Don't Underestimate Migraines

Apart from migraines, migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound or smell. Migraine attacks can last for several hours or several days, and usually because the intensity of the pain is severe it can interfere with daily activities.

Migraines can affect anyone, both women and men, but more women experience migraines than men. Migraines can also attack anyone from childhood to the elderly.

Migraine Types

There are several types of migraine based on the symptoms experienced by the sufferer, namely:

a. Migraine without aura

This is the most common type of migraine with symptoms of severe headache that occur without previous aura symptoms. Pain in the head occurs continuously on one side, especially when doing quite heavy activities.

b. Migraine with aura

In migraines, sufferers experience aura symptoms before a migraine attack, such as changes in vision, a tingling sensation, or speech problems. These signs usually appear within 30 minutes before a migraine headache attacks the sufferer.

c. Basilar migraine

This type of migraine is rare and usually occurs in teenagers or young adults. Migraine with an aura image involves the brain stem, causing various neurological symptoms in the form of slurred speech, dizziness, ringing in the ears or deafness of hearing, double vision, unsteady walking, bilateral tingling, even loss of consciousness but often without motor weakness.

d. Continuous hemicrania migraine

Migraines are rare and are characterized by persistent headaches on one side of the head with other symptoms such as a blocked nose or facial swelling.

Migraine Symptoms

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms that commonly appear include:

• Headaches are severe and often only on one side of the head.
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or strong odors.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, spots, or double vision.
• Tingling sensation or weakness in the body.
• Mood changes such as feeling restless.
• Causes of Migraine Attacks

The cause of migraines is still not known for certain, but there are several factors that are thought to play a role in causing migraines, including:

a. Hormonal factors. Hormonal changes cause some women to experience migraines during menstruation.

b. Genetic factors. About half of people with migraines have close relatives who also experience migraines.

c. Children who are overweight are at risk of migraine attacks.

d. Environmental factors such as light that is too bright, sounds that are too loud, strong smells from paint or perfume.

e. Consuming certain foods and drinks such as caffeine, chocolate, cheese, cooking spices (MSG), and alcohol can trigger migraines.

f. Other trigger factors, such as stress and fatigue, can also trigger migraines in some people.

Migraine Prevention

To prevent migraine attacks, there are several preventive steps, namely:

a. Identify migraine triggers

It is necessary to know and avoid factors that trigger migraine attacks, such as stress, certain eating patterns, or exposure to bright light.

b. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

It is recommended to have a regular sleep pattern, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress so that it can help reduce the risk of migraine attacks.

c. Relaxation therapy

Can follow relaxation therapy such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing techniques, so that it can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality, can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

d. Keep a migraine log

Make a note of each migraine attack, including triggers, symptoms, and severity. This can help identify attack patterns and aid in migraine management.

If you experience complaints and symptoms as mentioned above, immediately consult your doctor via telemedicine or come to the nearest health facility.