Migraines: A migraine is a brain-related condition that causes a painful headache and often includes other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light. It affects about 37 million people in the United States and is more intense than a regular headache. It occurs when overactive nerve cells trigger the trigeminal nerve, which sends sensation to the head and face. The pain is usually throbbing and usually only affects one side of the head.

Other symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound, visual auras (loss of vision in one eye or tunnel vision), tingling or numbness on the skin and feeling warm or cold. The cause of a migraine isn’t fully understood, but it seems to be related to changes in levels of a body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin controls how blood vessels in the brain and other parts of the body work. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels in the brain and other parts of your body swell up, leading to pain and other symptoms.

There are several things that can trigger migraines including food, drinks, stress, lack of sleep and some medications like birth control pills. There’s also a possibility that some migraine episodes are caused by an infection called herpes simplex virus.

Allergies, a common problem in children and adults, can also be a trigger for migraines. Other possible triggers include changes in the weather, air pressure, light or smells. Family history and genetics play a role in migraines, and people with a family history of the disorder are more likely to get them themselves.

Many doctors diagnose a migraine by looking at the patient’s history, symptoms and medical records. They may also order an MRI or CT scan to rule out any underlying problems. But these tests aren’t needed for the vast majority of migraine patients.

It’s important for people who suffer from a Migraines to keep track of their attacks and any other symptoms they experience, and show this information to their healthcare providers. It helps healthcare providers understand how each attack affects the patient and how well treatments are working.

The treatment for a Migraines focuses on medication to treat the pain and other symptoms, as well as lifestyle changes. People who are frequent sufferers of migraines should consider preventive treatment, which involves a combination of diet, exercise and daily prescription medications like blood pressure drugs, antidepressants or epilepsy medications.

There are many types of medications used to treat a Migraines, including NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin), triptans and ergot alkaloids. NSAIDs and antiemetics help reduce nausea and vomiting in about two thirds of patients. Triptans, such as sumatriptan and eletriptan, are typically prescribed to those with severe migraines and for those who don’t respond to NSAIDs or antiemetics. Ergot alkaloids, such as metoclopramide and chlorpromazine, are usually reserved for those who do not respond to other medications or whose symptoms do not improve after a few days.

Should you wish to discuss your condition with an experienced Australian trained Doctor or expert in this area. Please book in for an online and Telehealth consultation. Phenix Health is always available when you need us 24/7. Contact bookings@phenixhealth.com.au