Experiencing migraines? Discover the shocking truth of what's really going on in your brain!
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Migraines are not just headaches; they are a complex neurological condition that can be debilitating for the nearly half a million Australians who experience them. The impact of migraines extends beyond the individual, costing the nation billions each year in healthcare and lost productivity. But what exactly happens in the brain during a migraine, and why does this condition affect more women than men?
Understanding Migraines: A Neurological Storm
A migraine is far more than a mere headache. It is a neurological disorder characterized by intense, throbbing pain typically affecting one side of the head. Accompanying symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. For some, speech may become slurred, and limbs may feel weak or numb. Approximately 30% of migraine sufferers experience a visual disturbance known as an aura, signalling the onset of an attack.
The World Health Organisation recognizes migraines as the most common neurological disorder, yet the exact cause remains a mystery to medical professionals. What is known, however, is that migraines involve the activation of a network within the brain that controls sensation, including the brain stem and central brain regions.
The Trigeminovascular System: A Key Player in Migraine Pain
During a migraine, the trigeminovascular system, which governs sensation in the face and jaw, becomes activated. This leads to an altered state of brain excitability, resulting in the familiar symptoms of nausea and light sensitivity. Neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers, become overactive and initiate pain signals. These same neurotransmitters regulate various bodily functions, such as hunger, wakefulness, anxiety, and focus, which can all be disrupted during or after a migraine attack.
One particular neurotransmitter, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), plays a significant role in transmitting pain signals in the nervous system and is closely linked with triggering migraine attacks. The complexity of migraine treatment lies in the multitude of neurotransmitters involved during an episode. The pain experienced is often due to the swelling or inflammation of blood vessels in the brain.
Triggers and Treatment: Navigating the Migraine Minefield
Identifying migraine triggers is a crucial step in managing this condition. Common food triggers include chocolate, cheese, caffeinated beverages, nuts, citrus fruits, processed meats, and additives like MSG and aspartame. Fatty, salty foods and certain alcoholic drinks, particularly red wine and beer, are also reported to induce migraines. Other triggers encompass environmental factors such as bright or flickering lights, strong odours, weather changes, fatigue, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and even missed meals. Genetics and a history of traumatic brain injury can increase one's susceptibility to migraines.
Experts recommend maintaining a migraine diary to pinpoint potential triggers. Interestingly, research suggests that individuals with smaller brains and brain structures are more prone to migraines.
When it comes to alleviating migraine pain, avoidance of known triggers is advisable. However, many turn to medication for relief. Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol are common, as are prescription-only triptans. Newer anti-CGRP drugs are becoming an option for chronic migraine sufferers, and preventative treatments such as Botox injections are also available. Unfortunately, over half of migraine patients find little to no relief from treatments, underscoring the need for personalized medical advice from a GP.
Adding certain migraine medicines to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a welcome development for those affected, as it may make treatment more accessible and affordable.
Migraines are a serious health issue that requires understanding and effective management. If you or someone you know is struggling with migraines, it's essential to seek professional medical advice to explore the available treatment options and develop a plan tailored to your individual needs.
We at the Seniors Discount Club understand the challenges that come with managing migraines, especially as we age. We encourage our readers to share their experiences and tips for coping with migraines in the comments below. Your insights could be a beacon of hope for fellow sufferers navigating this often misunderstood condition.
Understanding Migraines: A Neurological Storm
Migraine is a neurological disorder with severe headaches, often on one side, and symptoms like vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. Credit: Shutterstock
A migraine is far more than a mere headache. It is a neurological disorder characterized by intense, throbbing pain typically affecting one side of the head. Accompanying symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. For some, speech may become slurred, and limbs may feel weak or numb. Approximately 30% of migraine sufferers experience a visual disturbance known as an aura, signalling the onset of an attack.
The World Health Organisation recognizes migraines as the most common neurological disorder, yet the exact cause remains a mystery to medical professionals. What is known, however, is that migraines involve the activation of a network within the brain that controls sensation, including the brain stem and central brain regions.
The Trigeminovascular System: A Key Player in Migraine Pain
During a migraine, the trigeminovascular system, which governs sensation in the face and jaw, becomes activated. This leads to an altered state of brain excitability, resulting in the familiar symptoms of nausea and light sensitivity. Neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers, become overactive and initiate pain signals. These same neurotransmitters regulate various bodily functions, such as hunger, wakefulness, anxiety, and focus, which can all be disrupted during or after a migraine attack.
One particular neurotransmitter, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), plays a significant role in transmitting pain signals in the nervous system and is closely linked with triggering migraine attacks. The complexity of migraine treatment lies in the multitude of neurotransmitters involved during an episode. The pain experienced is often due to the swelling or inflammation of blood vessels in the brain.
Triggers and Treatment: Navigating the Migraine Minefield
Identifying migraine triggers is a crucial step in managing this condition. Common food triggers include chocolate, cheese, caffeinated beverages, nuts, citrus fruits, processed meats, and additives like MSG and aspartame. Fatty, salty foods and certain alcoholic drinks, particularly red wine and beer, are also reported to induce migraines. Other triggers encompass environmental factors such as bright or flickering lights, strong odours, weather changes, fatigue, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and even missed meals. Genetics and a history of traumatic brain injury can increase one's susceptibility to migraines.
Experts recommend maintaining a migraine diary to pinpoint potential triggers. Interestingly, research suggests that individuals with smaller brains and brain structures are more prone to migraines.
When it comes to alleviating migraine pain, avoidance of known triggers is advisable. However, many turn to medication for relief. Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol are common, as are prescription-only triptans. Newer anti-CGRP drugs are becoming an option for chronic migraine sufferers, and preventative treatments such as Botox injections are also available. Unfortunately, over half of migraine patients find little to no relief from treatments, underscoring the need for personalized medical advice from a GP.
Adding certain migraine medicines to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a welcome development for those affected, as it may make treatment more accessible and affordable.
Migraines are a serious health issue that requires understanding and effective management. If you or someone you know is struggling with migraines, it's essential to seek professional medical advice to explore the available treatment options and develop a plan tailored to your individual needs.
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