Migraine Headache Treatment in Chennai

Typically, what causes migraine headaches?

It is possible to develop migraines at any age. A higher proportion of women aged between 15 and 45 are inclined to develop it. Approximately 15% of the population suffers from it. Migraines are most often inherited.

In some cases, people will feel an aura – a sensation that hints that they are bound to get a headache. In approximately 60% of cases, the headache is unilateral. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting along with pulsatile Headache. Migraine sufferers tend to be sensitive to light (photophobia) and sound (phophobia). A migraine sufferer typically prefers a quiet, dark room when suffering from a headache. Pain may be exacerbated by physical activity.

What are the factors that trigger migraine attacks?

Migraine attacks can be caused by a variety of factors, so they should be avoided if you can.

Lifestyle triggers:

Skipping meals and not getting enough sleep are migraine triggers. Migraine-prone people need a minimum of six to eight hours of sleep per day, and to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Delaying or skipping meals may trigger migraine attacks.

Some of the foods that trigger migraines are:

Various foods when consumed in excess, such as cheese, chocolate, excessive coffee, alcoholic beverages, tyramine, processed foods, etc. will trigger migraines. If you observe and avoid these food items, you can improve your quality of life.

Environmental triggers include:

There are some triggers of migraines, including loud noises, flashing lights, scents, and smoking. In addition to physical stress, there can be emotional stress as well. A fluctuating menstrual cycle as well as taking oral contraceptives can sometimes worsen migraines.

Migraine sufferers can improve their quality of life and decrease the intensity and number of attacks by identifying the migraine triggers in their lifestyle and eliminating them.

What is the best way to diagnose migraines?

We recommend you seek medical advice regarding your diagnosis. A clinical history will be taken, a neurological examination performed and CT/MRI scans requested, as necessary. There are similarities between tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinusitis-related headaches and are to be ruled out. As a rule, blood tests and CT/MRI scans are normal in classic migraine. Your physician makes a diagnosis based on clinical evidence.

How can migraines be treated?

It is not recommended to self-medicate with over-the-counter pain relievers, like NSAIDs. In the long run, NSAIDS and high-dose painkillers can cause side effects on the gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular systems.

A migraine prophylaxis medication may be prescribed by your physician. Migraine attacks are less frequent and intense with these drugs. It is necessary, however, to take them over a long period of time. There are also drugs available to stop migraines.

What are the latest advances in treating migraine?

Recently Botulinum toxin Type A injections have been approved by US FDA for the treatment of chronic migraine. This provides excellent relief from a headache for a patient with severe debilitating headaches. Botulinum toxin Type A injections are safe procedures done in pain clinics by pain physicians but may need to be repeated. Biofeedback and neurostimulators are also being tried in select patients. External neurostimulators like Cefaly Neurostimulator and eNeura neurostimulator have been showing promising results in migraine. 

What is the long term prognosis in migraine sufferers?

With lifestyle modifications and migraine trigger avoidance alone, significant improvement in quality of life can be achieved. Generally, migraine symptoms lessen with age. In addition, relaxation techniques, regular exercises, a more socially active lifestyle, a positive outlook, yoga, meditation helps in migraine sufferers.

When should you attend to headaches on an urgent basis?

See your physician immediately or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following signs and symptoms, which may indicate other, more serious medical problems:

• An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
• Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
• New headache pain if you’re older than 50

Migraine is an entirely treatable condition. There are safe and effective techniques to treat migraine.