What are migraines?
Migraines are severe headaches that typically occur on one side of the head and can last for several hours to even days. They can be so severe that they can impact the daily functions of an individual. For some people, they might present with signs and symptoms that occur before the start of a migraine. This is known as an aura. The signs and symptoms of an aura include visual disturbances like flashes of light, blind spots, and other disturbances like tingling on one side of the face, arm or leg and difficulty speaking.
What causes migraines?
The cause of migraines is not fully understood, but it is thought that genetics and environmental factors play a role. It is suggested that the condition stems from changes in brain chemistry that triggers pain and headaches to form.
What are potential triggers that can cause a migraine?
There are many ways in which migraines are triggered which include hormonal changes, drinks, stress, increased sensory involvement, sleep disturbances, weather changes, increased physical activity, medications, and certain foods/ additives.
What are the risk factors for migraines?
- Family history: If a family member has a history of migraines, then the condition can be developed into future generations as well.
- Age: migraines can occur at any age but are most common to occur in a person’s teen years and peak in an individual’s 30s and then gradually decrease from there.
- Gender: Women are 3 times more likely to have migraines than men.
- Hormonal changes: For women, they might experience migraines before or during a menstrual cycle due to changes in hormone levels. This can also occur when women are pregnant or undergoing menopause.
Is there a cure?
Currently there is no cure for migraines; however, there are plenty of treatments currently and in the works to help ease the symptoms. Patients might need to try several medications before deciding what treatments are the most effective in treating the symptoms.
To learn more about migraines, there are several resources listed below:
Migraine headaches Teen’s Health
References:
Ben-Joseph, E. P. (Ed.). (2018, December). Migraine headaches (for teens) – print version – nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/migraines.prt-en.html
16 count is available – ubrelvyhcp.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.ubrelvyhcp.com/content/dam/ubrelvyhcp/pdf/ubrelvy-dosing-card.pdf
Aimovig® – Medsafe. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/CMI/a/aimovig.pdf
Why treat or prevent migraines with Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant). Why Treat or Prevent Migraines with Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant). (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.nurtec.com/why-nurtec
What is Migraine? The Migraine Trust. (2022, August 16). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/what-is-migraine/
Migraine. Migraine | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/migraine