Chiama o invia un messaggio

Cerca

Understanding Migraine Headaches: Key Information and Treatment Approaches

Migraine headaches are a common symptom of underlying neurological conditions. They represent a chronic and recurring health problem that affects about 30% of those who experience headaches [1]. Migraines can significantly disrupt a person’s focus, concentration, and productivity. While over-the-counter pain medications and home remedies may provide temporary relief, lasting pain relief requires treatment strategies that address the root cause.

What Are Migraine Headaches?

Migraine is defined by the occurrence of unilateral headaches ranging from mild to severe intensity. The episodes of migraine headaches are caused by multiple factors. Post-pubertal women are more prone to migraines than men. Migraines can be classified as acute or chronic, depending on whether the headache episodes occur for fewer than 15 days per month or more, respectively. Migraines contribute significantly to the global disease burden and can negatively affect an individual’s overall work performance [2, 3].

Causes and Triggers of Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches have a complex and multifactorial origin. Many migraine sufferers have a genetic predisposition, with environmental factors often acting as triggers that induce symptoms. Common triggers are listed below in order of their prevalence [4]:

Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

Symptoms of migraine headaches can last from a few hours to up to three days. Common symptoms include [5]:

Types of Migraine Headaches

Migraines are mainly classified into two types: migraines with aura and migraines without aura. An aura consists of sensory disturbances experienced before or during a migraine attack [6].

Migraine With Aura

Approximately one-third of migraines fall into this category. Aura symptoms are reversible and can be visual, sensory, speech-related, motor, retinal, or connected to the brainstem. Visual symptoms may include blind spots, blurry vision, temporary loss of vision, and wavy lines in the visual field.

Migraine Without Aura

This type accounts for the majority of migraines. Symptoms of migraine without aura include nausea, vomiting, irritability, low blood pressure, and dark circles under the eyes. Patients may also experience light sensitivity (photosensitivity) and sensitivity to sounds (hyperacusis).

Understanding the Normal Healing Cycle

To effectively treat migraines, it is important to understand the normal healing cycle, which consists of three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation.

Fase infiammatoria

During this stage, the body recruits inflammatory cells to the site of injury. These inflammatory mediators cause redness, swelling, pain, and warmth. The primary aim is to eliminate the source of inflammation.

Fase di proliferazione

This stage involves reepithelialization and new blood vessel formation. Fibroblasts lay down collagen fibers that provide a framework for healing.

Fase di maturazione

The maturation stage marks the resolution of the healing process. In cases of chronic inflammation, the healing cycle repeatedly shifts between the inflammatory and proliferative stages, preventing full resolution.

Ineffective Treatments for Migraine Headaches

Several home remedies and clinical techniques are commonly used to relieve migraines, but they often provide only temporary relief and do not address the inflammation or proliferation stages of the healing cycle. Ineffective treatments include ice and heat therapy, electrical stimulation, massage, foam rolling, muscle stretching, and strengthening exercises during the inflammation stage. Some of these treatments can even exacerbate migraine symptoms.

Effective Treatments for Migraine Headaches

Although medications for migraines can provide short-term relief, they are often associated with rebound headaches and can even trigger migraine symptoms. A comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines includes:

Conclusione

Migraine headaches are a debilitating condition, and various avoidable environmental triggers should be managed to reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes. An effective treatment plan involves minimizing exposure to triggers, following an anti-inflammatory diet, utilizing magnetic therapy, and addressing fascial restrictions, scar tissue, and trigger points.

Riferimenti 

  1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32809622/  
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4416971/ 
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560787/ 
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279373/ 
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6734209/ 
  7. https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-018-0913-8
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30252294/