Preguntas y respuestas relacionadas con el trastorno de migrañas

What is migraine disorder?

Migraine disorder is an inherited disease neurological or nervous system characterized by symptoms that can range from severe or persistent headaches to nausea and vomiting. It can affect the cognitive functionchange the sensory perception and even reduce balance and strength

What is the difference between a headache and a migraine episode?

A headache implies a pain in the head. A migraine episode is different because its origin is neurological and cause. symptoms additional to headache. Symptoms include throbbing and throbbing headaches that can be moderate or severe in intensity, often only on one side, and worsen with physical activity. But a migraine episode also involves other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea or even vomiting. One in three people experiences a aura which is a type of alert, before a migraine episode. The most common type of aura is a change in vision. People describe flashes of lights, bright colors, or blurred vision. Other auras include a change in sensation such as numbness, tingling, reduced strength, or loss of balance. Auras can last from five to 60 minutes.

What is the duration of migraine episodes?

Migraine episodes frequently last between four and 72 hours, but can last even longer in some cases.

How does migraine disorder affect people’s work and personal lives?

Disabling pain can prevent people from going to work, social and family events, or school. In fact, migraine disorder is the second most common cause of disability among people under 50 years of age and is the most common cause of disability in young women. Even between episodes, people with this disorder live with the psychological stress of worrying about the next episode and this can cause them to restrict activities out of fear.

How can someone identify what triggers their migraine episodes?

Migraine episodes can trigger by external and internal factors and these can be different for each person. People with migraine disorders can begin to identify their own triggers by paying attention to external factors such as exposure to bright light, loud noises, strong odors, the tobacco smoke, for example, and changes in barometric pressure due to weather or air travel. Internal triggers may include eating certain foods, changing sleeping habits, skipping meals, eating too much caffeine, or dehydration. The phases of the menstrual cycle can also trigger migraine episodes in some women.

Read: Can migraine episodes be triggered? >>

How can keeping a diary be helpful for patients with migraine disorders?

By recording the triggers, frequency, duration, symptoms, and intensity of episodes, people can begin to recognize patterns and can take steps to manage this disorder. For example, if each serious episode happens after traveling on a plane, you might talk to your healthcare provider about options that may be helpful before you fly.

What are the treatment options for migraine episodes?

Treatments fall into two categories: acute and preventive. Acute medications treat an ongoing migraine and may include medications such as triptans, ditans and gepante. You can also use general pain relievers, such as NSAIDs which include naproxen or ibuprofen.

Preventative medications are recommended for people who experience more than four days a month with migraine episodes. Preventive medications, approved by the American Academy of Neurology [Academia estadounidense de neurología] inclusion beta blockers, anti-seizure medicationssome antidepressants and onabotulinumtoxinA, known as Botox. Botox is used for people with chronic migraines, that is, 15 or more days with migraines per month. Newer preventive therapies include medications known as gepants and monoclonal antibodies that target a protein in the brain and nervous system called calcitonin gene-related peptide (PRGC). The secretion of PRGC in the brain is thought to promote migraine episodes.

Can any medications (including birth control) make migraine episodes worse?

Yes, some medications can aggravate migraine episodes. Hormonal therapies that are based on estrogen, such as birth control pills, can increase migraine episodes in about one in three women who use them, either for contraception or to treat other menopausal disorders and symptoms. Additionally, any medication that expands blood vessels, for example nitroglycerin tablets, used to treat chest pain, may aggravate underlying migraine disorders.

Is migraine disorder hereditary?

Yeah. About six in 10 people who have migraine disorders can identify a family member who also has the condition.

Is there any chance that migraine symptoms will go away with time or with hormonal changes such as menopause?

For most women, migraine episodes begin when they begin having their menstrual periods and its maximum level occurs a few years before turning 40 years old. Changes in estrogen levels in perimenopause could cause an increase in migraine episodes. Consequently, migraine episodes may improve for some postmenopausal women. However, about one in three women still have symptoms.

Are there lifestyle changes that could be helpful in preventing migraine episodes?

Having a regular schedule could be helpful. Getting up at the same time, going to bed at the same time, eating regularly, and staying hydrated can be helpful in preventing migraine episodes. in until 6 out of 10 For people with migraine episodes, certain foods and drinks can trigger the episodes. This includes alcohol, aged cheese, meats with nitrates and nitritescitrus fruits and juices, bananas, chocolate and MSG. Smoking traditional or electronic cigarettes could aggravate migraine disorders. It is important that you identify your triggers. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight will also be helpful for migraine prevention. Stress, whether good or bad, can trigger an episode. This can occur even when the source of the stress disappears. For example, students who stay healthy during an exam week might experience an episode afterward.