Migraine: Causes, Symptoms, Triggers, and Ways to Manage It

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological condition that involves repeated episodes of headache, often with a throbbing sensation. These headaches are generally accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell.

Unlike a usual headache, the pain caused by migraine can last for several hours and, in some cases, for multiple days. In most cases, the pain is felt on one side of the head, although it can affect both sides as well.

What Are the Types of Migraine?

Migraines can be of several types, including those accompanied by aura symptoms, those without aura symptoms, and those accompanied by vertigo. The exact symptoms and their intensity can vary significantly from one person to another.

Understanding the different types of migraine can help you recognise symptoms and manage the condition better.

• Migraine with aura: You experience headaches along with visual disturbances such as blurred vision, blind spots, or speech difficulty.
• Migraine without aura: You get headaches but do not experience visual or speech disturbances.
• Chronic migraine: Migraine attacks occur for 15 or more days a month.
• Migraine with brainstem aura: You experience neurological symptoms such as slurred speech and ringing in the ears along with headaches.
• Vestibular migraine: Along with headaches, you experience vertigo or difficulty maintaining balance.
• Abdominal migraine: This commonly affects children, with stomach pain being the main symptom rather than headaches.
• Hemiplegic migraine: You may experience weakness on one side of the body during an attack.
• Menstrual migraine: These migraine attacks are directly linked to the menstrual cycle.

What Are the Stages of Migraine?

There are four stages in which you may experience migraine symptoms: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome.

The duration of each stage can vary from person to person. Understanding these stages can help you recognise when an attack is starting and take steps to manage it.

Stages of Migraine	What You May Experience
Prodrome	Mood swings, constipation, neck stiffness, and fluid retention.
Aura	Slurred speech, numbness, and visual discomfort.
Attack	Headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Postdrome	Fatigue, dizziness, and neck stiffness.

What Are the Symptoms of Migraine?

Migraine symptoms can begin before the headache and may continue even after the pain has reduced. This is why a migraine attack can feel like a longer experience rather than just a headache.

Prodrome Symptoms

The prodrome stage can begin hours or even a day before the headache. The symptoms may be subtle but can act as early signs that a migraine attack is approaching.

• Mood swings
• Cravings for particular foods
• Constipation
• Neck stiffness
• More frequent urination
• Fluid retention or bloating
• Increased tiredness

Aura Symptoms

Aura refers to temporary neurological symptoms that occur before or during a migraine attack. These symptoms usually develop gradually and may last between five and 60 minutes.

• Temporary reduction or loss of vision
• Flashes or bright spots in vision
• Tingling sensations in an arm, hand, or face
• Temporary numbness or weakness
• Difficulty speaking

Aura symptoms usually resolve on their own. However, new or unusual neurological symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be migraine. Seek medical attention if symptoms are sudden, severe, or different from your usual pattern.

Migraine Attack Symptoms

A migraine attack can last for several hours and, in some cases, continue for up to three days. During this stage, you may experience:

• Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sounds
• Sensitivity to strong smells

Postdrome Symptoms

Even after the headache improves, some symptoms may continue while your body recovers from the migraine attack.

• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea

What Are the Causes of Migraine?

The exact causes of migraines are still being studied, but several triggers are commonly associated with them, including hormonal changes, stress, sensory stimuli, and weather changes.

Some types of migraine, such as familial hemiplegic migraine, have a genetic component. However, understanding the cause does not always explain why an attack occurs.

Hormonal Changes

Changes in hormone levels can trigger migraines. This is particularly common around menstruation when estrogen levels fluctuate.

Stress

Emotional and mental stress is a commonly identified migraine trigger. A migraine may begin when stress levels rise or fall sharply.

Sensory Stimuli

Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells can trigger migraine attacks in people who are sensitive to them.

Weather Conditions

Changes in weather, bright sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity may also trigger migraines.

Can Certain Foods Trigger Migraines?

Yes, certain foods may trigger migraines in some people. Chocolate, foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), fermented foods, and heavily processed foods are among the commonly reported triggers.

However, triggers vary from person to person. Skipping meals can also contribute to migraine attacks, which is why maintaining balanced meals regularly is important.

Is There a Link Between Gut Health and Migraines?

Research suggests there may be a connection between gut health and migraines. Studies have found differences in the gut microbiome between people with migraines and those without them.

Research has also found possible links between migraine and gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease.

How Can You Manage Migraines?

Managing migraines involves identifying triggers, reducing exposure to them where possible, and following the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.

• Maintain a journal: Track migraine attacks, food habits, weather changes, stress levels, and other possible triggers to identify patterns.
• Make healthy lifestyle changes: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep, eat balanced meals at consistent times, and stay hydrated.
• Practise relaxation techniques: Meditation, breathing exercises, and calming activities may help manage stress.
• Follow your treatment plan: Take prescribed medicines according to your doctor’s instructions.

How Can You Deal With a Migraine Attack?

When a migraine attack begins, try moving to a calm environment and avoid things that worsen your symptoms.

• Sitting or lying down in a dark and quiet room
• Applying a cold or warm compress to your forehead
• Gently massaging your temples

When Should I Consult a Doctor?

Consult a doctor if you regularly experience migraine symptoms or attacks. Keep a record of your headaches, symptoms, possible triggers, and medicines to help your doctor understand your condition better.

Seek immediate medical care if you develop a sudden, extremely severe headache along with weakness, confusion, fainting, seizures, or vision changes.

What Are Some Treatment Options for Migraine?

There is currently no single cure that permanently eliminates migraine for everyone. However, migraines can often be managed with a combination of medicines and lifestyle changes.

• Medicines to manage an attack
• Preventive medicines to reduce frequency or severity
• Relaxation techniques and other strategies recommended by a healthcare professional

What Are Some Medicines for Migraine?

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, a doctor may prescribe medicines such as triptans, including sumatriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.

Do not start, stop, or change migraine medication without consulting a doctor.

Mool Health’s Perspective on Migraines

A migraine is often associated only with headaches. However, some people may also experience digestive symptoms such as nausea, changes in bowel habits, or stomach discomfort during an attack.

At Mool Health, we believe that looking at your health as a whole can help you better understand chronic conditions and recurring symptoms. If digestive symptoms regularly accompany your migraines, understanding your gut health may be one part of understanding the bigger picture.

You can take the Mool Health Gut Test to understand your gut health and explore possible connections between your digestive health and migraine symptoms.