The physiologist named ways to distinguish a migraine from a regular headache

With migraines, the pain is usually throbbing, unilateral, and of moderate or high intensity. It increases with normal activity and is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and noise anxiety. Alexander Kalyuzhin, senior lecturer at the Department of Fundamental Medical Sciences at the State University of Education, told Izvestia about this on October 14.

According to the expert, migraines can also have aura — short-term reversible neurological symptoms that precede or overlap with pain, such as visual disturbances or temporary speech problems. Most often, these symptoms disappear completely, but if persistent signs of weakness or severe pain occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

"Unlike migraines, tension headaches are characterized by a dull, constricting pain, which is most often bilateral. It does not increase when walking and is not accompanied by pronounced vegetative symptoms such as nausea, sweating or fluctuations in blood pressure," the specialist said.

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Kalyuzhin explained that migraine is a neurological disease caused by activation of the trigeminal vascular system, in which mediators are released that lead to neurogenic inflammation and sensitization of pain pathways. The aura in migraines is associated with a dysregulation of the central pain networks.

As for the causes of migraines, the main provocateurs are stress, lack of sleep, hunger, dehydration, alcohol, bright lights and pungent odors, as well as hormonal fluctuations. Kalyuzhin stressed that it is important to keep a diary of seizures and monitor sleep patterns, nutrition and physical activity.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and triptans are used to treat migraines. However, it is important to remember that self-selection of medications can be dangerous, as there is a risk of drug-induced headaches and toxic effects. It is also important to consider cardiovascular risks when using triptans.

If a migraine becomes chronic, that is, it hurts for more than 15 days a month for more than three months, it is necessary to consult a doctor for prevention and treatment adjustments. In most cases, if you follow the daily routine and proper prevention, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

"With a competent approach to treatment and following the recommendations of a specialist, it is possible to regain control of the condition," concluded Kalyuzhin.

On September 12, Anna Koptseva, a neurologist at the Vidnovskaya Hospital, told how to help herself with a migraine attack. She noted that pain should not be tolerated: it is better to take the medicine at the very beginning of the attack, but the doctor should prescribe the drug.

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