Chronic Migraines among women: Everything you need to know
What is chronic migraine - A headache or a disorder?
Chronic migraine is a debilitating headache disorder. It is characterised by having a minimum of 15 headache days in a month for more than 3 months. It could begin as less frequent throbbing headaches that gradually develop into frequent incapacitating headaches accompanied by sensitivity to light or sound. Severe cases of chronic migraine may experience vomiting or nausea along with headaches.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) includes migraine among the causes for years lived with disability. In India, chronic migraines have increased post pandemic due to many stress factors. A 20% rise in migraines among different age groups between 10 to 40 is observed.
Migraine affects women more often than men. According to a study, three out of four people who have migraines are women. While the exact cause is unknown, the hormonal changes caused by the menstrual cycle being one of the common reasons for migraines among women is well documented in the literature.
Symptoms of chronic migraine
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Moderate to severe headaches that worsen by physical activity.
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Throbbing pain or pressure-like pain on one or both sides of the head.
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Sensitivity to light, sound, smells.
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Dizziness along with nausea or vomiting.
Causes of chronic migraine
While the exact cause is unknown, most researchers link migraine to abnormal levels of substances naturally produced by the brain. This could cause inflammation and swelling of blood vessels in the brain that press on nerves, causing pain. Some also link gene abnormality to migraine.
However, there are certain triggers that can set off a migraine attack. While the response to triggers may vary following triggers have been observed in women with chronic migraine.
- Lack of sleep, irregular sleep pattern
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Skipped meals/ low blood sugar levels
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Bright lights
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Loud noises
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Strong scent
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Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle
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Stress and anxiety
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Weather changes
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Excess caffeine or withdrawal of caffeine
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Alcohol typically red wine
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Foods that contain nitrates, MSG (monosodium glutamate), tyramine
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Dehydration
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Artificial sweeteners
Treatment options for chronic migraine
Lifestyle changes and preventive treatments to reduce migraine attacks are the main ways to manage or treat chronic migraines.
Lifestyle changes include:
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Manage your health
Regular exercise is recommended to maintain overall physical health. If you are overweight, losing weight with an exercise plan approved by your doctor is recommended.
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Manage your stress.
Practising yoga, meditation, or mindful breathing techniques are recommended to manage stress.
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Manage your meal.
It is important to not skip meals to avoid migraine attacks. Set a routine for your meals and snacks. Avoid foods that contain nitrates, MSG (monosodium glutamate), tyramine, and artificial sugar.
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Stay well hydrated.
If you can’t remember to drink water, set a reminder or a tracker to stay hydrated throughout the day.
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Begin treatment for sleep disorder or any other existing disorder including depression and anxiety.
Preventive care
As migraine triggers can vary for each individual, for effective preventive care understanding your migraine triggers is essential.
Maintain a diary. Note down the date and time of your headaches. It would also help to keep track of your activity before the headache begins. Don’t forget to write down the food you consumed before the migraine attack. It would be helpful to note down your period cycle as well. This information will be very useful for your doctor to prescribe preventive medication for chronic migraine.
Simple painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen work on mild migraine attacks. However, do not self-medicate. Visit your doctor and follow a treatment plan best suited for you.