What are the symptoms of migraines?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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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How to relieve a migraine?

When a migraine occurs, one can temporarily take some painkillers for symptomatic treatment, which can quickly alleviate the pain. The prerequisite is to ensure that it is indeed a migraine. Typically, before a migraine starts, there are some precursor symptoms related to vision where one might experience blurred vision, distorted vision, or see wave-like patterns in front of their eyes. The headache symptoms often follow these visual symptoms after a short duration. Migraines can recur, and even without treatment, some may completely resolve within a few hours, which is typical of migraines. The occurrence of a migraine generally does not have a major impact on one's health, so one can take painkillers for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid staying up late and overworking. Foods such as pickled products, cheese, and red wine should also be avoided as much as possible, as they can trigger migraine attacks.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can migraine be treated with moxibustion?

Moxibustion can be used for patients experiencing migraines, as it is a type of physical therapy within traditional Chinese medicine that effectively helps regulate the body and alleviate symptoms. Initially, moxibustion can be applied to acupoints such as Sanyinjiao, Quchi, and Fenglong, which can effectively help relieve migraines. Alternatively, massaging the head with palms also has a soothing effect. If the pain is severe, taking pain relief medication promptly can also improve and regulate the condition. It is crucial to maintain adequate sleep, avoid excessive fatigue, and particularly avoid staying up late.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which area is moxibustion applied for migraines?

Migraines can be relieved through moxibustion by targeting specific acupoints to alleviate headache symptoms. Firstly, local acupoints can be selected; for migraines, you can use the Ah-Shi points, and also massage points such as the temples, Si Zhu Kong, Jiao Sun, Shuai Gu, and Feng Chi. Additionally, based on differential diagnosis, distant acupoints may be chosen. For instance, if the migraine is caused by external pathogens, add Feng Chi and Feng Fu points. If caused by phlegm and turbidity disturbances, add Feng Long and Zu San Li to clear phlegm and reduce turbidity. For migraines due to deficiency of qi and blood, add Qi Hai, Xue Hai, and Zu San Li to nourish yin and replenish qi, with the aim of treating deficiencies and alleviating pain.

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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 causes migraines?

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.