Understanding Migraines: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
If you’ve ever had a searing headache that makes even the smallest light or sound nearly unbearable, you may have had a migraine. Migraines are not your typical headaches; they’re a complex neurological disorder that can have a debilitating effect on daily living. Affecting around 1 in 7 people in the UK, migraines are much more than a headache—symptoms can include nausea, visual disruptions, and feeling completely wiped out.
We get how much a migraine can hold you back and how distressing it can be. If you suffer from occasional attacks or chronic episodes of migraine, familiarising yourself with the causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies will guide you in handling this disorder better. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about migraines, including diagnosis and long-term management.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition that is accompanied by severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head. But some people’s pain moves to both sides or shifts from side to side. Migraines tend to come with additional symptoms, including light, sounds, and smells being bothersome, and nausea and vomiting.
Types of Migraines
- Migraine Without Aura – The most common, characterised by moderate to severe head pain without warning signals.
- Migraine With Aura – Strikes 25% of migraine sufferers, preceded by flickering and tingling sensations.
- Chronic Migraine – Headaches occur on ≥15 or more days per month, for at least 3 months.
- Hemiplegic Migraine – A type of migraine with aura that can temporarily cause weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, which can be mistaken for a stroke.
Knowing what kind you have can aid in finding the correct treatment.
Common Symptoms of a Migraine
Migraines can manifest differently for different people, but symptoms can include:
- Throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head
- Light, noise, or odour sensitivity (photophobia, phonophobia, and osmophobia, respectively)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual symptoms (aura), such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary blind spots
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Tiredness and lack of concentration
They can persist for between 4 hours and 3 days, ruining work, social life, and just life in general.
Causes and Triggers
Scientists are not certain what causes migraines, but they are believed to be related to abnormal brain activity, which causes changes in the way the nerves communicate as well as the blood vessels and chemicals in the brain. The trigeminal nerve, one of the nerves responsible for sensation in the face, is implicated in the generation of migraine pain.
Common Migraine Triggers
- Stress and anxiety—one of the most common causes of chronic suffering.
- Hormonal changes—Fluctuations in oestrogen levels, for example, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Certain foods and drinks—Aged cheeses, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine), and processed foods with additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Sleep disruptions—Both too much or too little sleep can trigger a migraine.
- Environmental factors—Bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and changes in weather.
If you can pinpoint your personal triggers, you might be able to prevent attacks.
Migraine Diagnosis
Migraines can’t be diagnosed with a single test—doctors have to rely on symptoms and medical history.
- Detailed history—Including the type and frequency of headaches and any associated symptoms.
- Migraine diary—Keep track of how often you have migraines, how bad they are, and possible triggers.
- Physical and neurological tests—To rule out other conditions such as tension headaches or cluster headaches.
If your migraines are severe or do not respond to routine treatments, a neurologist or headache specialist might advise further evaluation.
Treatment Options
1. Acute (Immediate) Treatments
These are intended to help ease symptoms during an attack:
- Over-the-counter pain relief—Ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol (effective if taken early).
- Prescription drugs—Triptans (sumatriptan) or ergotamines for more severe migraines.
- Anti-sickness medications—Such as metoclopramide or prochlorperazine.
2. Long-term (Preventative) Treatments
For chronic migraines, doctors might suggest:
- Beta-blockers (propranolol), anti-epileptics (topiramate), or antidepressants (amitriptyline).
- Botox injections—Approved for chronic migraines, administered every 12 weeks.
- CGRP inhibitors—Newer medications (such as erenumab) that block proteins linked to migraines.
3. Lifestyle Management
- Identify and avoid triggers (using a migraine diary).
- Stress-reduction techniques—Yoga, meditation, deep breathing.
- Regular sleep schedule—Consistent waking and sleeping times.
- Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
When to See a Doctor
While occasional migraines can typically be managed at home, see your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Frequent or worsening headaches (several times a month).
- Headaches unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments.
- Sudden, severe pain (unlike previous migraines—could indicate a serious issue).
- Neurological symptoms—Confusion, speech difficulties, vision loss.
Living with Migraines
Migraines can have a psychological and social impact, leading to frustration, anxiety, or depression. Support groups and counselling can help, as can:
- Maintaining a migraine diary to track patterns.
- Educating family and friends about your condition.
- Exploring relaxation techniques for stress management.
Conclusion
More than just a headache, migraines are a complex neurological condition that requires proper understanding and management to prevent them from taking over your life. There are many steps individuals can take to identify triggers, find effective treatments, and reduce migraine frequency and severity.
If migraines are disrupting your life, the experts at Chase Lodge Hospital can help. Book an appointment today to explore personalised treatment options.
