Migraine: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
A migraine is a severe headache that usually feels like a throbbing pain on one side of the head. It can also affect the eyes and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. The pain can last for hours and even days and can be debilitating. Many people suffer from chronic migraines. They can be treated, and medication can help reduce the pain and symptoms of migraines.
Migraine Causes
It is not clear what causes migraines, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are several things that can trigger migraines. Serotonin levels play a significant role in migraines. Other possible causes include:
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Hormone changes
- Foods
- Food additives
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Bright lights
- Vision problems
- Change in sleep patterns
- Physical exertion
- Weather changes
- Medication
Migraine Symptoms
The symptoms of a migraine can vary from person to person. Some people experience mild symptoms or only suffer from migraine pain for a short time. Others have severe symptoms and suffer for hours and even days. For many people, migraines can be chronic and debilitating. The symptoms can become so bad that they cannot even leave their beds. Some common symptoms of migraines include:
- Confusion
- Pain
- Moodiness
- Dizziness
- Light sensitivity
- Sound sensitivity
- Weakness
- Vision loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
Migraine Diagnosis
Doctors can diagnose migraines based on a patient’s medical history and symptoms. They might use several diagnostic methods to confirm their diagnosis. Some common tests include:
- Blood Tests: Blood tests can check for infections, blood vessels, and toxins in the body that could be causing the migraines.
- Imaging: MRIs can show the doctors what the inside of the head looks like. It can help them find signs of a stroke, tumors, bleeds, and more.
- CT Scans: CT scans also allow doctors to look inside the head to see if there are any obvious reasons for the patient to be suffering from migraines.
- Spinal Tap: A spinal tap can help the doctors check for infections and other underlying causes of migraines.
Migraine Treatment
Migraines can be treated, and the symptoms can be managed. There are several different treatment options available. Some people can manage their migraines with one treatment method, while others must use several together to find relief. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Pain medication
- Preventative medication
- Stress management
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medication
- Muscle relaxation exercises
- Sleep scheduling
- Acupuncture
If you are currently residing in Houston and suffering from chronic migraines, seeking help from a specialist is highly recommended, as there are plenty of experts in the area who can help with your condition. A good Houston migraine specialist can provide personalized treatment options based on your specific symptoms and needs. They are highly trained in diagnosing and treating migraines and can work with you to find the best course of action for managing your condition.
Migraine Prognosis
Although migraines can be debilitating, they do not usually cause severe health problems. In rare cases, people who suffer migraines might be at risk for a stroke or an aneurysm. Most people who suffer from migraines will suffer with them throughout their lives unless the cause can be found and the treatment can be focused on that cause. Preventative medications can help reduce the number of migraines that a person suffers. Pain medications can also help reduce the severity of migraine symptoms. Migraines can worsen or improve with age, but most people do see an improvement with proper treatment.
