More symptoms than you think may be tied to your migraines

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Contrary to what you may have been told by internalized stigma, a migraine doesn't only mean a headache.

According to a study published in 2018, chronic migraines are a leading cause of disability among people under 50 years old. Kylie Petrarca is a nurse at the Association of Migraine Disorders and an associate program director. She said that many people with migraines have difficulty recognizing the seriousness of their condition and seeking the treatment they need.

She added, "People don't recognize it as it deserves."

Dr. Frederick Godley is an ear nose and throat specialist, and the president of the Association of Migraine Disorders.

There are experts who study and treat migraines. The American Academy of Neurology published a study on Wednesday that showed that migraines and cluster headaches are both related to the circadian system. This means that the time of day or sleep pattern can have an impact.

Petrarca says that understanding what migraines are and why they may occur, as well as what you can do to prevent them, is an important tool for advocating yourself and getting the right treatment.

What is a migraine?

Petrarca explained that what was once called a headache migraine is now referred to as a migraine to reflect the fact that the condition goes beyond the pain in the brain.

Stewart Tepper is a neurologist in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Godley explained that the condition can be better understood as a neurological disorder that affects multiple parts of your nervous system.

A patient must have suffered at least five migraine attacks, each lasting four to 72-hours. Tepper stated that the condition must also meet two of four criteria, including moderate to severe intensity pain, throbbing, increasing with activity and occurring on one side of head. He added that the attacks must also have one or both of the following features: nausea, and sensitivity to sound or light.

What causes migraines?

Petrarca says it's difficult to say for sure, but that there are many factors, both genetic and environmental, which can cause migraines.

Godley says that although migraines tend to run in families, they can present differently between family members.

He added that, although genetics is a major factor, head injuries can also cause migraines. Hormonal changes, especially estrogen, can have a significant impact on migraine attacks.

Tepper stressed that it is important to distinguish between migraine triggers and those things which cause someone to have them.

What are the triggers for a fire?

Petrarca suggests keeping a journal of your migraine attacks to track any correlations.

Godley says that migraines usually begin after puberty but can also manifest in children as colic, motion sick, and dizziness.

Petrarca explained that migraines are often triggered by changes in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycles. They can be caused by stress, weather changes, sleep disturbances and dehydration, as well as alcohol or dehydration.

Petrarca stated that both wine and chocolate can be major triggers. Each person with migraines has their own triggers.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

People often associate migraines with headaches. Many people have many more symptoms.

Petrarca explained that about a third of migraine sufferers experience an aura, which is "a temporary perceptual disorder lasting from five minutes to one hour".

She added that this can manifest as blurred vision, spots, numbness of the extremities, or changes in speech.

Petrarca explained that the list of symptoms associated with migraines is long and includes dizziness, nausea, brain fog, tinnitus (tinnitus), mood changes, yawning or giggling, neck pain, and food craving.

She said: 'I'm not just talking about the headaches, there are many other symptoms associated with migraine attacks.

Tepper said that some symptoms, such as exhaustion can occur before, after or between migraine attacks.

What can you do to stop them?

Godley says that there are many migraine medications that you can discuss with a doctor in order to prevent migraines or treat them. It is also important to choose a doctor who has experience treating migraine conditions.

Petrarca explained that because medical professionals with expertise in migraine treatment are scarce, it may be necessary to advocate on behalf of yourself and your pain in order to receive a diagnosis and an effective treatment.

She added that you should take your medications as soon as symptoms begin to appear, rather than waiting.

She said, "It is very difficult to stop once it has started."

Medication is not the only solution to migraines. Petrarca says that one of the best things anyone can do is to make lifestyle changes.

She said that cognitive behavioral therapy can help to manage stress, which can cause migraines. Vitamins and supplements such as magnesium or riboflavin can also be helpful in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.

Petrarca says that getting back to basics can be very helpful. You should track your migraines and create a routine.