Migraine and frequency therapy

Definition:

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last from hours to days and have a significant impact on quality of life.

Causes:

The exact causes of migraine are not fully understood, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Changes in the brain and nervous system as well as imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin can trigger migraines.

triggers:

Hormonal changes, especially in women (e.g. menstruation)
Certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and matured cheese
Stress and anxiety - lack of sleep or excessive sleep
Weather changes and air pressure fluctuations
Strong sensory stimuli, such as bright light or loud noises

Symptoms:

Migraines often progress in several phases:

Prodromal phase:
Harbingers such as mood swings, cravings or fatigue, which can occur hours or days before the headache.
Aura:
Some sufferers experience visual or sensory disturbances such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling.
Headache phase:
Severe, pulsating headache, often unilateral, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.
Postdromal phase:
After the headache has subsided, fatigue and difficulty concentrating may occur.

diagnosis:

The diagnosis is based on the medical history and the symptoms described. There are no specific tests for migraine, but imaging techniques such as MRI or CT can be used to rule out other causes.

Treatment:

Acute treatment:
Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, triptans for specific migraine treatment and antiemetics for nausea.
Preventive treatment:
Beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and newer drugs such as CGRP antagonists to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Lifestyle changes:
Regular sleep, stress management, healthy diet and avoidance of triggers.

Prevention:

Identification and avoidance of individual triggers.
Regular physical activity and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Keeping a headache diary for better control of migraines.

worth knowing:

Migraines affect around 12% of the population worldwide and are more common in women than in men.
Migraine is more than just a headache; it can have a significant impact on quality of life and often requires a comprehensive treatment and management strategy.

Research:

Research is focussed on understanding the underlying mechanisms of migraine, developing new drugs and therapies, and improving the quality of life of sufferers.