What is a migraine?

Migraine: Symptoms, aura, causes and treatment

Migraine is a neurological disorder that originates in the nervous system and is often associated with recurring, severe headaches .

Migraines can significantly impair quality of life. Many sufferers experience severe pain, nausea, or sensitivity to light.

The good news: Effective treatment options are now available , both for acute migraine attacks and for preventing them . The goal is to reduce migraine attacks, alleviate pain, and improve your quality of life .

How can I recognize a migraine?

Typical migraine symptoms include:

• severe, usually one-sided headaches

Nausea and /or vomiting

• Light sensitivity (photophobia)

· Noise sensitivity

• pronounced need for rest , often with retreat to a dark room

In some people, additional neurological symptoms occur before the headache – a so-called aura.

What is a migraine with aura?

Approximately 20–30% of those affected experience migraine with aura .

An aura is a temporary neurological symptom that can occur before or during a migraine attack .

This can cause symptoms that sometimes resemble a stroke , but usually subside completely within minutes .

What happens during an aura?

The aura is probably caused by a temporary change in the activity of nerve cells in the brain .

This change in activity spreads slowly across the cerebral cortex and leads in the short term to functional impairments in certain brain areas – for example, in areas for vision, speech or feeling.

What are typical symptoms of a migraine aura?

The symptoms usually develop gradually within 5–20 minutes and usually last less than 60 minutes .

Common visual disturbances

• flickering or flashing lights

· Zigzag lines

· blind spots in the field of vision

• Blurred vision

Sensory disturbances

• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in hand, arm or face

• Numbness

Speech disorders

· Difficulty finding words

• indistinct speech

Rare symptoms

· Dizziness

Weakness in one arm or leg

What are typical symptoms of a migraine?

In addition to a possible aura, the following symptoms often occur:

• mostly one-sided, throbbing headaches

Nausea or vomiting

• Light and noise sensitivity

• Worsening with physical activity

What happens during a migraine attack?

A migraine attack can progress through several phases. However, not every migraine is the same.

1. Precursor phase

Possible first signs:

· Fatigue

Mood swings

• Concentration problems

· Cravings

2. Aura (in some affected individuals)

For example, visual disturbances or sensory disturbances.

3rd headache phase

• severe, usually one-sided headaches

· often accompanied by nausea or vomiting

Duration: several hours to several days

4. Recovery phase

After the attack, many victims feel:

· exhausted

· tired

· less resilient

What triggers migraines? Common migraine triggers

Migraines can be triggered by various factors. Common migraine triggers include:

• Stress or stress reduction (“weekend migraine”)

• Lack of sleep or irregular sleep

· hormonal fluctuations

• certain foods (e.g. alcohol, cheese or glutamate)

· Weather changes

A headache diary can help identify personal triggers.

How is migraine diagnosed?

The diagnosis of migraine is primarily based on a detailed medical interview (anamnesis) .

Among other things, the following will be discussed:

• Type of headache

• Duration and intensity of pain

• Accompanying symptoms

• possible triggers

• Frequency of attacks

In most cases, no extensive investigations are necessary .

Imaging procedures such as an MRI of the head are usually only performed if:

· complaints are atypical

Neurological abnormalities are detected during the examination

How is migraine treated?

Acute treatment of a migraine attack

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the following may be considered:

Painkillers

• special migraine medications (so-called triptans )

• Anti-nausea medication

Important: Painkillers should not be taken too frequently .

As a rule of thumb:

• Maximum 8–10 intake days per month

Frequent use can lead to medication-induced headaches .

Prevention: Migraine prophylaxis

Migraine prophylaxis may be advisable in cases of frequent or severe attacks .

Possible measures:

• Drug-based prevention

• Acupuncture

Relaxation techniques ( e.g. Qi Gong)

• Lifestyle adjustments and triggers

Holistic approach to migraine

Migraines are often caused by several factors simultaneously . These include:

• Stress

· Sleep patterns

· hormonal influences

• psychosocial factors

A holistic therapeutic approach therefore takes into account both medical and lifestyle factors.

What can I do myself to treat migraines?

Many sufferers can positively influence their migraines through simple measures:

• regular daily rhythm

• sufficient sleep

• regular meals

• Drink enough fluids (approx. 1.5 liters daily)

Reduce stress

Endurance sports

Relaxation techniques

These measures can help reduce migraine attacks .

When should I see a doctor immediately if I have a headache?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:

• Sudden onset of very severe headaches

• new or unusual symptoms

• persistent paralysis

• persistent speech disorders

• Fever and stiff neck

These symptoms can also indicate other illnesses and should be medically investigated as soon as possible .

If you suffer from recurring headaches or migraine attacks , I recommend a neurological examination .

My name is Dr. Helen Zeytountchian Tensen. I am a neurologist and in my holistic medicine practice I offer you:

• Comprehensive migraine diagnostics

• Individual therapy planning

• Acute and preventive migraine treatment

• Holistic therapeutic approaches such as acupuncture for prophylaxis (proven in studies) and Qi Gong

Together we will find a suitable treatment for your migraine .

Feel free to schedule an appointment.

I look forward to seeing you!

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