Understanding Migraines: More Than Just Headaches
Migraines are a specific type of primary headache, unlike general headaches that can be caused by other conditions. Primary headaches include tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, while secondary headaches result from another underlying condition. Migraines are a neurological disorder that can significantly impact daily life, forcing individuals to halt activities and negatively affecting their physical and emotional well-being.
According to Dr. Diana Patricia Zabaleta Corpas, a neurologist at Centro Médico ABC, “Migraines are more than just headaches because they come with other symptoms that make this a distinct condition.” Migraines are not fleeting; they have defined clinical criteria, potential triggers, and a treatment approach that combines medical attention with daily actions individuals can take to reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes.
Manifestations of Migraines
Migraines fall under primary headaches, meaning the headache isn’t caused by another injury or illness but is instead a neurological disorder itself. The diagnosis is clinical, based on the patient’s history and description.
- Migraines are typically unilateral and pulsating, akin to an intense throbbing felt strongly in the temple or behind the eye.
- They can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting; photophobia (sensitivity to light) or phonophobia (sensitivity to sounds); and last for four to 72 hours.
- The intensity can be moderate or severe, often disabling a person from pursuing studies, work, or daily activities.
- Sometimes, migraines come with aura, a set of symptoms that can be visual, sensory, or language-related.
Aura affects approximately 25% to 30% of migraine patients, meaning most won’t experience aura. It’s a reversible phenomenon preceding migraine pain and can last between five to 60 minutes. Common aura forms include visual disturbances like luminous points, geometric figures, or dark patches in the visual field. Other aura forms can involve facial numbness, arm tingling, or temporary speech difficulties.
Migraines are more common in adolescents or young adults, predominantly affecting women in a 3:1 ratio compared to men. However, migraines aren’t limited to these groups; they can occur in children as well.
Daily Actions to Help Manage Migraines
While there’s no definitive cure for migraines, several measures can significantly reduce their impact. Lifestyle plays a crucial role in prevention.
- Ensure at least seven hours of regular sleep; insomnia or abrupt changes in sleep patterns can trigger crises.
- Maintain stable meal times and avoid prolonged fasting; skipping meals or going for extended periods without food can also trigger crises.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain bodily balance.
- Regular physical exercise, three to five times a week, in enjoyable activities not only improves overall health but also reduces stress.
- Limit tobacco and alcohol consumption, as both affect the nervous system and sleep quality.
- Be mindful of excessive coffee intake, as it can disrupt sleep patterns indirectly.
- Identify and avoid personal triggers; each person should observe if certain foods, drinks, or situations cause crises and try to avoid them.
Dr. Zabaleta emphasizes that individuals with migraines must be cautious about overusing painkillers, as constant medication use can lead to “medication-overuse headache,” where the very drug meant for relief becomes the cause of pain. Self-medication is thus not recommended.
For acute crises, resting in a dark, quiet environment can be helpful. For those experiencing migraines with aura, taking prescribed medication promptly can prevent pain onset. Regardless of severity or case, professional guidance is essential to avoid complications.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Quality of Life
Headaches are the primary reason for neurological consultation, including migraines due to their incapacitating nature and daily life impact. Diagnosis primarily involves a clinical history where the specialist (neurologist or primary care physician) inquires about pain location, duration, aggravating factors, family history, sleep and dietary habits, among others.
Neurological examination is usually normal in migraine patients, but imaging studies may be recommended in cases with alarming factors like migraines starting after age 50, pain associated with fever, or focal neurological symptoms.
Treatment should be personalized; some individuals only need rest or medication during crises, while others may require preventive plans, especially if they experience frequent or debilitating migraines.
The primary goal of medical treatment is to prevent migraines from becoming chronic, a neurological disorder where headaches occur on 15 or more days per month for at least three months. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, many people can significantly decrease episode frequency and regain previously impossible activities.
In conclusion, Dr. Zabaleta stresses that migraines should not be minimized or normalized; they are a neurological disorder affecting millions, especially young women, and can significantly impact personal and professional life.
With proper self-care measures, including adequate sleep, nutrition, hydration, exercise, stress reduction, and trigger avoidance, along with professional guidance and appropriate treatment, individuals can maintain migraines under control.
At Centro Neurológico del Centro Médico ABC, highly skilled professionals are available to support patients dealing with migraines, regardless of their severity.
