By Erin Hagan
Migraines and headaches have a significant impact on daily life for millions of people. Despite their prevalence, these conditions are often misunderstood and underestimated, which can hinder effective management and diagnosis.
June marks Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, providing an ideal opportunity to learn more about these neurological disorders and explore effective management strategies to empower individuals and healthcare providers alike.
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Exploring the World of Migraines and Headaches
Headaches are extremely common and are among the top reasons people take medication or visit healthcare providers. They range from mild aches to severe throbs and can last from minutes to hours. While common tension, cluster, and sinus headaches often go away on their own, persistent headaches may require a doctor’s visit to rule out any underlying conditions.
On the other hand, migraines are severe, recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. They can last for hours or even days, significantly interfering with everyday activities. Symptoms vary, but one common factor for those with migraines is that attacks often strike unexpectedly. The two most common types include:
- Migraine with aura (classic migraine): A recurring headache that strikes after or at the same time as a sensory disturbance known as an aura. Auras can manifest as flashes of light, blind spots, and other vision changes or tingling in the hand or face.
- Migraine without aura (common migraine): This is the most prevalent type of migraine, experienced by 75% of people with this condition. It is characterized by moderate to severe throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. Unlike migraines with aura, there are no visual or sensory warning signs before the headache begins.
Determining when to seek medical treatment and finding suitable providers can pose a challenge. While neurologists commonly diagnose migraines, there are also specialized practitioners known as headache specialists who possess advanced training and certification in headache medicine.
Mind Over Migraines
Untreated chronic migraines and headaches can increase the risk of depression and anxiety, and may lead to social isolation. However, there are many ways to help ease symptoms and prevent a likelihood of future attacks, such as:
- Keeping a Headache Journal: Identifying and avoiding triggers is key to reducing migraine and headache frequency and severity. Healthcare providers may advise patients to keep track of their eating habits, stress levels, and sleep patterns to identify potential triggers.
- Exploring Remedies for Relief: Various options are available for managing the symptoms of acute and chronic headache episodes. These include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and topical solutions such as hot and cold applications to help soothe pain.
- Using Digital Apps: Many useful migraine management apps are available to track triggers, monitor symptoms, and find relief techniques. For example, Migraine Buddy records detailed information about attacks and generates insightful reports for a patient and their doctor, while Bezzy Migraine is a social network that connects individuals with others who understand the challenges of living with migraines.
- Seeking Alternative Therapies: Patients may also benefit from exploring biofeedback—a technique teaching that helps people gain better control over thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Acupuncture, known to potentially boost serotonin and dopamine release, offers another option for chronic pain management.
More than Just a Pain in the Brain
Understanding migraines and headaches is vital for optimal management and overall well-being. Raising awareness, ensuring accurate diagnosis, and implementing effective treatment can bring significant relief. With proper support, healthcare providers aid individuals in managing their condition and enhancing their quality of life.
