By: Adam Perrault
Introduction
A migraine is a type of episodic disorder that typically causes intense throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Migraines can affect anyone at any age, but they often begin during adolescence or early adulthood.
Causes and risk factors
There is no known cause for migraines, but genetics plays a part (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Research indicates that up to 80% of individuals with migraines have a first-degree biological relative who also experiences migraines (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Some risk factors that more likely affect/cause a migraine are hidden medical conditions such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and regular use of tobacco products (nicotine patches, e-cigarettes, cigars, etc.) (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Signs and symptoms
There are 4 stages of a migraine: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. Not everyone experiences all four stages, and each will be discussed individually.
Most people experience the prodrome, which is the first stage and occurs 1 to 2 days before a migraine (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Typically this phase can last between several hours to occur for several days (American Migraine Foundation, 2018). It is important if you are going through this phase to a health provider so that they can reduce or even completely prevent the intensity of an oncoming headache (American Migraine Foundation, 2018). Symptoms can vary such as difficulty concentrating, yawning frequently, increased urination, neck stiffness, cravings for food, mood changes, and constipation (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Some people may go through the stage of Aura and can last between five minutes to an hour (American Migraine Foundation, 2018). You can also experience both the aura and a headache that can occur together (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Some symptoms may be vision changes (seeing things like flashing lights or/and vision loss), hearing (ringing in the ear), and muscle weakness (may be in the arms, legs, or even on the face) (American Migraine Foundation, 2018).
The headache phase or migraine attack is a stage that everyone experiences and can last from 4 hours to 3 days (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Migraine headache signs can vary between individuals, ranging from mild to unbearable (American Migraine Foundation, 2018). Most symptoms include sensitivity in the senses, pain that pulses on one side of the head or both, and nausea/vomiting (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
The final stage, known as postdrome or migraine hangover, affects about 80% of people and can last between one to two days (American Migraine Foundation, 2018). Symptoms can include dizziness, body aches, fatigue, sensitivity to light, and trouble concentrating (American Migraine Foundation, 2018).
Treatment and management
There is no known cure for migraines, but a medical professional can help you manage symptoms through strategies like avoiding triggers, taking medications, and exploring other remedies (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Tracking your migraines in a diary, journal, or app is important; record when it happened, how long it lasted, and how you felt to help prevent triggers (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Common triggers that can be prevented include dealing with stress, changes in sleep patterns, and avoiding addictive substances like tobacco or caffeine (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Talk to your healthcare provider to recognize what kind of medicines to take such as over-the-counter medicines (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin), beta-blocker, and many other medications (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Epilepsy related complications
People who have epilepsy are twice as likely to have a migraine (American Brain Foundation, 2022). Epilepsy and migraine are similar in that they are both episodic disorders (American Brain Foundation, 2022). Episodic disorders have a strong genetic basis and are often triggered by factors such as diet, fatigue, and stress. They typically begin in childhood or adolescence and often improve with age (American Brain Foundation, 2022). Epilepsy doesn’t cause migraines, but can cause a headache which is a pre or post seizure symptom. Additionally, both conditions share the pre-symptom of an “aura” (American Brain Foundation). One study found that 58% of individuals with focal epilepsy (one side of the brain) experience, and 13% of those with generalized epilepsy (both sides of the brain) experience aura which can show signs of when a seizure will happen (American Brain Foundation).
Conclusion
Migraines is an episodic disorder that causes a bad headache on one side of the brain or both. It has 4 stages and not everyone goes through all of them. The order goes prodrome, aura, migraine attack, and postdrome. People with epilepsy are twice as likely to get it with very similar symptoms. There is no curable treatment, but many ways to manage your symptoms to prevent it from happening.
References
American Brain Foundation. (2022, November 23). Disease Connections: Migraine and Epilepsy. American Brain Foundation. Retrieved from:https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/disease-connections-migraine-an d-epilepsy/
American Migraine Foundation. (January 18, 2018). The Timeline of a Migraine Attack. American Migraine Foundation. Retrieved from: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/timeline-migraine-attack/.
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Migraine Headaches. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Migraine. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/
