The definition of a migraine directly indicates that it is a throbbing headache affecting one particular side of the head. Disturbed vision and nausea can often be its companions and the painful phase can last for hours or days. One of the recent studies of the American Migraine Association shows that a migraine affects 12% of the country’s population, indicating that 36 million citizens suffer from it.

Causes of migraine headaches
The factors that cause migraine headaches are unknown, and it is considered that certain changes in the brain lead to such severe headaches.

• MSG-based foods
• Salty and processed foods
• Stress
• Alcohol
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Imbalance in estrogen
• Lack of sleep
• Continuous physical activities
• Secondhand smoke and paint thinner

The condition reaches its peak point during the 30s, and a person’s medical history often influences the development of a migraine. Many women suffer from migraine attacks during pregnancy, and the problem can come back during the postpartum phase.

Symptoms
The condition can develop during childhood or adolescence, and prodrome, aura, headache, and post-drome are its four stages. Generally lasting for 72 hours, the patient can notice several symptoms that make life hard for them. Sensitivity to smells, sound and light can worsen the situation for the victims, and listed below are the common symptoms.

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Severe pain described as pounding
• Constipation
• Mood swings
• Food cravings
• Neck stiffness

One can undergo aura, which takes place before or during the migraine attack. This can cause speech disturbances and numbness in one side of the body. Muscles get weak during the aura phase, and one can feel dizziness and confusion in the post-attack phase.

Treatment
Narcotics and other medications are prescribed for relieving one from the pain, and of course, there are certain therapies that can be helpful.

• Triptans can help the patients for treating the condition at home; however, everyone cannot tolerate is dosage.
• Diclofenac potassium for oral solution is an approved treatment procedure for migraine attacks.
• Supplements like butterbur, magnesium, and riboflavin provide relief.
• If triptan has not been used, DHE-45 can be chosen through a nasal spray or intravenously.
• Topiramate, Depakote, and gralise can also be considered for getting relief.

You can visit the UCSF Headache Center, Stanford Headache Program, NYU Langone Medical Center and Montefiore Headache Center for acquiring knowledge of causes of a migraine headache and treatment and follow proper advice to lead a blissful life.

Apart from being aware of the causes and treatments of migraine headaches, it is important for the patients to ask the doctor regarding the difference between a headache and migraine, depending on how long the condition lasts. The medical professional can recommend several tests, including an MRI scan, to determine the case evaluating all the signs and symptoms.