How a migraine happens

Over 38 million Americans suffer from the debilitating pain of migraines. Characterized by intense headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, migraines can have a significant impact on your ability to work, socialize, and enjoy your hobbies.

While scientists have yet to determine an exact cause, they’ve identified four phases to migraines that help to explain how they happen, what triggers them, and what goes on inside your body during an attack.

The Phases of a Migraine

People may experience migraines in different ways, with symptoms that can change over the course of hours or even days. But in general, these are the four phases of a migraine attack.

• Phase 1: Prodrome

Hours before a migraine begins, many sufferers feel early warning signs. This is known as the prodrome phase. Up to 40% of people with migraines experience prodrome, with symptoms as varied as:

• • • Thirst
      
    • Food cravings
    • IrritabilityDepression
    • Excitability
    • Sleepiness

The prodromal phase is usually set off by an external or internal trigger, which causes neurons in your brain to fire abnormally. Common triggers include:

• • • Caffeine
    • Diet
    • Stress
    • Weather changes
    • Hormonal changes
    • Lack of sleep

Identifying prodromal symptoms and triggers can help migraine sufferers become aware of an impending attack, and in some cases, seek treatment to fend off severe pain.

• Phase 2: Aura

The abnormally firing neurons from the prodromal phase can cause hyperactivity in the brain, which lead to auras. Auras are sensory experiences such as changes in vision, tingling skin, or difficulty speaking or expressing your thoughts. Only about a quarter of people living with migraine experience auras, and the exact symptoms vary from person to person.

• Phase 3: Headache

In response to the hyperactivity, your brain releases a variety of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. These chemicals cause the blood vessels surrounding your brain to expand and dilate, which leads to intense throbbing that can last for hours, or even days. At this point, your body is less receptive to pain medication, and you may feel lightheaded, nauseous, or dizzy. Often, light and sound can make symptoms worse.

• Phase 4: Postdrome

Once the severe pain passes, you may feel wiped out. It’s common to feel sluggish, exhausted, weak, and confused during the post-migraine phase, as your body works to recover from the attack. Some people refer to the postdrome phase as a “hangover,” and it can last for a couple of days.

Treatments for Migraine Sufferers

Unfortunately, there is no cure for a migraine. However, there are several options for treatment to help you lessen the severity of an attack or reduce headache frequency. Some options for treatment include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can help ease the pain of mild migraines, and combination drugs such as Excedrin can work for moderate migraines. However, over-the-counter pain relievers are often not strong enough to provide relief for more severe headaches.

• Prescription medications

Extreme migraine pain can often be controlled with prescription medications, such as triptans, ergots, and certain opioids. However, most come with unpleasant side effects, like nausea and dizziness. Furthermore, opioids can be habit-forming, and are not recommended for those with a history of addiction.

• Home remedies

A focus on self-care is particularly important for migraine sufferers. Sufficient sleep, muscle relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation, and the use of cold compresses for acute pain relief may help ease migraine symptoms and possibly decrease frequency and longevity.

• Clinical trials

Researchers are constantly trying to find more effective ways to treat migraines, and new migraine treatments are being developed all the time. To gain access to cutting-edge pain medications and preventative drugs, consider enrolling in a clinical trial.

Enroll in a migraine clinical trial at Synergy Research Centers

If you’re searching for relief from the debilitating pain of migraine headaches, Synergy Research Centers can help. By enrolling in our migraine clinical research study San Diego, you can get the latest and greatest migraine treatment available, completely free of charge. We have over 18 years of experience running clinical trials, and partner with a number of reputable pharmaceutical and biotech companies throughout the country. To learn more, call us at (888) 539-0282.