Migraine is a common neurological disorder that can cause recurring headaches and other symptoms that may interfere with daily life. When these headaches become frequent or severe, they leave patients feeling exhausted, frustrated, and uncertain about how to manage their condition. At Graphic Era Hospital, we understand the impact migraines can have on quality of life. That’s why our neurology team is committed to ensure accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and ongoing support, helping patients control the symptoms and achieve long-term relief.
What is Migraine and What are its Types?
Migraine is a neurological condition that causes repeated headaches, often on one side of the head. The pain is usually moderate to severe and may feel throbbing or pulsating. Migraine attacks are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, and can interfere with daily activities. For some people, migraines last a few hours, while for others they can continue for one or more days.
Migraine is more than just a headache, it involves changes in brain activity and nerve signals, which is why the symptoms can vary from person to person.
Types of Migraine
There are several types of migraine, and understanding them can help recognise symptoms more clearly:
Migraine without aura
This is the most common type. It involves headache pain along with symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, but without any warning signs beforehand.
Migraine with aura
In this type, symptoms called an aura appear before or during the headache. These may include visual changes (such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots), tingling sensations, or difficulty speaking. The aura usually lasts a short time and is reversible.
Chronic migraine
This occurs when headaches happen on 15 or more days in a month, with migraine features on many of those days. It can significantly affect quality of life.
Menstrual migraine
These migraines are linked to hormonal changes and usually occur around the time of menstruation. They often do not involve aura and may be more difficult to treat.
Silent migraine (migraine without headache)
In this type, a person experiences migraine symptoms such as aura, nausea, or sensitivity to light without the headache pain.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Migraine?
The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve changes in brain activity, nerve signalling, and chemical imbalances, particularly involving serotonin. Migraine often develops due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors that make the brain more sensitive to certain triggers.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Genetics and family history: Migraine often runs in families. People with a close relative who has migraine are more likely to develop the condition.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially oestrogen, are a well-known trigger. This is why migraine is more common in women and may worsen around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Altered brain and nerve activity: Increased sensitivity of nerves and blood vessels in the brain can contribute to migraine attacks, leading to headache pain and associated symptoms.
- Stress and emotional factors: Ongoing stress, anxiety, or sudden emotional changes can increase the likelihood of migraine episodes.
- Sleep disturbances: Irregular sleep patterns, insufficient sleep, or excessive sleep may trigger migraines in some individuals.
- Dietary factors: Certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, caffeine, aged cheeses, and processed foods, can trigger migraines in susceptible people.
- Environmental triggers: Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or changes in weather may provoke migraine symptoms.
- Associated medical conditions: Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other chronic pain disorders are more commonly seen in people who experience migraines.
What are the Symptoms of Migraine?
Migraine is a neurological condition in which symptoms may develop gradually and vary in intensity from one person to another. Recognising early symptoms can help in seeking timely medical attention and managing attacks more effectively.
Common Symptoms of Migraine
- Severe headache pain, often throbbing or pulsing, usually on one side of the head but sometimes affecting both sides and surrounding areas like the face, jaw, or neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and often smells
- Visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, or other changes (aura)
- Tingling or numbness sensations in the face, hands, or arms
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally slowed
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Mood changes such as irritability, depression, or euphoria
- Yawning or difficulty sleeping before an attack
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Stiff neck or discomfort around the shoulders and upper back
Some people may also experience sensitivity to touch or sound pressure during an attack — even gentle contact can feel uncomfortable.
Phases of Migraine
Migraine attacks often progress through several phases, although not everyone experiences every phase with each episode. Symptoms may begin well before the headache and can continue even after the pain subsides.
Early Phase (Prodrome)
This phase may start hours or even days before the headache begins. Symptoms can include mood changes such as irritability or low mood, unusual tiredness, difficulty concentrating, frequent yawning, food cravings, increased thirst, sleep disturbances, and stiffness or discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
Aura Phase (in some individuals)
Some people experience temporary neurological symptoms before or during the headache. These may include visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, or blurred vision. Other symptoms can include tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or arms, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms are usually reversible and short-lived.
Headache Phase (Attack)
This phase is characterised by moderate to severe headache pain, often throbbing or pulsating, and commonly affecting one side of the head, though it may involve both sides or spread to the face, jaw, or neck. Nausea and vomiting are common, along with increased sensitivity to light, sound, smells, and sometimes touch. Physical activity may worsen the pain. This phase can last from a few hours to several days.
Recovery Phase (Postdrome)
After the headache resolves, some people continue to feel unwell. Symptoms during this phase may include extreme fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, lingering sensitivity to light or sound, mild nausea, dizziness, and neck discomfort. This phase is sometimes described as a “migraine hangover” and may last for a day or longer.
How Is Migraine Diagnosed at Graphic Era Hospital?
Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing migraine effectively and distinguishing it from other types of headaches or neurological conditions. At Graphic Era Hospital, specialists follow a structured, patient-centred approach to understand symptoms, identify migraine patterns, and rule out other possible causes.
Diagnosis is usually based on a combination of the following:
- Detailed medical history: Involves discussing headache patterns, frequency, duration, triggers, associated symptoms such as nausea or visual changes, and family history of migraine.
- Clinical neurological examination: Assesses reflexes, coordination, balance, vision, and sensory function to exclude other neurological disorders.
- Headache diary review (if available): Helps identify triggers, symptom progression, and response to previous treatments, supporting an accurate migraine diagnosis.
- Imaging tests (MRI or CT scans): Recommended in selected cases to rule out structural brain conditions, especially if headaches are severe, sudden, or accompanied by unusual neurological symptoms.
- Blood tests: Used when necessary to exclude infections, metabolic issues, or other medical conditions that may mimic migraine symptoms.
This comprehensive evaluation allows specialists to confirm migraine accurately and plan appropriate treatment based on the individual’s symptoms and needs.
Migraine Treatment Options Available at Graphic Era Hospital
Although migraine cannot be cured, appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the frequency, severity, and impact of attacks on daily life. At Graphic Era Hospital, migraine care focuses on accurate diagnosis, symptom control, and long-term prevention through a personalised treatment plan.
Treatment approaches include:
- Medications: Acute medicines to relieve pain during an attack and preventive medications to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, selected based on individual symptoms and response.
- Pain management strategies: Use of evidence-based approaches to control headache pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound during migraine episodes.
- Lifestyle modification: Guidance on balanced meals, maintaining regular sleep patterns, hydration, and stress management to help minimise migraine triggers.
- Trigger identification and avoidance: Support in recognising personal migraine triggers, such as certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, or environmental factors.
- Non-drug therapies: Relaxation techniques, stress reduction strategies, and behavioural approaches that support overall migraine control.
- Management of associated conditions: Treatment of related issues such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders that may worsen migraine symptoms.
When Should You See a Doctor for Migraine?
While occasional migraines can often be managed with rest and medication, medical advice is important when headaches become frequent, severe, or start to interfere with daily life. Seeing a doctor helps confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and ensure appropriate treatment.
You should consider consulting a doctor for migraine if:
- Headaches occur frequently or are becoming more severe over time
- Migraine attacks last longer than usual or do not improve with medication
- Pain interferes with work, school, sleep, or daily activities
- You experience new or unusual symptoms such as vision problems, speech difficulty, weakness, or numbness
- Headaches begin suddenly and are extremely intense
- Migraine symptoms worsen during pregnancy or around hormonal changes
- Over-the-counter pain medicines are needed too often or are no longer effective
Early medical evaluation helps tailor treatment, prevent complications, and improve long-term migraine control, especially when symptoms change or become disabling.
Why Choose Graphic Era Hospital for Migraine Treatment in Dehradun?
Experienced Neurology Specialists: At Graphic Era Hospital, migraine care is led by experienced neurologists and physicians with expertise in diagnosing and managing different types of migraine and headache disorders. When required, they collaborate with other specialists to evaluate overlapping conditions such as sinus problems, hormonal factors, sleep disturbances, mental health concerns, or other neurological issues, ensuring a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach to care that addresses the full range of factors influencing migraine.
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Personalised Treatment: The hospital follows a structured diagnostic approach focused on understanding headache characteristics, triggers, and associated symptoms, while ruling out other neurological conditions. Treatment is then personalised based on clinical findings, symptom patterns, and the impact of migraines on daily life.
Long-Term Migraine Management: Care goes beyond treating acute attacks to include preventive strategies, lifestyle guidance, and trigger management. This personalised, long-term approach helps patients achieve better migraine control and improved quality of life.
Complications of Migraine
Migraine is more than a headache and, when frequent or poorly controlled, it can affect daily functioning, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Recurrent migraine attacks may lead to complications that impact work, relationships, and long-term health.
Common complications include:
- Migraine-related disability: Frequent or severe attacks can interfere with work, studies, and routine activities, leading to reduced productivity and reduced quality of life.
- Medication overuse headache: Regular or excessive use of pain-relief medicines can worsen headaches over time and make migraines more difficult to control.
- Chronic migraine: In some individuals, episodic migraine may progress to chronic migraine, with headaches occurring on many days of the month.
- Sleep disturbances: Migraine is often associated with poor sleep quality, insomnia, or disrupted sleep patterns, which can further trigger attacks.
- Emotional and mental health issues: Ongoing pain may contribute to anxiety, depression, irritability, or stress-related problems.
- Sensitivity-related limitations: Persistent sensitivity to light, sound, or smells may limit social activities and daily comfort, even between attacks.
Preventive and Supportive Care for Migraine
While migraines cannot always be prevented entirely, identifying triggers and adopting supportive strategies can significantly reduce the frequency, intensity, and impact of attacks. At Graphic Era Hospital, preventive and supportive care forms an important part of helping patients manage migraine more effectively over time.
Preventive and supportive strategies may include:
- Identifying and avoiding triggers: Recognising patterns related to sleep disruption, stress, diet, or environmental factors helps reduce attack frequency.
- Maintaining regular sleep and meal routines: Consistent daily habits support neurological stability and reduce migraine susceptibility.
- Stress management: Relaxation techniques, structured routines, and coping strategies help minimise stress-related migraine episodes.
- Appropriate use of medications: Guidance on preventive medicines and correct use of pain relief helps improve control while avoiding medication overuse.
- Hydration and dietary awareness: Adequate fluid intake and mindful eating habits support overall migraine management.
- Regular follow-up and monitoring: Periodic review allows treatment plans to be adjusted based on response and changing migraine patterns.
Together, these measures help patients gain better control over migraines, reduce disruption to daily life, and improve long-term comfort and confidence.
Top Migraine Treatments Available at Graphic Era Hospital
- Acute Migraine Management
- Preventive Migraine Therapy
- Trigger Identification and Lifestyle Guidance
- Medication Review and Optimisation
- Supportive Care for Chronic Migraine
- Patient Education and Follow-Up Care
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to see improvement after starting migraine treatment?
Improvement timelines vary from person to person. Some patients notice relief within a few weeks, while others may take longer, especially when preventive treatments are being adjusted. Regular follow-up helps assess response and refine care as needed.
Will migraine treatment need to be continued long term?
For some individuals, treatment may be required over an extended period to maintain good control, while others may need it only during certain phases of life. The duration of care depends on migraine frequency, severity, and response to treatment.
Can migraine patterns change over time, even after treatment begins?
Yes. Migraine patterns can evolve due to factors such as stress, hormonal changes, lifestyle shifts, or ageing. Ongoing review allows care plans to be adapted to these changes.
Is it normal for migraine symptoms to return after a period of relief?
In some cases, migraines may recur after a symptom-free phase. This does not mean treatment has failed, but it may indicate the need for reassessment and adjustment of the management plan.
How often will follow-up visits be needed for migraine management?
Follow-up frequency depends on symptom control and treatment type. Initially, visits may be closer together, with longer intervals once migraines are better controlled.
Can migraine treatment plans be adjusted if symptoms do not improve as expected?
Yes. Migraine care is not one-size-fits-all. Treatment plans can be modified based on how symptoms respond, side effects, and changes in migraine patterns.
Are migraines managed differently in adolescents, adults, and older patients?
Management approaches may vary based on age, associated health conditions, and lifestyle factors. Treatment is tailored to suit the specific needs of each age group.
Can migraine be safely managed alongside other long-term medical conditions?
Migraine care can usually be integrated safely with treatment for other medical conditions. This requires careful review of medications and overall health to ensure safe and effective management.
What should I do if my migraine symptoms suddenly change in pattern or severity?
Any sudden or unusual change in migraine symptoms should be medically reviewed. Prompt assessment helps rule out other causes and ensures appropriate care.
How does specialised migraine care differ from general headache treatment?
Specialised migraine care focuses on accurate diagnosis, identification of migraine-specific patterns, and long-term management strategies, rather than only short-term pain relief.
Where can I find specialised migraine treatment near me in Dehradun?
Graphic Era Hospital in Dehradun offers specialised migraine care led by experienced neurology specialists. Care focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and long-term migraine management to help patients achieve better symptom control and improved quality of life.
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