How is a migraine different from a routine headache?

A migraine is a kind of headache that also involves other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. As a leading authority in neurology, Dr. Sandeep Goel, the best neurologist in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, sheds light on the intricate nature of migraines, their symptoms, triggers, and effective treatment modalities.

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

There are multiple triggers that may lead to a migraine attack. Common examples include a drop in estrogen levels (pre-menstruation), alcohol use, stress, cold weather fronts, and sleep deprivation.

 

Migraine Dr sandeep Goel best nurologist in jalandhar Punjab India

How will you experience a migraine episode?

A migraine episode is experienced in four phases –

A pre-headache phase (Prodrome) may last from a few hours to This phase involves –

    1. Concentration problems, irritability, depression
    2. Difficulty in speaking and reading
    3. Trouble sleeping
    4. Nausea, fatigue
    5. Sensitivity to light and sound
    6. Food cravings
    7. Increased urination
    8. Muscle stiffness
  1. A phase of sensory disturbances (auras) may last from 5 minutes to one hour and may involve –
    1. Seeing bright flashing dots, sparkles, or lights
    2. Blind spots in your vision
    3. Numb or tingling skin
    4. Speech changes
    5. Ringing in your ears
    6. Temporary vision loss
    7. Seeing wavy lives
    8. Changes in smell or taste
  2. Headache phase may last from four hours to 72 hours and may involve –
    1. Sensitivity to light, noise, and strong odors
    2. Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, and abdominal pain
    3. Loss of appetite
    4. Feeling very warm or very cold
    5. Pale skin color
    6. Fatigue, speech changes
    7. Dizziness, blurred vision
    8. Tender scalp
    9. In rare cases, fever and diarrhea are
  3. Postdromal phase that involves exhaustion, confusion, may last for 1-2 days and may involve –
    1. Inability to concentrate
    2. Fatigue and feeling depressed
    3. Feeling euphoria
When is that you are likely to suffer from a migraine?

Whenever you are undergoing emotional stress or anxiety, when missing a meal, or when you are sensitive to certain food preservatives, or excess consumption of caffeine, or when exposed to sunlight, fluorescent light, TV, or computer for a prolonged period. Dr. Sandeep Goel, renowned as the best neurologist in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, emphasizes the importance of understanding these triggers to empower patients in their journey towards better neurological well-being.

What are the treatment options for a migraine attack?

Treatment of migraine attacks can be abortive (to treat an acute and sudden attack) or prophylactic.

  • Abortive medications are effective within 15 minutes of the onset of mild These medications include the
    • Triptan class of drugs such as Sumatriptan, and Rizatriptan,
    • ditans class of drugs such as Lasmiditan,
    • pain relievers like aspirin, and paracetamol are only effective against mild pain
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and
    • anti-emetics like chlorpromazine, and prochlorperazine to treat
    • Medications like Ubrogepant are useful in any kind of migraine attack with or without aura especially when the symptoms expressed are such as nausea, and sensitivity to light and frequent migraine attacks disrupting your daily life? It’s time to consider preventive medications under the guidance of Dr. Sandeep Goel, the Best Neurologist in Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
  • Preventive medications are useful when the migraine attacks are more frequent (more than two in a month) lasting for more than 24 hours and when abortive therapy Preventive medications include –
    • Antiepileptic drugs
    • Blood pressure-lowering medications such as propranolol, and metoprolol, whereas verapamil is useful in preventing migraines with aura.
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Anti-seizure drugs like valproate and topiramate in case of less frequent migraines but not recommended in pregnant
    • Monoclonal antibodies such as Erenumab as a monthly or quarterly
    • Botulinum toxin every 12 weeks can prevent migraine in some

Once diagnosed, Dr. Sandeep Goel, our best neurologist in jalandhar, adopts a personalized approach to managing migraines.

Conclusion

It is important to look out for the respective signs to confirm your headache is a migraine and accordingly, either abortive or preventive medications looking at the signs and the severity of headache with respect to frequency, duration and the spectrum of symptoms. Experts say no. The odds that there’s a problem is less than 1 in 1,000. Brain lesions don’t appear to cause any long-term damage. Two large studies found people with migraines didn’t have any more changes to their brain function or thinking than those who don’t get migraines.

Don’t let migraines dictate your life. With the guidance of Dr. Sandeep Goel, the best neurologist in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, you can regain control and find relief from debilitating headaches. It is important to look out for the respective signs to confirm your headache is a migraine and accordingly, either abortive or preventive medications looking at the signs and the severity of the headache to frequency, duration and the spectrum of symptoms. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards a migraine-free life.

His commitment extends beyond immediate crises, as he diligently crafts comprehensive treatment plans that address both short-term recovery and long-term neurological health. Act swiftly and seek help, trusting in the hands of a seasoned professional who prioritizes your well-being. With Dr. Sandeep Goel, our best neurologist in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, you are guided towards a healthier tomorrow. Your neurological care is our top priority, and Dr. Sandeep Goel stands as the epitome of excellence as the best neurologist in Jalandhar, Punjab, India.