Migraine Headache Treatment in Noida, Delhi Ncr, India

Migraine is a type of headache presenting with moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. It often has triggers like missed meals, caffeine, certain foods, and lack of sleep. Episodes last 4-72 hours, interfere with routine activities & worsen with light, sound & smells.

Types of Migraines

• Migraine without aura (Common Migraine): No aura before an episode; 75-80% of cases.
• Migraine with aura: Visual disturbances or other sensory changes before the headache.

Other Types Include:

• Menstrual migraine: Linked to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle.
• Chronic migraine: Headaches on 15+ days a month for over three months.
• Abdominal migraine: Mainly in children, with abdominal pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
• Basilar migraine: Involves symptoms like slurred speech, dizziness, tinnitus, and double vision.
• Vestibular migraine: Associated with vertigo.

Migraine Headache Symptoms:  Migraines progress through four stages:

1. Prodrome: Cravings, constipation, fluid retention, excessive yawning, neck stiffness, mood changes.
2. Aura: Visual disturbances, loss of vision, weakness or numbness, pricking sensation, difficulty speaking.
3. Attack: Unilateral/bilateral headache, throbbing, sensitivity to light/sound, nausea, worsens with activity.
4. Post-drome: Confusion, fatigue after the headache resolves.

Migraine Headache Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but it may involve brain chemical imbalances and changes in brainstem interactions with the trigeminal nerve. Triggers include alcohol, smoking, food additives, hormonal imbalances, irregular eating, stress, lack of sleep, physical exertion, medications, and weather changes.

Migraine Headache Diagnosis: Doctors evaluate symptoms, medical history, and family history, and may perform tests like MRI and CT scans to rule out other conditions.

Migraine Headache Treatment: Though not curable, migraines can be managed through lifestyle changes, avoiding triggers, and medications. Treatments aim to reduce or abort headaches and prevent future episodes. Common medications include NSAIDs, ergotamine, triptans, and preventive therapies for frequent headaches.

Migraine Headache Complications: Overuse of analgesics can lead to medication-overuse headaches. Migraine is associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, especially with aura.

Migraine Headache Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition
• Peak age between 20-40 years
• Higher prevalence in women
• Hormonal imbalances

Prognosis

Migraine headaches typically become less severe with time. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Reviewed & Updated On

Reviewed by Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta, Director – Metro Group of Hospitals, Managing Director – Metro College of Health Sciences and Research, Sr. Consultant – Neurology on 12 June 2024.