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Migraines are one of the most common health conditions, affecting approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men.

Approximately 12% of Americans suffer from this genetic disorder, and studies have shown it to be the sixth most disabling disease in the world.

What is a migraine?

Migraines are a neurological disease that causes a range of symptoms, most notably a throbbing headache, a throbbing sensation on one side of the head that is often exacerbated by physical activity, lights, sounds, or smells.

Migraines typically last for four hours and may persist for several days.

Migraine Symptoms:

There are four stages that migraine sufferers go through. The first stage, which begins one or two days before the headache itself, is called the prodrome stage. Its symptoms include:

• Depression.
• Lack of energy.
• Crawling.
• Hyperactivity.
• Neck stiffness.

Then comes the aura stage, which includes:

• Vision problems.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Tingling in the face, arm, or leg.
• Seeing blurred shapes.

The next stage is the attack stage, which is the most intense and severe stage during which the actual migraine pain occurs.
Its symptoms can last for hours or even days. Symptoms of the attack stage include:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness and faintness.
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound.

After the attack stage, the patient goes through the post-attack stage, which usually involves some mood changes, such
asfeelings of happiness and joy, followed by feelings of sudden fatigue and anger, along with a persistent mild headache.

The severity and intensity of migraines vary from person to person, and some people may go through each of the four stages.

Causes of Migraines:

Researchers believe that migraines have a genetic cause, but several factors can trigger migraines, such as:

• Stress.
• Anxiety.
• Hormonal changes in women.
• Strong odors.
• Bright lights.
• Noise.
• Fatigue. Not getting enough sleep or oversleeping.
• Skipping meals.
• Side effects of certain medications.
• Sudden changes in weather.
• Caffeine.
• Smoking.
• Eating certain foods and beverages, such as alcohol, chocolate, pickles, yeast, and certain nuts.

Migraine Treatment:

When visiting a neurologist, the doctor will perform several procedures to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing migraine symptoms. The most important procedures include:

• Physical and neurological examination.
• Family medical history.
• Laboratory tests.
• CT scan.
• MRI.

There is no definitive cure for psychogenic headaches, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing severe attacks,
and reducing the severity of migraines. This can be achieved with various types of medications to prevent recurrent attacks and
with the help of hormone therapy for some women who suffer from menstrual-related migraines.

Your doctor will also give you some guidelines and lifestyle changes to reduce the severity of migraines, such as:

• Stress management.
• Exercise.
• Avoiding certain foods and medications that your doctor tells you to avoid.
• Establishing a consistent sleep and meal schedule.
• Weight management if you are obese.