Understanding Migraines: Risk Factors, Triggers, And Types
When most people think of what a migraine is, they think of a brutal headache that can last for a...
Chronic migraines are a significant health condition that can deeply affect your life for extended periods. When you have a migraine attack, the pain can be so intense that you might need to rest in a quiet, dark room for hours. This can disrupt your ability to work, attend social events, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
One of the hardest parts of living with chronic migraines is that their causes and outcomes are not well understood. This uncertainty can lead to living with unmanaged pain for years before finding a treatment that reduces the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
What Are Chronic Migraines?
Chronic migraines are classified as primary headaches by the International Classification of Headache Disorders. This means that the headache itself is the condition, not a symptom of another illness or injury.
Migraines are more than just severe headaches; they are a neurological disorder that affects the brain. They occur when changes in the brain’s chemicals and pathways cause waves of activity in groups of highly active brain cells.
Due to the nature of this condition, migraine symptoms go beyond severe headaches and facial pain, usually on one side of the face. People with chronic migraines also experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and temporary cognitive decline.
Migraines affect about 12% of the population and can be either chronic or episodic. Episodic migraines occur up to 15 times a month, while chronic migraines happen more than 15 days per month for at least three months. To be diagnosed with chronic migraines, at least 8 of those headache days must include migraine symptoms.
Chronic migraines affect an estimated 1-2% of the global population, and about 2.5% of those with episodic migraines will develop chronic migraines over their lifetime.
Although migraines are not typically dangerous, they can significantly disrupt your professional life, sleep, activities, and daily routine.
Symptoms Of The Condition
Migraines are complex, with symptoms, triggers, and pain patterns that can change over time, making it challenging for patients to understand their condition. Typically, a migraine attack involves throbbing pain on one side of the head, which can last for several days. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and odors.
In 2022, it was estimated that about one-third of people with migraines also experience early warning signs, known as premonitory signs. These occur during the initial stages of a migraine attack, referred to as the “prodrome” and “aura” phases. Premonitory signs can include abnormal sensations, visual and motor disturbances, impaired speech, and mood swings. These signs may begin up to 24 hours before a migraine, though they do not always lead to a headache.
Below, we’ll discuss the symptoms associated with chronic migraines. If you experience severe or unusual symptoms such as vision loss, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, or high fever, seek immediate medical care.
Throbbing Head Pain
A key symptom of chronic migraines is intense pain, often described as throbbing and typically affecting one side of the head. This pain can start in the early stages of a migraine attack and become severe enough to disrupt sleep, daily activities, and concentration.
The exact causes of migraine pain are not fully understood. However, a 2023 review suggests that several factors might contribute, including the release of chemicals that cause blood vessels in the brain to narrow and the prolonged activation of the trigeminal nerve, which may lead to inflammation and pain.
Migraine pain can extend to the ears, neck, shoulders, and arms, lasting between 4 and 72 hours.
Nausea and Vomiting
While not everyone with migraines will experience nausea and vomiting, these symptoms occur in nearly a third of migraine attacks.
The connection between nausea and migraines is not fully understood by researchers.
However, studies indicate that migraines might activate brain structures involved in nausea and vomiting.
Vomiting can provide temporary relief from migraines due to its stimulating effect on the vagus nerve. Nausea and vomiting are some of the most troublesome symptoms for those with migraines.
Light and Sound Sensitivity
Migraines involve changes in chemical reactions and pathways in the brain, which alter how the brain processes external stimuli such as light, noise, and odors.
During a migraine attack, it is common to be temporarily hypersensitive to these stimuli, leading sufferers to seek relief in a dark, quiet room.
Challenges in Cognitive Function
The pain and bodily changes during a migraine attack can cause fatigue, tiredness, and sleep disturbances, resulting in temporary cognitive difficulties. These issues are often worsened by nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity.
A study conducted in 2022 shows that migraines are linked to a decline in cognitive abilities, problems with concentration and memory, and a higher risk of developing dementia and psychiatric disorders.
Neck Pain
Nearly 90% of people with migraines also suffer from neck pain. This symptom is especially common among those with chronic migraines and tends to appear in the prodrome, or “pre-headache,” phase.
The connection between migraines and neck pain is not clear, but most people with both conditions do not have anatomical issues. Research suggests that neck pain is typically part of the migraine condition and does not need separate treatment. However, patients are advised to have a physical exam to rule out other possible problems.
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment refers to a decrease in cognitive abilities, including memory, language, problem-solving, and attention. While these impairments can signal serious conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease, they can also result from other medical...
Light And Sound Sensitivity
Sensitivity to light and sound can be a perplexing and uncomfortable condition, often leaving sufferers feeling out of control. It can make daily activities challenging, whether it's shopping under bright lights or attending a loud movie. This sensitivity...
Dull Head Discomfort
Dull headaches are characterized by a mild to moderate, persistent pain that often feels like a steady ache on both sides of the head. Unlike sharp or throbbing headaches, dull headaches typically do not cause intense discomfort but can still be bothersome....
Understanding Tiredness, Nausea, And Weakness
If you’re dealing with chronic tiredness, weakness, and nausea, it can really impact every part of your day—from being less productive at work to feeling constant pain and low energy. It’s tough when you can’t find an effective treatment. At NextPain...
Read More About Understanding Tiredness, Nausea, And Weakness
Throbbing Headache Only In Affected Areas
Throbbing pain is a common symptom associated with a range of headache types. It manifests itself as a rhythmic pulsing, beating, or pounding sensation that may affect just a part of the head or the whole head. Throbbing headaches are commonly caused by...
Understanding Irritability Or Fatigue
Irritability and fatigue can greatly diminish your quality of life, affecting daily activities and causing distress. While treatment can be complex, early diagnosis and intervention can help mitigate the effects of tension headaches and improve your overall...
Difficulty Focusing
Difficulty focusing or concentrating refers to the inability to sustain attention on a specific task for an extended period. It can manifest in various ways, such as being easily distracted, struggling to stay organized, and feeling overwhelmed by multiple...
Causes Of Chronic Migraines
Research indicates that migraines are more than just headaches, but the exact causes are not well understood. Generally, genetic factors, neurological aspects, and certain medical conditions can increase the likelihood of migraines. Environmental factors can also trigger attacks in people with chronic migraines.
Let’s explore the common causes and triggers of migraines in more detail below.
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors contribute to 34-64% of migraine cases. You are twice as likely to develop migraines if a close relative, such as a sibling or parent, has them. Additionally, women are three times more likely than men to suffer from migraines.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can affect brain chemicals and increase the likelihood of developing chronic migraines. These disorders include:
- Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
- Pain conditions like fibromyalgia
- Sleep apnea
- Central nervous system disorders
- Chemical imbalances that impact nerve pathways
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)
Environmental Factors
While environmental factors rarely cause migraines, they are common triggers for people with chronic and episodic migraines. These triggers include:
- Anxiety and stress
- Certain foods (especially fermented, pickled, salty, and spicy foods)
- Chemicals in food (like MSG)
- Caffeine
- High-sugar drinks
- Poor posture
- Hormonal changes (such as those during menopause, menstrual cycles, or from birth control or hormonal medications)
- Medications that affect blood vessels
- Frequent use of over-the-counter headache medications
- Sleep abnormalities
- Sensory stimulations, such as flashing lights, strong odors, and loud noises
- Changes in weather, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure
The triggers for a migraine episode can vary for each person and may change over time. Recognizing your triggers can help you prevent or lessen the intensity of a migraine attack.
Neurological Factors
Certain neurological factors that impact brain function may lead to migraines. These include changes in blood flow to the brain, altered brain chemistry, and incorrect nerve signaling.
These neurological changes can happen due to several factors and events, including:
- Conditions causing chronic pain, which alter how the brain processes pain signals
- Irregularities in the shape or size of brain blood vessels
- Brain injury or trauma
- Stroke
- Inflammation of blood vessels in the brain
- Abnormal pressure in the brain or head
- Infections like meningitis
- Brain tumors
Diagnosing Persistent Head Discomfort
Diagnosing migraines can be difficult because there is no single definitive test for this condition. However, if you have symptoms of chronic migraines, your doctor may use several tests to rule out other conditions and find the best treatment plan.
These tests include the following:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: A specialist will review your medical history, the symptoms you experience, your daily life, and any underlying conditions like anxiety or depression. You may be asked about known migraine triggers, such as caffeine consumption or exposure to bright lights or strong odors.
- Neurological Examination: Often performed by a neurologist, this exam assesses the health of your nervous system by testing your strength, coordination, and reflexes.
- Imaging Tests: To rule out other conditions like a stroke, a headache specialist may order imaging tests of the brain, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
- Laboratory Tests: Depending on your symptoms and diagnostic needs, a neurologist may recommend various medical and laboratory tests, including blood tests, eye exams, urine tests, spinal taps, and X-rays of your sinuses.
Conventional Treatment Options
Currently, there is no definitive cure for chronic migraines. Most treatments aim to reduce the intensity and frequency of headache episodes. Here are some common approaches to managing chronic migraines:
Medications: Medications for chronic migraines can be either preventive or “rescue” medications, depending on whether they are taken to prevent an attack or to reduce the intensity of a headache episode. Commonly prescribed medications include over-the-counter pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-seizure medications, triptans, and antidepressants.
Behavioral Therapies: Behavioral therapies for chronic migraines include relaxation techniques, biofeedback training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and stress-management training. These therapies help patients manage known headache triggers, potentially preventing migraine episodes. About 30-60% of patients using behavioral therapies report fewer and less intense headaches.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Alternative therapies can help patients manage triggers such as high-stress levels. These therapies include acupuncture, massage therapy, and acupressure.
Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes that address headache triggers can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes. Some recommended changes include avoiding caffeine, limiting fermented and spicy foods, reducing stress, and improving posture.
Find Relief With NextPain Care's Migraine Solutions
NextPain Care’s pain management approach aims to help patients improve their quality of life, reduce pain, and address the triggers that may start a migraine episode. Our dedicated team creates a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan for each patient, combining various therapies to address the multifaceted nature of migraines. Some of these approaches include:
Mindfulness and Meditation for Chronic Pain
Mindfulness and meditation are techniques used to manage chronic pain by promoting relaxation and mental focus. NextPain Care incorporates these practices into its holistic approach to pain management, helping patients reduce pain perception and improve their...
Nerve Block
Nerve blocks involve the injection of medication to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves. NextPain Care uses nerve blocks to provide targeted pain relief for various conditions, including chronic pain and acute post-surgical pain. This minimally...
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, which are knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. These injections deliver medication directly into the trigger points to help alleviate muscle pain...
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat to disable nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. At NextPain Care, this minimally invasive treatment is utilized to address chronic pain conditions, particularly in the spine. NextPain Care's...
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation involves the implantation of a small device that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to block pain signals. NextPain Care utilizes this technique to help manage chronic pain conditions that have not responded to other...
Outlook on Chronic Migraines
The nature, intensity, and frequency of migraine episodes can change over time. For example, 26% of chronic migraine cases may become episodic migraines. Additionally, migraine attacks might decrease with aging or after menopause, and in some cases, migraines may disappear on their own.
However, for most patients, migraines are a lifelong condition that can cause debilitating pain and severe complications, such as neck disability, constant discomfort, migrainous infarction, and seizures.
People with migraines miss an average of 4.4 days of work per year and have 11 more days of reduced productivity. A 2020 study shows that patients with chronic migraines face annual medical costs ranging from $8,500 to $9,500, leading to significant financial stress and anxiety.
These issues highlight the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis and finding the right treatment.
Explore Lasting Relief Options for Head Discomfort
Our Providers
We take great pride in the wealth of talent and expertise that our providers have as they improve the health outcomes of our patients, each and every day.
Related Blogs of Migraine and Chronic Headaches
Find relief from chronic migraines and headaches with NextPain Care.
Visit us on social networks:
Copyright © 2024 NextPain Care. All rights reserved.