What causes migraines?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Migraine is a very common type of headache, particularly among young people. The specific causes and mechanisms of migraine are not very clear at present. The main reasons are attributed to the following: First, vascular dysregulation, where abnormalities in the contraction and dilation of brain blood vessels can disrupt the regulation of blood supply to the brain, leading to headache attacks. Second, abnormal neuron discharges, where some people experience unusual discharges in the neurons of the cerebral cortex, causing migraines. Third, some experts believe that issues with the trigeminal ganglion can cause migraines. Additionally, migraines are closely related to excessive tension, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and poor physical condition. Therefore, migraine sufferers should pay attention to rest, ensure good sleep, maintain a stable mood, and avoid excessive stress.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How many days can a migraine recover?

For most cases of migraines, patients generally recover within three days. If migraine-specific medications are administered, recovery can be faster, with symptoms significantly alleviated within a day. If a migraine persists for more than three days without recovery, it is known as a status migraine, and specific migraine medications need to be used, such as ergot preparations or triptan drugs, which are effective. Some patients with prolonged migraine duration may need sedatives and drugs to reduce intracranial pressure for symptomatic treatment. Patients with migraines must ensure adequate rest, ensure good sleep, and maintain stable emotions. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What are the symptoms of migraines?

The main symptoms of migraines include the patient experiencing photophobia and phonophobia, meaning a sensitivity to light and sound respectively. These stimuli can significantly worsen the headache. Patients often prefer to rest or sleep in a quiet environment. The second major symptom is a pronounced pulsating headache on one side, where the patient can feel a palpable throbbing of the blood vessels. Additionally, patients may also experience significant nausea and vomiting. Some migraine sufferers may have visual disturbances, such as seeing flashes of light or observing moving water-like visuals. At times, migraine patients may also experience episodes of vertigo, referred to as cluster migraines. Therefore, it is evident that migraine symptoms are quite common and need to be recognized and treated accordingly.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Which department should I go to for migraines?

Patients with migraines should visit the neurology department for treatment. Typical migraines often begin with an aura that changes how one sees things before an attack. After the aura appears, symptoms of pain on one side of the head may occur, usually resolving completely within a few hours. These symptoms can recur, and during an attack, symptomatic oral pain relievers can be used for treatment. To prevent migraines, one should avoid staying up late and consuming pickled foods, which contain nitrates that can trigger migraine attacks. Leftovers also contain nitrates and can induce migraines, so it's best to avoid them as well. Additionally, red wine and dairy products can trigger migraines and should be avoided. Overall, since migraines are a neurological disorder, it is advisable to seek treatment in the neurology department.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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How to relieve migraines?

Patients with migraines can take oral painkillers to alleviate the pain during an attack. If the patient also experiences nausea, they can take medication to protect the stomach lining and treat nausea and vomiting to relieve symptoms, since migraines do not pose a major threat to one's health. However, it is essential to confirm that the headache is indeed a migraine and not caused by conditions such as cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Typically, before a migraine attack, there are characteristic prodromal symptoms such as blurred vision or the appearance of wave-like patterns. These symptoms are followed shortly by unilateral or bilateral headaches, which can resolve completely within a few hours even without treatment. These symptoms tend to recur, which are indicative of typical migraines. During an episode, oral painkillers can be taken for relief. To prevent migraines, it is advisable to avoid staying up late, consuming pickled foods, cheese, and red wine as these can trigger migraines. It is recommended to avoid these foods as much as possible. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Does a migraine hurt a lot?

Migraine is a severe type of headache, but generally does not last long and usually does not come with symptoms of limb weakness or nausea and vomiting. It often resolves on its own after a few hours, even without treatment. Typical migraine attacks often have some precursory symptoms related to vision changes, such as blurred vision, distorted shapes, or the appearance of water-like ripples; these symptoms are followed shortly by headaches, either on one side or both sides of the head. Migraines do not generally have a major impact on one's health. During an attack, taking ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can help alleviate the pain. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid staying up late and overworking. Certain foods, such as pickled products, salty vegetables, and nitrates, can trigger migraines; some dairy products and red wine can also provoke headaches, so it is best to avoid these foods to prevent migraines.