The Most Underrepresented Chronic Disease: Migraines
Have you ever experienced a throbbing sensation across your temples from studying too much? Or from being out in the sun for a long period of time? Is the pain much more intense than a regular headache? If so, you are most likely experiencing what is known as a migraine. While the exact cause of migraines is still unknown it can be concluded that it is caused by various factors; weather, stress, hormones, etc. As a result migraines are seen as a common occurrence. However, many people are unaware that migraines are an underrepresented chronic disease and if not maintained can cause serious fatalities.
How to differentiate between migraines and headaches ?
The main difference between a headache and migraine is the duration of pain. Headaches typically last up to around 5 hours max whereas migraines can last up to days or even weeks. Additionally, migraines are also accompanied with auras. Aura is the medical term to describe a sensory experience of colors and voices, which is very common for neurological disorders. This sensation is the second out of the four stages of a migraine.
Stages of a migraine
1. Prodrome- This normally occurs 1-2 days before the migraine. It can vary from food cravings, mood swings, cramps, etc.
2. Aura- Visual or auditory experiences that can last up to an hour
3. Attack- The actual migraine during this period of time it is not rare to also feel nausea and body aches
4. Postdrome- This is the post effect of a migraine and many people experience brain fog and fatigue.
Risk Factors
- Sex – Woman have three times the likelihood to get migraines then men
- Family History
- Hormones – fluctuation in hormones tend to be the leading cause of migraines
- Age
Treating migraines
These are the medications that doctors tend to prescribe in order to treat migraines
- NSAIDS ( aspirin ibuprofen)
- Triptans
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen)
- Antidepressants
Headaches are common however they should not be underestimated as they can further develop to a life threatening migraine. But with proper care and treatment the risks can be significantly reduced with proper medical care.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/migraine-vs-headache#fa-qs
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/demystifying-migraine-with-aura/
https://ditmasrehab.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/migraine-headaches.jpg
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
https://www.clevelandclinic.org/healthinfo/ShowImage.ashx?PIC=4577