tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. These imaging methods help to exclude other serious health problems such as brain tumors, bleeding, or infection. Migraine pain is usually not related to such serious problems, but it is important to eliminate these possibilities to make an accurate diagnosis. (Acıbadem Healthcare Group)