A migraine is a headache with symptoms like serious throbbing pain and pulsating sensation that lingers for hours or even days. The pain can be felt on one side of the head, and it is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms interfere with one’s day-to-day activities and make one less productive. This article highlights symptoms, causes, treatments, natural remedies, and management options to combat migraine.

Symptoms of migraine
While the most common symptom of migraine is a headache, it can begin as a dull ache. If left untreated, it develops into a pulsating pain that can affect the front of your head, back of your head, or the entire head. Listed below are some common symptoms of migraine:

Early signs of migraine
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Restlessness
Bloating
Muscle stiffness
Increased urination
Dull headache

During the migraine
Throbbing headache
Sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Tender scalp
Fatigue
Dizziness and blurred vision
Diarrhea (rare)
Fever (rare)
Pale skin

Causes of migraine
While the cause of migraines isn’t clear yet, experts claim that migraine may occur when nerves communicate, there’s an imbalance of chemicals, and blood vessels send pain signals to the brain. Genetic history may also play a key role in the development of migraine. However, common triggers may cause the condition, and it’s imperative to learn and note your triggers to understand your body better. Some of the common types of migraine triggers include:

Hormone changes
Menstrual cycle
Mental or physical stress
Changes in sleep pattern
Lack of sleep
Skipping meals
Certain odors
Sudden change in temperature
Bright lights
High-sodium foods
Too much caffeine or withdrawal from it

How can one avoid migraine triggers
Given below are tips to avoid migraine triggers. These tips will help prevent the onset of a migraine:

Sleep well
Get enough shut-eye to have a productive day. Lack of quality sleep can disrupt the system, making one feel tired at the beginning of the day.

Keep yourself hydrated
Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated as optimum levels of water can help all the organs function at their best.

Reduce stress
Refrain from doing activities that cause stress, mental or physical. Don’t exert your energy to an extent that will cause stress.

Engage in physical activity
Try to squeeze in any form of exercise as it helps release the happy hormones, and almost instantly lifts one’s mood. It’s one of the most effective ways to also release stress.

Foods to have and avoid to prevent migraine

Banana, spinach, almonds, nuts, avocados, and collard greens
These foods are a rich source of magnesium that help better manage the pain of migraine. Magnesium helps calm down the nervous system, helping manage the symptoms of migraine.

Tuna, mackerel, salmon, and pumpkin and flax seeds
These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Instead of taking supplements, try and use recipes with ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Cut down on caffeine
This stimulant can result in sleepless nights or constipation, both of which can lead to an episode of migraine. When withdrawing from caffeine, try to ease it off rather than sudden withdrawal.

Limit sodium intake
Foods high in sodium can fluctuate the blood pressure, which can, in turn, trigger a headache. Snacks or meals rich in sodium also make one feel gassy or bloated soon after they are eaten. Also, while having a meal, watch the manner in which you consume your food, as eating fast and not chewing foods well can cause bloating.

Treatment for migraines
The most common treatment options for migraines are pain-relieving prescriptions. Additionally, triptans and CGRP antagonists have also been used to offer relief from migraine pain in patients.

Natural remedies to combat migraine
This segment lists out natural migraine remedies that can help one deal with the symptoms when it occurs.

Rest in a quiet, dark place with optimal room temperature
Use the cold or hot compress on the forehead or the back of the neck
Massage your scalp with a head massager
Try breathing exercises to calm down
Engage in mild exercises to rid the body of excess gas