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Migraine — is a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent attacks of headache, which are often accompanied by nausea, increased sensitivity to light and sounds. According to World Health Organization, migraine belongs to the most common neurological diseases and is one of the leading causes of temporary loss of working capacity among people of young and middle age.
At the medical center “Oxford Medical”, assistance with migraine is available for patients with different forms of the disease. After conducting the necessary diagnostics, the doctor determines the features of the course of the disease and selects an individual treatment tactic. It is possible to make an appointment for a doctor’s consultation at a time convenient for you by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.
According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), migraine is classified depending on the features of the course of the disease and clinical manifestations. Three main forms are distinguished:
Without aura (simple) — the most common form of the disease, in which an attack occurs without preceding neurological symptoms.
With aura — before the appearance of headache, temporary disorders of vision, sensitivity, speech or other neurological manifestations may occur. Patients often note flickering before the eyes, flashes of light or zigzag lines.
Chronic — is diagnosed in cases when headache occurs 15 or more days per month for more than three months.
Depending on the predominant symptoms and features of the course, the following forms of migraine with aura are distinguished:
| Type of migraine | Manifestations |
| Vestibular | Is accompanied by dizziness, a feeling of instability and impaired balance. |
| Retinal, or ocular | Is characterized by temporary visual disturbances in one eye during an attack. |
| Hemiplegic | A rare form in which temporary weakness or numbness of one half of the body occurs. |
| Basilar | Is accompanied by dizziness, ringing in the ears, impaired coordination and other neurological symptoms. |
| Abdominal | Is more often found in children and manifests itself as attacks of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. |
Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend consulting a specialist when symptoms of migraine appear, since different forms of the disease may require a different approach to diagnostics and treatment.
The exact mechanisms of development are still actively being studied. It is believed that the disease is associated with the features of the functioning of the nervous system, changes in the activity of individual brain structures and hereditary predisposition. If one of the parents suffers from migraine, the risk of developing the disease in the child increases significantly.
In many cases, attacks occur under the influence of certain factors. The most common migraine triggers include:
emotional stress and nervous overstrain;
lack of sleep or disruption of the sleep regime;
hormonal changes;
prolonged stay in stuffy rooms;
strong smells, bright light or loud sounds;
excessive physical exertion;
skipping meals;
consumption of some foods and drinks;
changes in weather and atmospheric pressure.
The reaction to provoking factors is individual. What causes an attack in one person may not affect another. In some patients, migraine occurs more often after lack of sleep, in others — after intense mental exertion or strong experiences. Also, chronic fatigue and prolonged psycho-emotional exhaustion may contribute to the appearance of attacks.
Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend keeping a headache diary, in which the circumstances of the appearance of attacks can be recorded. This helps to identify individual causes of migraine and factors that provoke exacerbation of the disease.
Manifestations may differ depending on the form of the disease and the individual
characteristics of the body. Most often, symptoms occur in attacks and may persist
from several hours to several days.
The most common signs of migraine:
intense pulsating pain, which is more often localized on one side of the head;
nausea, sometimes vomiting;
increased sensitivity to light, sounds or smells;
worsening of well-being during physical activity.
For many patients, pronounced pain during migraine is characteristic, which may intensify during walking, bending or performing usual everyday tasks. In some cases, dizziness, weakness, difficulties with concentration of attention and eye pain also occur.
If migraine is suspected, it is worth making an appointment for a neurologist appointment. The doctor assesses the nature of the headache, the frequency of attacks, accompanying symptoms and other features of the course of the disease, which helps to establish the correct diagnosis.
In most cases, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical picture and medical history data. Additional examinations are prescribed mainly to exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.
If necessary, the doctor may recommend:
ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck;
computed tomography;
laboratory tests;
other studies according to the clinical situation.
During the examination, special attention is paid to differential diagnosis with other neurological, vascular and somatic diseases that may be accompanied by headache attacks.
Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not postponing the examination if attacks recur regularly, become more intense or are accompanied by new symptoms. A correctly established diagnosis helps to choose the most effective treatment tactics and reduce the frequency of attacks in the future.
The treatment tactics depend on the form of migraine, the frequency of attacks, their duration and the severity of symptoms. The main goals of therapy are relief of the condition during an attack and reduction of the frequency of its recurrence in the future.
The basis of treatment is medication therapy, which the doctor selects individually. Some medications are used to relieve symptoms during an attack, others — to control the course of the disease in patients with frequent or severe attacks.
Many people try for years to control migraine only with the help of painkillers. However, such an approach does not always allow effectively influencing the course of the disease, and in some cases can even lead to intensification of headache due to excessive use of medicines. That is why, with regular attacks, it is important not only to eliminate symptoms, but also to select therapy aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of attacks.
The comprehensive treatment program may also include:
treatment of concomitant disorders that may affect the course of the disease;
therapeutic physical training;
psychotherapeutic support if necessary;
a course of reflexotherapy as an auxiliary method.
An important component of treatment is identifying and eliminating individual factors that provoke attacks. In many cases, control of triggers, normalization of sleep and rest regime help reduce the frequency of exacerbations and increase the effectiveness of therapy.
Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not self-medicating. How migraine is treated depends on the form of the disease, the frequency of attacks and accompanying symptoms, therefore the therapy scheme should be selected individually after consultation with a specialist.
Treatment started in a timely manner helps to better control the course of the disease, reduce the number of attacks and improve quality of life.
Migraine not only causes severe discomfort during an attack, but can also negatively affect a person’s everyday life. Frequent attacks often lead to reduced working capacity, sleep disturbance, difficulties with concentration of attention and worsening of the emotional state.
Possible complications of migraine include:
transition of the disease into a chronic form;
medication-induced headache due to excessive use of painkillers;
prolonged reduction of working capacity and quality of life;
development of anxiety or depressive disorders.
Most often, problems arise not because of a separate attack, but because of their regular recurrence. If the disease remains without proper control, attacks may become more frequent and more strongly affect everyday activity.
It is impossible to completely exclude the risk of migraine occurrence, however proper prevention helps reduce the frequency of attacks and their intensity. It is especially important to follow recommendations for people who already have an established diagnosis and regularly face attacks.
Basic prevention includes:
adherence to the sleep regime;
proper rest and avoidance of overfatigue;
regular physical activity;
balanced nutrition and a sufficient drinking regimen;
stress control;
identification and elimination of individual triggers of attacks.
It is useful to keep a diary and record the time of occurrence of attacks, their duration, possible provoking factors and accompanying symptoms. Such records help identify patterns and better control the course of the disease.
The cost of treatment depends on the form of the disease, the frequency of attacks, the necessary scope of diagnostics and the individual therapy program. In some cases, a specialist consultation and selection of medication treatment are sufficient, while in others additional examinations or other medical services may be needed.
The doctor will orient you in more detail regarding the possibilities of diagnostics, the treatment program and the cost during the consultation. You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for doctors’ consultations here. To make an appointment, call the contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.
The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.
Sources:
A neurologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of migraine. The specialist determines the form of the disease, assesses the frequency of attacks and selects an individual treatment tactic.
Usually no. An ambulance should be called only in case of a sudden very severe headache, speech disturbance, weakness in the limbs, loss of consciousness or the appearance of other unusual symptoms. If it is a usual attack without warning signs, emergency care is usually not needed.
On average, an attack can last from 4 to 72 hours. The duration depends on the form of the disease, the individual characteristics of the body and the timeliness of treatment.
Yes. In some patients, the disease may acquire a chronic course. The chronic form is spoken of in cases when headache bothers 15 or more days per month for more than three months.
It is not always possible to accurately distinguish a stroke from migraine on one’s own. In case of sudden weakness in an arm or leg, facial asymmetry or speech disturbance, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately.
No, it is not a precancerous condition and does not increase the risk of developing brain tumors. It is a separate neurological disease.
Yes. Nausea is one of the most common symptoms. In some cases, it may be accompanied by vomiting, especially during severe attacks.
A slight increase in temperature is sometimes possible, however high temperature is not a typical symptom and may indicate another disease.
In some people, a small amount of coffee may relieve symptoms, while in others — provoke an attack. The reaction to caffeine is individual and depends on the characteristics of the body.
Modern medicine does not yet allow this disease to be completely cured. However, properly selected treatment helps control the disease and significantly reduce the frequency of attacks.
Experienced doctors. All neurologists have extensive clinical experience and continually improve their qualifications.
Modern diagnostics. We use precise diagnostic methods to establish diagnoses.
Comprehensive approach. Consultations with related specialists and required examinations are available in the clinic.
Day hospital treatment option. Patients can receive infusions and monitoring on-site if needed.
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