Migraine

What Causes Migraine? Symptoms, Triggers, Relief Tips & When to Consult a Doctor

Migraine is not just a headache it’s a neuro vascular disorder, in which the brain’s blood vessels, nerves and neurotransmitters especially serotonin gets disturbed. The moment you hear the word ‘migraine’ you think about it as a disorder related to one-sided headache, irritability and sensitivity to light and sound, but migraine isn’t just this. Migraine can even occur without headache which is known as Silent Migraine or Migraine aura without headache.
Silent migraine is a variation, but the migraine that affects most of the people is the migraine with headache also known as classical migraine or migraine with aura.

What Happens During a Migraine Attack?

A migraine attack usually begins with a sudden disturbance in the brain’s electrical activity, neurotransmitters (especially serotonin) and blood vessels around the brain. When serotonin levels drop, the brain’s blood vessels expand leading to inflammation and further creates a throbbing headache.

How a Classic Migraine Feels?

Migraine headache isn’t a headache which we mistake for stress, tension or lack of sleep. It has very different symptoms which differentiate it from a normal headache, like a pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head, pain which increases with movement like walking, talking bending, pressure around eyes, sensitivity to light, sound and smell, neck stiffness, tiredness, irritability and even loss of focus. This combination is not found in normal headaches. Migraine pain feels rhythmic because as the blood flows along with the heartbeat, swollen vessels feel the pressure, that’s why migraine pain literally feels like rhythmic beats. This whole chain can last for hours or sometimes even days.

Most Common Triggers of Migraine

Classical migraine is based on triggers like:

• Skipping meals
• Stress or sudden emotional shift
• Blue light exposure
• Hormonal changes (periods, ovulation)
• Dehydration
• Strong perfumes / bright sunlight
• Certain foods like chocolate, aged cheese, Chinese food, wine

How to Manage Migraine?

1. Cold Compress

Cold compress on forehead and neck helps constrict the blood vessels, which helps in relieving pain. [1]

2. Magnesium-Rich Diet

Magnesium deficiency is very common in patients with migraine. Foods like pumpkin seeds, almonds , bananas and spinach can help balance magnesium. [2]

3. Regular Sleep Timing

Irregular bedtime or staying awake late can be an instant trigger for migraine. Sleeping at the same time and waking up and the same time while following a proper sleep schedule can help control migraine triggers.

4. CoQ10 Supplement

Coenzyme Q10 supports the mitochondria which helps reduce the migraine frequency. Research suggests that CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress and helps control inflammation triggered migraines and is one of the most supportive nutrients in the long run. [3]

Ayurvedic Therapies For Migraine

• Nasya Therapy
• Shirodhara Therapy
• Virechana Therapy
• Abhyanga Therapy
• Shirovasti
• Raktamoksha (Blood letting)

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

• Constant headache for 72 hours or more
• Vision changes (blurry, flashes)
• Frequent vomiting
• Numbness, weakness, speech issues
• First-time severe headache

These can be neurological red flags.

The Bottom Line

Classical migraine is a neurological condition in which aura works as your brain’s early alert system. The best way to manage this condition is to identify your personal triggers. Right sleep, stress control and timely meals reduces the frequency of migraine attacks. early detection, lifestyle changes and proper treatment and care truly changes everything.

FAQ’s

1. How long does a classic migraine last?
   It typically lasts 4 to 72 hours if untreated.
   
2. What does the aura feel like?
   You may see flashing lights, zig-zag lines, or temporary blind spots.
   
3. Is aura dangerous?
   No, but it warns you that a migraine attack is starting.
   
4. What triggers classic migraines?
   Stress, hormones, poor sleep, bright lights, skipped meals, and certain foods.
   
5. Who gets classic migraines the most?
   Women and those with a family history are more prone.