For the uninitiated, migraine is a neurological disorder that often causes throbbing headaches, typically affecting one side of the head. The headache is often accompanied by other symptoms, like sensitivity to sound and light, besides vomiting and nausea. Migraine attacks can be serious and can last for days, and sometimes, the pain can be extremely severe, preventing the patient from doing daily activities. What are the common causes of migraines? Are migraines genetic? In this post, we are discussing some of these aspects in detail.
Symptoms
Migraine typically begins in childhood, but this is not always the case. There are different stages, which are prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. Migraines, unfortunately, are often misunderstood and undiagnosed. If you have signs and symptoms of Migraine, always consider visiting a headache treatment clinic, where experts can help you understand if migraine is the trigger or cause in the first place. There are various symptoms of migraine in each stage, which may include temporary vision loss too. You may feel drained after a migraine attack.
When to see a doctor?
If you have frequent pulsating headaches on one side of the head, you may want to see a doctor immediately. Also, see a doctor if headaches are accompanied by seizures, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Headache after the age of 50 can be related to migraines. If you have chronic headache problem, you should get checked anyway.
Risk factors
There is enough evidence to show that migraines can be genetic. In other words, if someone in your family had or has migraines, you have a chance of developing the same. While migraines can happen at any age, but signs are usually visible during adolescence. The peak happens around 30s, and with age, you may see a reduction in frequency. Sex is also known to trigger migraine attacks in women, and other causes include hormonal changes. In women, menopause or right before the period, migraine headaches can occur.
Final word
If you think you have migraine, or are unsure of what is causing frequenting headaches, getting yourself checked is the best approach. Migraines can be managed, and you may be asked to change lighting of your house to warm and soft white lights. Wearing sunglasses can help in reducing the impact of a migraine attack, and your doctor may give OTC medication for SOS use, such as ibuprofen. Check online for headache treatment clinics near you!
