Migraine: More Than Just a Headache
By Anshika
Understanding migraine as a complex neurological disorder — its phases, triggers, treatment options, and strategies for management.
Migraine is far more than a headache — it is a complex neurological disorder affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, migraine remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.
The Four Phases of Migraine
**Prodrome (up to 48 hours before):** Subtle changes including mood swings, fatigue, food cravings, neck stiffness, and increased yawning.
**Aura (about 25% of people):** Reversible visual, sensory, or speech disturbances lasting 5-60 minutes.
**Headache (4-72 hours):** Moderate to severe pulsating pain, often with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell.
**Postdrome ("Migraine Hangover"):** Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and residual mood changes lasting up to 24 hours after the headache resolves.
Common Triggers
Triggers include hormonal changes (menstruation), stress, sleep changes, weather changes, certain foods (aged cheese, chocolate, alcohol), skipping meals, and sensory stimuli.
Treatment Options
**Acute (Abortive) Treatment:** NSAIDs, triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan), gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant), ditans (lasmiditan).
**Preventive (Prophylactic) Treatment:** Beta-blockers (propranolol), antidepressants (amitriptyline), anticonvulsants (topiramate), CGRP monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, galcanezumab), and Botox injections.