Migraines are those headaches that are anything but normal. They’re intense, recurring, and can knock you out for hours or even days. It’s not just an average headache; migraines come with a bunch of other symptoms that make them tough to deal with. Lots of people around the world suffer from migraines.
Migraine symptoms
Migraines aren’t just a headache. They usually come along with other symptoms that make them even harder to handle:
- Pulsing pain: Migraine pain is typically pulsing, usually affecting one side of the head, but sometimes it spreads to both sides.
- Sensitivity to light and sound: Bright lights and loud noises can make things worse during a migraine, so it’s best to lock yourself in a dark, quiet room and be alone, with as little noise as possible.
- Nausea or vomiting: It’s common for people with migraines to feel sick to their stomach or even throw up.
- Aura: Some people experience something called “aura” before the migraine hits, which can include seeing flashing lights or blurry vision.
Causes of migraines
There isn’t a single cause of migraines. A bunch of things can trigger them, like stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods, or even changes in the weather. There’s also a genetic factor—so if someone in your family gets migraines, chances are, you might too. You don’t choose your family; you just get what you get.
Treatment and prevention
There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for migraines, but there are ways to manage them a little better:
- Medication: From over-the-counter painkillers to more specific medications, your doctor can prescribe something to help relieve the symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: Avoiding triggers, sticking to a regular sleep routine, and reducing stress can help keep migraines from showing up as often.
- Alternative therapies: Some people find relief with things like meditation, yoga, or simply changing their diet.