How to relieve migraine headaches?

Causes of migraine

The pathogenesis of migraine has not been fully clarified, and is currently thought to be related to the following factors:

1. Genetic factors: about 60%-70% of migraine patients have a family history, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

2. Neurovascular mechanism: Abnormal neuronal discharge in certain areas of the brain triggers an inflammatory response, leading to vasodilation and pain.

3. Hormonal changes: female migraine is closely related to fluctuations in estrogen levels (e.g. menstruation, pregnancy, menopause).

4. environment and lifestyle:

· triggers: Stress, lack of sleep, hunger, bright light, noise, climate change, etc.

· Diet: alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine, chocolate, pickles, MSG, etc.

5. Others: chronic stress, certain medications (e.g. birth control pills), head trauma, etc. may trigger or aggravate migraine.

Who gets migraines

Migraines are prevalent in specific groups of people, and common features include:

1. Sex: significantly more prevalent in women than in men (about 3:1), especially associated with hormonal changes.
2. Age: most common in young adults (15-45 years old), can also occur in children and older adults, but symptoms may vary.
3. Genetic predisposition: people with a family history of migraineurs are at higher risk.
4. Specific body type: people who are sensitive to light, sound, or odor, or who have emotional problems such as anxiety or depression are more likely to have attacks.
5. · Other disease associations: e.g., migraineurs may have a combination of irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, and depression.

How to Relieve Migraine Headaches

Treatment of migraine headaches requires a combination of acute-phase relief and long-term prevention through:

1. Acute-phase relief (during an attack)

· Medications:

o Non-specific pain relievers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen (for mild to moderate headaches).

o Specific medications: tretinoin (e.g., sumatriptan, need to be used under doctor’s supervision to avoid overdependence).

o Antiemetics: migraine is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can be combined with metoclopramide to relieve symptoms.

· Non-pharmacological treatments:

o Cold compresses: use ice packs or a cold towel on the painful area (e.g. forehead, temples) to reduce inflammation and pain by constricting blood vessels (see below for specific effects).

o Rest: Lie flat on your back in a quiet, darkened room to minimize light and sound stimulation.

o Relaxation exercises: deep breathing, meditation, etc. to relieve stress.

2. Long-term prevention (in case of frequent attacks)

· Medication prevention : e.g. beta-blockers (propranolol), anti-epileptic drugs (topiramate), antidepressants (amitriptyline), etc., need to be evaluated by a doctor.

· Lifestyle modifications: regular routine, balanced diet, avoidance of known triggers (e.g., specific foods, late nights).

· Psychological interventions: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage stress and emotions.

The role of cold compresses on migraine

Cold compresses are commonly used as adjunctive therapy in the acute phase of migraine, and their mechanism of action and effects include:

1. Vasoconstriction: low temperature can temporarily reduce local vasodilatation and relieve throbbing pain caused by excessive vasodilatation.

2. Reduce inflammation: inhibit the release of local inflammatory mediators and reduce nerve sensitivity.

3. Numbing pain signals: low temperature can interfere with pain nerve conduction and temporarily relieve pain.

4. Relieve concomitant symptoms: cold compresses may reduce nausea, head congestion and other discomforts.

Usage:

 Wrap the ice pack or cold towel in a thin cloth (to avoid direct contact with skin frostbite) and apply it to the forehead, temples or back of the neck for 15-20 minutes each time, which can be repeated at intervals of 1-2 hours .

 Note: Cold compresses are effective for some patients, but individual differences are large, if ineffective need to seek medical attention.