Understand Migraine Symptoms and Causes for Better Prevention

Migraines are more than intense headaches. They are a neurological disorder that comes with a range of symptoms and triggers that can leave you feeling exhausted and debilitated. Understanding migraine symptoms and causes is key to managing and preventing them, giving you a chance to reclaim your peace of mind. 

Symptoms of Migraines

Although migraines are commonly accompanied by severe headaches, they often bring other symptoms as well that can vary in intensity and duration. While some people may experience only a few of these symptoms, others endure a range of effects during a migraine attack. These migraine symptoms can vary widely, even from one migraine to another for an individual. 

Let’s look deeper into the symptoms of migraines:

Headache and Eye Pain

This is the most common and chronic migraine symptom. It often presents itself as an intense, pulsating headache, usually concentrated on one side of the head. This pain can last for hours or even days. While the pain is usually localised, it can also spread to both sides of the head, adding to discomfort. Chronic migraines often come with severe headaches, leading to a debilitating impact on daily life.

Retinal migraines are a type of migraine that affect the eyes, usually manifesting as pain behind one or both eyes. This condition can cause temporary visual disturbances or even blindness in an eye, which is usually temporary. Migraines affecting the eyes often present intense pressure in the eye socket and can be particularly challenging because they interfere with basic visual tasks.

Sensitivity to Light and Sound

Bright lights and loud noises can make a migraine significantly worse. Even moderate light or sound exposure can feel overwhelming, forcing many to shift to dark, quiet spaces. This heightened sensitivity is so common that some people can predict an oncoming migraine based on their reaction to light or sound. It adds another layer of discomfort, as normal surroundings become unbearable during an attack.

Visual Disturbances

Approximately one-third of migraine sufferers experience auras which are visual disturbances that can precede or accompany a migraine. These include flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blind spots. For some, the aura is a warning sign that a migraine is about to begin. In others, the aura might coincide with the migraine, further complicating vision and increasing disorientation.

Nausea and Dizziness

Many people experience nausea, and some may even vomit during a migraine attack. Nausea is a common symptom of migraines, and for many, it escalates to vomiting. This adds another level of complications to the experience, as the combination of nausea, vomiting, and intense headache makes it difficult to focus on anything else. Nausea can also contribute to dizziness, making movement even more challenging.

Feeling dizzy or light-headed is another common symptom during a migraine attack. This migraine-associated dizziness can strike at any time during an episode, making it difficult to stand or walk. For some, the sensation is so intense that they may feel as though they are about to faint. Vertigo-like symptoms can also occur, further adding to the disorientation.

Mood Changes

Many people notice significant shifts in their mood during different stages of a migraine. Some feel irritable, anxious, or even depressed before the headache phase begins. Others may feel an unusual sense of euphoria or hyperactivity, which can also serve as a precursor to a migraine attack. These mood changes can linger even after the headache subsides, adding to the emotional toll of living with migraines.

Neck Pain and Stiffness

Neck pain and stiffness are often overlooked symptoms but can be an early warning sign of an approaching migraine. Discomfort may start in the neck and gradually radiate upwards to the head, signalling onset of a migraine. For some people, neck stiffness persists throughout the headache phase, making the migraine even more physically taxing.

Fatigue and Confusion

After pain subsides, many people feel exhausted, confused, or mentally drained, a phase known as the postdrome phase. Fatigue, confusion, and even mild cognitive difficulties are common in this stage. This phase can last several hours or even a full day, leaving the individual feeling exhausted and out of sorts long after the headache has subsided.

Causes of Migraines

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to be the result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common causes/triggers for migraines:

Genetics

Migraines often run in families, suggesting a higher genetic predisposition towards this neurological condition. If one or both parents experience migraines, the likelihood of their children suffering from them is significantly higher. 

Neurological Factors

Changes in brain chemistry, particularly involving the neurotransmitter serotonin, are thought to play a crucial role in triggering migraines. Fluctuations in serotonin levels can cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then dilate, leading to the throbbing pain associated with migraines.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, are a well-known trigger for migraines. Women mostly suffer from migraines due to hormonal changes. Many women experience migraines in conjunction with their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, likely due to changes in oestrogen levels.

Environmental Triggers

External factors can also trigger migraines. Common environmental triggers include stress, diet, disturbed sleep patterns, weather changes, and sensory stimuli. Certain foods like caffeine, chocolate, and aged cheese are known triggers, as are food additives such as MSG.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices also play a significant role in migraine frequency and intensity. Irregular eating patterns, such as skipping meals or fasting, can cause blood sugar levels to drop, another well-known migraine trigger. Dehydration, even mild, can also contribute to the onset of a migraine, making it essential for migraine sufferers to stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Excessive screen time is another lifestyle factor that can exacerbate migraines. 

Building a Better Understanding of Migraine Symptoms

Migraines are a complex and often misunderstood condition that can drastically affect one’s quality of life. It can take a toll on both your professional and personal life because of its uncertain nature. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the reasons for migraines can help in managing and potentially preventing migraines. You can also consider using natural alternatives to help prevent migraines. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional if you experience frequent or severe migraines. This will help you get a tailored treatment plan that suits your specific needs.