7. Constipation
Constipation is one of the symptoms in the prodrome phase. A chemical called serotonin may be responsible for it since it plays an active role in both migraine and constipation.
Migraine is caused by some changes in serotonin levels. A drop in the serotonin level in the intestines causes constipation. This explains why you experience constipation when you have a migraine headache.
6. Food Cravings
Another migraine headache symptom in the prodrome phase is food cravings. You are most likely to have food cravings before the head pain occurs.
Studies have shown that food cravings are associated with one of the many functions of the hypothalamus. This is a tiny part of the brain that controls appetite. Any disruption in its activity causes food cravings.
5. Tingling Sensation
The tingling sensation experienced in the aura phase can be associated with the chemical or electrical wave that travels along the visual and sensory pathways of the brain.
Aside from the tingling sensation, you can also experience some numbness. In common cases, numbness can be felt in the face and hands but it can also spread throughout the body.
4. Difficulty Speaking
Difficulty speaking in the aura phase can also be associated with the electrical activity traveling across the visual cortex. This particular symptom, which is also referred to as transient aphasia, is a communication disorder where there is a struggle to find words.
Manifesting this particular symptom means difficulty in comprehending both spoken and written language.
3. Pain
Pain is a common symptom in the attack phase of a migraine headache. It’s a result of abnormal brain activity where the blood vessels that surround the brain dilate due to low serotonin. The expansion causes pain in the head, combined with feelings of nausea and vomiting.
The kind of pain that is commonly experienced during a migraine attack is one that is throbbing or pounding. While it starts off as a dull ache, it eventually progresses to severe pain.
2. Sensitivity To Light And Sound
It is also typical for some people with migraine to experience sensitivity to light and sound. This is brought about by dysfunction in the cerebellum and frontal lobe, both of which are critical in light and sound processing.
1. Feeling Fatigued
The post-drome phase is also known as a migraine hangover. This is the final phase of a migraine headache and it is characterized by a feeling of fatigue. It is caused by the effects of the dissonance of the various systems of your body.
Although this phase doesn’t happen all the time, there’s always an 80% chance that it will.
Treatments And Care
There are medications that can be used to relieve the discomfort of migraines. These medications are categorized as pain-relieving and preventive medications. A few examples of the former are pain relievers, opioid medications, and anti-nausea drugs.
Examples of preventive medications are blood pressure-lowering drugs, anti-seizure drugs, and antidepressants. It is best to get with your health provider to see which kind of medication is best for you.
There are also natural ways to treat a migraine headache. Drinking lots of water, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising are the most common ways to prevent a migraine headache.
If migraine is not treated early, it could lead to serious health conditions. Frequent migraine attacks can increase the risk of cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
Here are the various critical migraine treatments and reliefs that you should know about.
15. Close Your Eyes
Closing your eyes and going to a dark, quiet place can also help treat a migraine headache. Light stimulates nerve cells in the brain. This leads to more pain during a migraine headache attack.
Light also excites brain cells, increasing brain activity. Shutting your eyes and getting some sleep can quell the brain cells, causing brain activity to decrease.
14. Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the affected area can suppress pain. It numbs the affected area, reducing pain. Cold can also delay nerve transmission, lessening the sensation of pain.
It also constricts the blood vessels which decreases the blood flow. Hence, it helps reduce inflammation. Applying an ice pack at the onset of a migraine headache can prevent further pain.
13. Essential Oils
Essential oils can also be used to treat migraine. The most popular essential oil used for migraine is peppermint oil. It can be inhaled or applied to the affected area for relief. Menthol is one of the main ingredients of peppermint essential oil. As a natural component, it’s often used in the production of medicines.
Menthol has analgesic effects that can help treat migraine. It blocks certain neurons to prevent neuronal excitability, Furthermore, menthol stimulates the thermoreceptors of the body, signaling the brain to cool down. The calming and relaxing effect can help lessen the pain of a migraine attack.
12. Exercise
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. These hormones are natural painkillers. They are responsible for your good and happy moods.
Exercise can also help manage stress, a common trigger of migraine headaches. It helps boost self-esteem and alleviate depression, associated with migraine headaches. Regular exercise can prevent the onset of migraine headache attacks since it enhances well-being.
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