Your guide to migraine symptoms and treatments

Migraines are not just bad headaches — they're intense neurological events that can seriously impact a person's daily life. By being informed about migraine symptoms and treatment choices, you can better manage your health and overall well-being.

What to know about migraines

Migraines cause severe, pulsating pain on one side of the head and can last for hours or even days.

"While the exact cause of migraines isn't fully understood, a combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors is believed to play a role," says Bushra Malik, MD, a neurologist at Main Line Health.

Signs and symptoms of migraines can include:

• Throbbing head pain that can be worsened by movement
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness
• Auras — visual disturbances such as flashing lights or zigzag patterns — prior to the headache

Different types of migraines and their unique features

Migraines come in several types, each with its unique features. Understanding these differences can help tailor your treatment plan more effectively:

• Migraine without aura: The most common type, characterized by intense headaches without preceding sensory disturbances.
• Migraine with aura: Includes visual or sensory symptoms like flashing lights or zigzag patterns before the headache starts.
• Chronic migraine: Occurs 15 or more days a month, significantly impacting daily life and requiring a specialized treatment approach.
• Menstrual migraine: Linked to hormonal changes, these migraines typically occur around the menstrual cycle and can be managed with specific strategies.
• Hemiplegic migraine: A rare form causing temporary paralysis or sensory changes on one side of the body, often requiring immediate medical attention.

Identifying the type of migraine you experience is key to developing an effective management plan. Each type may respond differently to treatments, so working closely with your primary care doctor can help you find the most effective strategies.

Comparing preventative and as needed treatments

Preventative medications like beta-blockers and anticonvulsants are taken regularly to lessen the occurrence and intensity of migraines. On the other hand, lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet and consistent sleep patterns can also help prevent migraines from happening.

"When dealing with a migraine, medications like pain relievers and triptans are used to help manage symptoms," says Dr. Malik. "Some people find relief by using a combination of preventative measures and acute treatments, such as taking daily medication to prevent migraines and having a plan for addressing attacks when they occur."

Identifying and managing migraine triggers

Migraine triggers are unique to everyone. Stress, strong smells, certain foods and hormonal fluctuations can all be triggers.

"Certain triggers have techniques that can help you get ahead of migraine symptoms. For example, meditation and exercise can help manage stress, while tracking your cycle may help with hormonal triggers," says Dr. Malik.

Make sure you're sticking to a regular sleep routine to prevent migraines from getting worse. Factors like bright lights and loud noises can also trigger migraines, so watch for warnings before the start of movies or television shows.

You may also want to consider keeping a diary of your migraines, which can help you recognize patterns and triggers. By knowing your triggers, you can take steps to reduce how often and how severe your migraines are.

Managing migraines can be overwhelming, but understanding your condition and specific triggers are key to finding relief. Remember to seek support from your doctor and consider looking for educational resources to empower yourself in managing migraines.

Next steps:

Make an appointment with Bushra Malik, MD
Learn more about primary care at Main Line Health
The role of the neurohospitalist