Clear Your Mind, Take Back Your Day

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.


Symptoms

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)

Diagnosis

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;



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.

How quickly do migraine pills work

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.

How can I prevent a migraine?

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.

DOCTORS AND CLINICIANS

Our expert team

Treatments available

Migraine treatments are mainly classified into acute and preventive.

Acute Treatments (During a migraine)

  • 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)

Preventive Treatments (Daily or Regular Use)

  • 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)

Lifestyle & Alternative Approaches

  • 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.

 

 

FAQ

Your questions answered

A regular headache usually involves a dull ache or pressure, affecting both sides of the head. A migraine, on the other hand, is a throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, usually accompanied by sensitivity to light, sounds, and nausea and vomiting.

Quick action at the onset of a migraine can save you a lot of pain later on.

Medication - Take a Triptan (Zolmitriptan, Almotriptan, Naratriptan, Sumatriptan or Rizatriptan) as soon as you feel a headache coming.
Hydrate - Dehydration can make migraines worse. If you are not experiencing nausea or vomiting, drink fluids.
Rest - Lie down in a dark, quiet room, avoiding loud noises, bright lights and strong odours.
Avoid physical activity and screens (TV, computer, phones)
Use a cold compress on your forehead
Make a note of what triggers the migraine

Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. This is mainly attributed to hormonal changes, especially the fluctuations of estrogen levels during menstruation in women.

Anti-nausea meds or ginger tea, and supplements can help relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Taking medications in a buccal tablet form or in non-oral form (like a nasal spray, suppository, or injection) can be more effectively absorbed when you are vomiting.

While not directly related, being overweight is a risk factor for migraines. As per certain research, the migraine symptoms could become more intense as one puts on weight.

Alcohol is a migraine trigger for many, especially red wine. Thus, migraine sufferers tend to avoid or drink less alcohol compared to others. A hangover can trigger a migraine or make it worse.

A migraine is a severe type of headache characterized by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Yes, certain foods like chocolate, cheese, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and processed meats can trigger migraines in some people. It’s important to track food intake to identify any personal triggers.

Yes, children can experience migraines, though the symptoms may differ. Children may have more frequent stomach issues, such as nausea or vomiting, rather than the typical head pain seen in adults.

Yes, stress is a common trigger for migraines. Emotional or physical stress can lead to changes in brain chemistry, which may bring on an episode. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and mindfulness can help reduce migraine frequency.
Current Treatment