Got Migraines? Get the Must-know Facts

Migraines are an unfortunate reality for many people. Headache disorders are among the most common neurological problems experienced worldwide – with migraine, specifically, affecting about 39 million people in the U.S. and one billion worldwide.1

A migraine is usually described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. The majority of migraine sufferers have attacks once or twice a month, but more than four million people in the U.S. have “chronic” migraine – meaning they have migraine attacks at least 15 days in a month.1

Migraine sufferers may look perfectly healthy on the outside, and as such, there can be a stigma around the condition. Some dismiss migraines as “just a headache,” but migraine sufferers are acutely aware of how debilitating this condition can be. Migraine is the no. 6 most disabling health condition globally – more than 90% of sufferers cannot work or function normally during their migraines.1

If you or a loved one experience migraines, you should know it is nothing something you have to just live with. Below you will find critical migraine management information – including the causes, symptoms and treatment approaches you can take.

What Causes a Migraine?

There is a wide range of potential causes for migraines. Although everyone’s triggers are different, the most common ones include:2

Hormonal changes in women and hormonal medications, including birth control or hormone replacement therapy
Alcoholic or high-caffeine beverages
Stress
Changes in sleep, including getting too much or too little rest
Sensory stimuli – bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells
Weather changes or barometric pressure
Intense physical exertion or activity
Certain medications
Certain foods, namely salty and processed foods or aged cheese, and additives like aspartame (sweetener) and MSG (a popular preservative)

Symptoms of Migraine

For many people, migraines are more than just a headache. Migraines can occur in stages, and each step can bring a distinct set of signs and symptoms.

Prodrome

You may notice specific changes a day or two before a migraine. Warning symptoms include:2

Unexplained mood changes
Constipation
Food cravings
Neck stiffness
Frequent yawning
Increased thirst

Aura

Aura refers to a group of symptoms involving the nervous system. These symptoms, usually visual, gradually build and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Not everyone experiences aura, but in those that do, symptoms can include:2

Vision loss
“Pins and needles” feeling in an arm or leg
Visual phenomena, such as seeing bright spots, flashes of light or different shapes
Trouble speaking
Hearing noises
Feelings of weakness or numbness on one side of the body or the face

Attack

“Attack” refers to the migraine event itself. If left untreated, a migraine attack can last anywhere between four and 72 hours. People may experience any of the following during a migraine attack:2 Intense, sometimes pulsing or throbbing, pain. The pain is usually localized on one side of the head, but it can affect both Sensitivity to sound, light and sometimes touch or smell Nausea and vomiting

Drug Treatments for Migraine

The goal of migraine treatment is two-fold: stopping symptoms and preventing future attacks. The right treatment for you depends on how often you experience migraines, how severe they are, the types of accompanying symptoms you experience and other medical conditions you may have. There are two primary categories of medications used to treat migraines:2

Pain-relieving Medications

Pain-relieving medications are used during migraine attacks to stop symptoms. These are also called “acute” or “abortive” treatments. These medications work best if taken as soon as you first notice a sign that a migraine may be coming on. Acute medications include:2 Over-the-counter pain relievers. Pain relief medications you can find in your local pharmacy, including aspirin or ibuprofen, can help reduce the severity of an impending migraine. Triptans. A class of medications that address migraine by blocking pain pathways in the brain. Can be taken in pill, shot or nasal spray form. Dihydroergotamines. Class of medications that are most effective when taken as soon as symptoms start for migraines that usually last longer than a day. Available as a nasal spray or shot. Lasmiditan (Reyvow). A drug approved for specifically for the treatment of migraines with or without aura. It is effective in reducing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The medication is in pill form. Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy). Another drug approved for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. It helps reduce pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The medication is in pill form. Anti-nausea drugs. These can be useful if your migraines are accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Although prescription painkillers can also be used to help reduce migraine-related pain, these drugs are typically reserved for people who either cannot take one of the above medications or do not experience relief from them.

Preventive medications

Preventive medications are taken regularly, even daily, to help lower the overall frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Your doctor may prescribe a preventive agent if you experience chronic migraines. Types of medication shown to help prevent migraines include:2

Blood pressure-lowering medications, including beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers
Antidepressants
Anti-seizure medications
Botox injections
Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies

Natural Treatments for Migraines

Drug therapies, while effective and helpful for some, are not the best option for everyone. Medications can be expensive and come with unwanted side effects. Luckily, there are natural treatment strategies shown to be effective in addressing migraines – including:

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique that can help you learn to control migraines triggered by the physical reactions to stress. During biofeedback, a therapist attaches sensors and electrodes to your body to identify changes. There are a variety of biofeedback methods, but types commonly used to address headaches and migraines inlcude:3

Temperature. Measures blood flow to the skin.
Muscle contraction. Monitors the electrical activity that causes muscle contraction.
Brain waves. Monitoring brain waves using an electroencephalograph (EEG).
Breathing. Bands around the abdomen and chest monitor breathing patterns and respiration rate.

Yoga

Research suggests a potential reduction in both headache frequency and intensity among people who practice yoga. Yoga promotes improved balance in both the circulatory and nervous system.4 Certain poses that target tension and stress or improve blood circulation and flow to the brain may be best for improving migraine-related pain. These poses include:

Child’s pose
Bridge pose
Downward-facing dog
Corpse pose

Ginger

Ginger is widely known for its anti-nausea effects, including nausea from migraines, but research has also found that it can reduce the severity and duration of a migraine as effectively as prescription medications.5

Lavender

Research suggests inhaling lavender essential oil can help to relieve symptoms of migraine. In one study, participants who inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes during a bout of migraine experienced quicker symptom relief than participants who inhaled a placebo. Beyond inhalation, lavender oil can also be applied diluted directly to the temples.6

Acupuncture

Research has shown acupuncture can be an effective treatment for migraine pain. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is seen as a strategy for balancing “chi” (“qi” or “flow of energy”) thought to course through pathways, called meridians, in the body. Western medicine, however, views acupuncture of a means of stimulating nerves, muscles and connective tissues – which some believe to boost the body’s ability to produce natural painkillers.7

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to headaches and migraines, and research has shown that magnesium supplements can help reduce the frequency of attacks. Good food sources of magnesium include nuts, seeds, oatmeal and milk.8

Takeaway: Migraine is More Than Meets the Eye

Living with migraines can be overwhelming, especially if you have people around you who do not take the condition seriously. While there is no cure, there is hope for reduced pain. Make sure to work with a doctor or therapist you trust to help determine the best treatment and management strategies for you.