Freedom from Migraines, Freedom to Live
Migraines are painful and unbearable headaches, characterised by intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. It is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Many people experience some warning signs (aura) before the onset of a migraine, like visual changes, tingling, or difficulty speaking. Migraines normally consume a person completely, so much so that they are unable to do anything else.
Migraines can last for anywhere from a couple of hours to days. It is usually triggered by stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, hormones, or bright lights. Symptoms can get worse with physical activity, strong odours, and loud noises.
Migraines can have many different symptoms, as follows;
Throbbing or pulsating headache usually on one side of the head
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, or strong smells
Visual disturbances (aura) – such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots (in some cases)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue or weakness
Neck stiffness or pain
Mood fluctuations, like irritability or depression, before the migraine starts
Difficulty concentrating
Tingling or numbness in the face or hands (with aura)
For diagnosing a migraine headache, a clinical assessment, medical history, and physical and neurological examinations are required. There are no specific imaging or lab tests that can be done to diagnose a migraine.
The following processes can be followed;
Medical History: Your doctor will ask you a couple of questions about your health, like when the migraines start, how long they last, how they feel and associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances and light sensitivity.
Trigger & Pattern Tracking: You may be asked to keep a diary tracking the headaches to figure out possible triggers, severity and frequency.
Physical & Neurological Exam: A basic exam that will help to rule out other conditions, such as sinus infections or neurological disorders.
Diagnostic Criteria: Doctors often use guidelines like those from the International Headache Society (IHS), which define migraines based on symptoms, such as having at least five attacks lasting 4–72 hours with specific characteristics (e.g., one-sided pain, throbbing, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound).
Imaging Tests (if needed): In some cases, especially if the headaches are unusual, sudden, or worsening, your doctor might order a CT scan or MRI to rule out other causes like tumors, strokes, or structural issues.
A quick and free evaluation by ‘Better Meds’ can help you get the best treatment for your condition. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your health, and our medical experts will guide you from there!
The types of migraines include;
Migraine with aura (classic migraine) - Nearly 20-30% of sufferers experience this type of migraine, which is characterised by flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, and speech issues that occur before the onset of a migraine.
Migraine without aura (common migraine) - Nearly 70-90% of sufferers experience this type of migraine, which is characterised by throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Chronic Migraine - These last for at least 15 days over 3 months.
Hemiplegic Migraine - this is a rare type of migraine that causes weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the body, similar to a stroke.
Vestibular Migraine - These are characterised by balance issues, dizziness, vertigo, nausea and motion sensitivity. There may or may not be headaches along with the above symptoms.
Menstrual Migraine - They typically occur along with the menstrual cycle due to hormonal imbalances. These can be prolonged and difficult to treat compared to other migraines.
Retinal (Ocular) Migraine - These are characterised by visual disturbances in one eye.
Abdominal Migraine - They are accompanied by severe abdominal pain that lasts anywhere from one to 72 hours, and primarily affects children. There might or might not be a headache.
Status Migranosus - These migraines last over 72 hours and might require emergency medical intervention. These have symptoms similar to a typical migraine but are more severe.
Do I have Migraine?
You might have a migraine if you experience a throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head, that lasts between 4 to 72 hours. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. Physical activity and strong odours could increase the pain, and some people might also notice visual disturbances like flashing lights or blurry vision before the headache starts. If your headaches follow this pattern and disrupt your daily activities, they could be migraines.
How can I treat it?
While there is no permanent cure for a migraine, they can be managed and treated with some prescription meds, home remedies, as well as lifestyle changes.
What is it?
Migraines are intense headaches, usually on one side of the head, often with nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. They can last for hours to days and may be triggered by stress, sleep changes, or certain foods. Some people also experience visual disturbances called auras before the headache starts.
What causes Migraines?
Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity that alters nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. They are caused by a variety of factors like stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods (like cheese or chocolate), dehydration, bright lights, strong smells, and weather changes. Migraines also have genetic dispositions as they often run in families.
Migraine meds work best when taken shortly after the first symptom of the migraine attack. Over-the-counter prescriptions like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Paracetamol start working within 30-60 minutes of the first symptom of a migraine.
Prescription drugs like Triptans (naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, Almotriptan) take 30 mins to 2 hrs to start showing their effect after the initial signs of a migraine attack.
It is crucial to identify and avoid personal triggers to prevent a migraine while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Common strategies include being consistent with your sleep schedule, staying well-hydrated, and eating balanced meals.
Manage stress with meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, and limit caffeine and alcohol. Track your migraines in a diary to spot patterns and avoid triggers like specific foods, strong smells, bright lights, or hormonal changes.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin (best if taken early)
Triptans: Prescription drugs (like sumatriptan, Almotriptan, Zolmitriptan, Naratriptan) that target migraine pathways
Anti-nausea medications: Useful if nausea or vomiting is present
Ergots: For severe migraines not responding to triptans
CGRP receptor antagonists: Newer drugs that block migraine-causing proteins (e.g., rimegepant)
Beta-blockers: Like propranolol, these are often used for high blood pressure
Antidepressants
Anti-seizure drugs: Like topiramate or valproate
CGRP monoclonal antibodies: Injectables (e.g., erenumab) for frequent migraines
Botox injections: Approved for chronic migraines (15+ days/month)
Stress management: Yoga, deep breathing, meditation
Diet changes: Avoiding known triggers like aged cheese, caffeine, or alcohol
Sleep & hydration: Get enough sleep and drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Supplements (under a doctor’s advice): Magnesium, riboflavin (B2), or coenzyme Q10 could help in the prevention of migraines.
Acupuncture or physical therapy: These are holistic ways to reduce migraine intensity and frequency.