Migraine: Do you also have frequent headaches?

You've probably had a headache at some point. But some headaches are just a little different. There are headaches that feel like a vein in your head is bursting, that are so painful, they're unbearable. We call these severe headaches, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, migraines .

If you have had a similar experience, this article will be very important for you, because in this article we will talk about everything about migraines.

What is this migraine? 🤔

Many people think that migraines are just headaches. But that's not the case. Migraines are more than that, they are a genetic neurological disease . It affects each person differently. Some people get them rarely. But others get them frequently, and it can be a big problem in their lives.

So don't tell someone, "Don't worry about it, just put it out of your head." That's not something anyone can do. Migraine is a disease. It needs treatment.

What does a migraine feel like? How do you recognize it? 💡

The main symptom of a migraine is a throbbing headache . It feels like a throbbing pain . The pain is usually on one side of the head . However, some people may experience pain on both sides of the head. Sometimes the pain is so severe that you cannot do your daily activities. The headache may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting . You may also be unable to tolerate bright light or loud noises . Some people may also experience increased sensitivity to smell and touch .

However, not everyone experiences these symptoms in the same way. Some people experience small changes before a migraine occurs. This is called a prodrome . These changes are sometimes so subtle that they are difficult to recognize.

Here are the characteristics of the prodrome:

• Constipation
• Mood Changes: You may suddenly feel sad or angry. Sometimes you may also feel very happy (euphoria).
• Food Cravings
• Neck Stiffness
• Increased urination
• Fluid Retention: Your body may feel a little swollen.
• Frequent Yawning

Some people don't even realize that these are symptoms of a migraine.

Then, one in three people may experience a condition called an "aura" before or during a migraine. This is a brief change in the nerves. Usually, it's just a change in the way you see things, but it can also affect other nerves. This can gradually increase in intensity and last from a few minutes to an hour (60 minutes).

Here are some examples of aura:

• Seeing different shapes, seeing colored lights, or losing vision for a while.
• Numbness in the hands and feet.
• A feeling of weakness or numbness on one side of the face or one side of the body.
• It's hard to talk.

Even after the migraine is over, some people may feel tired and dizzy for about a day. This is called post-drome . Some people may feel very happy during this time. They may also feel a slight headache again when they shake their head suddenly.

How long has it been since you had a migraine?

If not treated properly, a migraine can last anywhere from 4 hours to 72 hours (about 3 days) . But this is not the same for everyone. Some people get it rarely. Others may get it several times a month.

Who gets migraines? Who is more likely to get them? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️

Migraine is a very common disease. On average, one in five women has it. One in 16 men has it.If you take young children, if you take 11 children, one has this disease. Then, women are about three times more likely to develop migraines than men. Perhaps the reason for this is the differences in hormones in women's bodies.

This is caused by both genetics and environmental factors . If someone in your family has migraines, you are more likely to develop them. Generally, if either parent has migraines, their child has a 50% chance of developing them.

What are the causes that cause migraines? (Triggers)

If you have migraines, there are certain things that can make them worse. But if you get migraines because of these things, it's not your fault. So you don't need to worry or be ashamed about it.

Changes in hormones 🤰

Migraines can occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause due to changes in the hormone estrogen in women's bodies. They can also increase in some people who take hormonal birth control pills . However, some women find that migraines decrease when they take these pills.

Other reasons 🍷☕️🤯

Certain medications, alcohol such as red wine , drinks containing too much caffeine (like coffee), and stress can also cause this.

Things outside 🌞💡👃

Things like bright lights, strong odors (such as perfume, paint thinner, and smoke) can also affect this. Noise can also affect this.

Changing sleep patterns 😴⏰

This can also be caused by not sleeping properly or changing sleep times. This can happen whether you get too little or too much sleep at once.

Food and drink 🍕🧀

Just like not eating on time, eating cheese, foods with a lot of salt, and processed foods can also affect this.This can also be caused by foods containing the artificial sweetener Aspartame and the preservative Monosodium Glutamate ( MSG ).

Physical exertion 🏋️‍♀️

This can also happen due to things like strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse .

Changes in weather 🌧☀️

Migraines can also be triggered by things like sudden changes in weather and pressure.

How is migraine diagnosed? Diagnosis 🩺

There are no lab tests or imaging tests to diagnose migraines. This is diagnosed through questions a doctor asks you and the symptoms you describe.

Generally, if you have a headache, along with things like sensitivity to light, inability to perform daily tasks, and nausea, there's a good chance you have a migraine. To find out if this is really a migraine and get medication, you should definitely see a doctor.

What are the treatments for migraines? 💊💉

Because migraines occur differently in each person, the treatments for them also vary. Some people only need to take medication for infrequent migraines. But others have frequent migraines and need to take medication to reduce them.

There are medications that can reduce the frequency of migraines and reduce the severity of them when they occur. Some medications need to be taken every day. There are other medications that need to be taken once a month. There are also injections and infusions that are given every three months.

With the right medication and lifestyle changes, you can better control your migraines and live a happy life.

Important: Some painkillers are not good to take regularly . Especially aspirin, acetaminophen (paracetamol/Panadol), and those with caffeine added can be a bigger problem if taken regularly. Also , it is not good to take aspirin, ibuprofen for more than 14 days in a month, and triptans, sumatriptan /Imitrex, and rizatriptan/Maxalt for more than 9 days in a month.. If that happens, the medication itself can cause headaches. Taking the medication may not reduce the pain, but may actually make it worse. Then you take more medication. And it will continue like that.

Ways to reduce migraines - SEEDS method 🌱

You can reduce the occurrence of migraines by using this SEEDS method.

• S - Sleep (get a good night's sleep): 😴 Go to bed at the same time every day, and wake up at the same time. Reduce things like looking at your phone and watching TV before bed at night.
• E - Exercise: 🏋️‍♀️ Exercise as much as you can. You don't have to do a lot at once. Do a little, like five minutes a week, and gradually increase the time. Do things that you enjoy and that make you happy.
• E - Eat (Eat well): 🥗 Eat well at least three times a day. Eat nutritious food. And drink plenty of water.
• D - Diary: 📝 Write down the days you had a migraine and the things you felt at that time in a book. You can do this in a calendar or in an app. Take this with you when you go to see the doctor. That way, he or she can better understand your illness.
• S - Stress Management: 😊 If stress is causing your migraines, find ways to manage it. Meditate, do yoga , do things that make you happy.

You can get through this! You just have to do this! 💪

Migraines can be a big nuisance when they occur. But you can control them well and stay at your own risk.

• First of all, remember that migraine is not just a headache, it is a genetic neurological disease.
• Then, tell your doctor about your illness. Don't just say, "I'm fine." Tell him exactly how you feel. Tell your coworkers, your family, and your friends the truth. Ask them for the help you need.
• When you have a migraine, take good care of yourself. Get as much rest as possible.
• Do your work the same way every day as much as possible. Go to bed on time, eat on time.
• Meditate and keep your mind calm.

If you do these things and take your medication as prescribed by your doctor, you can control your migraines and live a happy life.

Remember, this article is only general information. You should definitely see a doctor, discuss your condition, and find out what medication is right for you.

My head hurts all the time. Do I have a migraine? 🤔