Migraine

What is a Migraine?

Much more than a bad headache, a migraine is a disorder that affects the brain.  Migraine pain comes from the overactivation of nerve fibers in the wall of the brain.  These overactive nerve cells send out signals that trigger the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway and part of the nervous system responsible for sending pain, touch and temperature sensations to your brain, face and body.  The activation of the nerves cues your body to release chemicals like serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP makes blood vessels in the lining of your brain swell. Then, neurotransmitters cause inflammation and pain. Left untreated, the  debilitating throbbing pain can leave you in bed anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.

Who gets Migraines? 

Migraine does not discriminate. Anyone can have migraines.  The American Migraine Foundation estimates that migraine affects 1 in 4 households in the U.S. and more than 1 billion people globally.

What are the core symptoms of migraine?

Symptoms vary from person to person  however, the  primary symptom of migraine is a headache. Pain is sometimes described as pounding or throbbing. It can begin as a dull ache that develops into pulsing pain that is mild, moderate or severe.

Other symptoms of migraine headaches include:

• Sensitivity to light, sound movement and odors.
• Nausea and vomiting, upset stomach and abdominal pain.
• Depressed mood or changes in mood
• Loss of appetite.
• Feeling very warm (sweating) or cold (chills).
• Visual Disturbances
• Feeling tired.
• Dizziness and blurred vision.
• Tender scalp.
• Brain Fog
• numbness and tingling,
• Irritability
• Difficulty Speaking

What triggers migraine?

 While everyone  living with migraine has different triggers for a migraine attack, there are a few common culprits that affect a large number of people:

• Emotional Stress
• Changes in or an irregular sleep schedule
• Hormones
• Caffeine or Alcohol
• Changes in the weather
• Food
• Sensitivity to specific chemicals and preservatives in foods. 
• Dehydration
• Light
• Smell
• Daily use of pain-relieving medications.