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Migraine

Moderate

Migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurring attacks, often with moderate to severe, throbbing headache that may worsen with routine activity. Nausea and sensitivity to light or sound are common. Some people have temporary visual, sensory, or speech symptoms called aura, which may occur with or without headache. Attacks can last for hours or several days.

Body System
Head & Brain
Symptoms
5
Causes
0
Treatments
5
Diet
3

Overview

Migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurring attacks, often with moderate to severe, throbbing headache that may worsen with routine activity. Nausea and sensitivity to light or sound are common. Some people have temporary visual, sensory, or speech symptoms called aura, which may occur with or without headache. Attacks can last for hours or several days.

Symptoms 5

Dizziness Headache Light Sensitivity Nausea Vomiting

Causes

The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood. It involves changes in brain activity and nerve signaling, with genetic factors contributing to susceptibility. Individual attacks may be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, disrupted sleep, missed meals, or particular sensory or dietary exposures. Triggers vary between people and are not universal causes of migraine.

Risk Factors

Migraine is more common in people with a family history of the condition and in women. Hormonal changes can influence attacks. Factors that trigger an attack in someone who already has migraine should be distinguished from factors associated with developing the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history, symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary, laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis usually relies on the pattern of headache and associated symptoms, medical history, and physical and neurological examination. There is no single laboratory test that confirms migraine; tests may help investigate other causes when appropriate. A sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness, confusion, or a seizure requires urgent assessment rather than being assumed to be migraine.

Prevention

Key Prevention Tips
Attacks cannot always be prevented
Regular sleep and meals, adequate fluids, appropriate physical activity, and stress management may help reduce attacks
A headache diary can help identify patterns and individual triggers
Prevention Guidance
Attacks cannot always be prevented. Regular sleep and meals, adequate fluids, appropriate physical activity, and stress management may help reduce attacks. A headache diary can help identify patterns and individual triggers.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.

Treatment & Management 5

Treatment includes acute and preventive therapies. Acute treatments may include NSAIDs, paracetamol, triptans, anti-nausea medications, and in some cases newer migraine-specific therapies. Preventive treatments may include beta blockers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, CGRP-targeted therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Treatment selection depends on attack frequency and severity.

Ayurvedic management may include Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi, Jatamansi, and Nasya therapy under qualified supervision. Ayurveda emphasizes stress reduction, proper sleep, balanced digestion, and avoidance of trigger foods.

Homeopathic practitioners may prescribe remedies such as Belladonna, Iris Versicolor, Nux Vomica, Sanguinaria, and Gelsemium based on individual symptom patterns. Scientific evidence for effectiveness remains limited and conventional treatment should not be discontinued without medical advice.

Commonly used acupressure points include LI4 (Hegu), GB20 (Fengchi), Taiyang, GV20, and LV3. These points are traditionally used to support relaxation and headache relief. Acupressure should be considered complementary to medical treatment.

Yoga practices such as Anulom Vilom, Bhramari Pranayama, Shavasana, Balasana, Yoga Nidra, and meditation may help reduce stress and improve migraine control. Regular practice is generally more beneficial than occasional practice.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.

Diet & Nutrition 3

Recommended Foods
Magnesium-rich foods
May help reduce migraine frequency
Leafy green vegetables
Provide essential nutrients
Adequate water intake
Helps prevent dehydration-triggered headaches
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May trigger migraine attacks
Processed foods
May contain migraine triggers
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions 5

Migraines are usually more severe and often involve symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

There is no guaranteed permanent cure, but many people successfully control migraines through treatment and lifestyle changes.

Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, alcohol, bright lights, and certain foods are common triggers.

Yes. A family history of migraine significantly increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Seek immediate medical attention for sudden severe headache, weakness, confusion, vision loss, or symptoms suggestive of stroke.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information. Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.