Neurologist named ways to recognize and prevent migraine attacks

If headaches occur more than four times a month and interfere with daily activities, you should seek specialized help. On May 21, Anna Terekhova, a neurologist, algologist, and head of the Chronic pain treatment center at JSC Meditsina (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about the danger of frequent migraine attacks that can lead to a serious deterioration in the quality of life.

"Without proper treatment, migraines can become chronic, and uncontrolled use of painkillers can cause a drug-induced headache," Terekhova explained.

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The doctor stressed that migraine prevention requires a comprehensive approach, including not only drug therapy, but also lifestyle changes.

Among the key preventive measures, the expert highlighted regular physical activity, monitoring of provoking factors and identification of individual triggers. The latter can be very diverse — from stress and lack of sleep to certain foods and external stimuli.

"Bright lights, pungent smells, loud noises, fluctuations in the weather — all this can provoke an attack,— Terekhova said. "The same applies to hormonal changes, dehydration, starvation, or eating foods containing tyramine, such as cheeses and smoked meats."

At the first sign of an impending attack, the doctor recommends that you take the medication prescribed by a specialist immediately. She also clarified that instant pills or sprays are more effective, especially for nausea, when the work of the gastrointestinal tract slows down.

Terekhova also recommended having antiemetics on hand for nausea, which not only alleviate the symptoms, but also enhance the effect of analgesics. However, the specialist categorically does not recommend self—medication - triptans, the most effective drugs for relieving migraine attacks, should be prescribed only by a doctor.

Earlier, on January 11, Ekaterina Gavrilova, a psychologist and expert in working with entrepreneurs and managers, reported that headaches can indicate, among other symptoms, chronic stress. She also noted that a psychologist can help identify the cause of stress and develop a plan to overcome this situation.