Does a migraine hurt a lot?

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on February 14, 2025
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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.

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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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Migraine continues to hurt for several days.

Migraine headaches that persist for several days might be a sign of a migraine condition. It's essential to handle this promptly to alleviate pain and improve the patient's quality of life. The following treatments are recommended for such patients. First, it's crucial to take pain-relief medication as soon as possible. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. If the pain remains severe and the effect is not apparent after taking these, one could use specific migraine medications like ergot preparations or triptans. Additionally, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers may be used, which can also produce good results. Migraine patients often suffer from sleep disorders, anxiety, and irritability. It might be appropriate to administer benzodiazepines, which can also benefit headache relief. (Please use medication under professional medical guidance and do not self-medicate.)

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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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What to eat for migraine?

Patients with migraines, when suffering from an attack, need to take some medications for treatment. Commonly used medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, which are effective for many patients. Additionally, specific anti-migraine drugs, such as ergot preparations, can also be used. Dietary considerations are also important; it is recommended that migraine sufferers eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to help supplement sufficient folic acid and vitamins, which have a very beneficial impact on blood vessels, because migraines are caused by vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, eating foods rich in B vitamins, such as lean meats, rice, millet, and sorghum is advisable. Migraine patients should avoid eating pickled foods, cheese, or chocolate.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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What should you pay attention to in daily life if you have migraines?

Patients with migraines should pay attention to maintaining a regular daily schedule, avoid staying up late, avoid overworking, and ensure sufficient sleep. Additionally, there are some foods that can trigger migraine attacks, such as pickled foods and salty vegetables, which contain nitrites that may provoke migraines. Other foods, like certain dairy products and red wine, can also trigger migraine attacks. Patients who experience migraines should try to avoid these types of foods to minimize occurrences. What is a migraine? Migraines typically present as unilateral head pain. A common symptom before the onset of a migraine headache is experiencing prodromal symptoms such as changes in vision, blurred vision, altered shapes, and seeing rippling patterns. These symptoms appear shortly before the headache begins, characterizing a typical migraine attack. During an attack, one can take pain relief medication to ease the pain. Migraines generally do not cause significant health issues, and even without medication, the pain usually resolves within a few hours, so there is no need to worry excessively. The main focus should be on the above points to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)