Preguntas y respuestas relacionadas con el trastorno de migrañas

A migraine episode is more than just a simple headache. It can be a whole-body experience with personal triggers and symptoms. HealthyWomen interviewed Maureen Moriarty, DNP, an associate professor of nursing at Marymount University’s Malek School of Nursing, about this commonly misunderstood disorder. The good news? Migraine episodes can be treated and even prevented by understanding and avoiding personal triggers.
What is a migraine disorder? A migraine disorder is a hereditary neurological condition characterized by symptoms ranging from severe or persistent headaches to nausea and vomiting. It can affect cognitive function, alter sensory perception, and even impair balance and strength.
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine episode? While a headache is localized pain in the head, a migraine episode is neurologically based and causes additional symptoms beyond simple head pain. These can include throbbing head pain, typically on one side and worsening with physical activity, as well as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, or vomiting. About one in three people experience an aura before a migraine episode, often characterized by visual changes such as flashing lights or blurry vision, among other sensory changes.
How long do migraine episodes last? Migraine episodes typically last between four and 72 hours but can persist longer in some cases.
How does a migraine disorder impact people’s personal and work lives? Debilitating pain can prevent individuals from going to work, social events, family gatherings, or school. In fact, migraine disorder is the second most common cause of disability among those under 50 and the most common cause of disability in young women. Even between episodes, individuals with the disorder live with the psychological stress of anticipating the next episode, which may lead to restricting activities out of fear.
How can someone identify what triggers their migraine episodes? Migraine episodes can be triggered by external and internal factors, which vary from person to person. By paying attention to external factors like bright light, loud noises, strong smells, tobacco smoke, or changes in barometric pressure due to weather or air travel, individuals can begin to identify their own triggers. Internal triggers may include certain foods, changes in sleep patterns, skipping meals, consuming too much caffeine, or dehydration. Menstrual cycle phases may also trigger migraine episodes in some women.
How can keeping a diary be helpful for individuals with migraine disorders? By documenting triggers, frequency, duration, symptoms, and intensity of episodes, individuals can begin to recognize patterns and take steps to manage the disorder. For example, if severe episodes always occur after flying, you could consult your healthcare provider about options before your next flight.
What are the treatment options for migraine episodes? Treatments fall into two categories: acute and preventive. Acute medications treat ongoing migraines and may include medications like triptans, ditans, and gepants. General pain relievers like NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can also be used. Preventive medications are recommended for those experiencing more than four migraine days per month. Preventive medications approved by the American Academy of Neurology include beta blockers, anticonvulsant drugs, some antidepressants, and onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox). Botox is used for chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more migraine days per month. New preventive therapies include medications known as gepants and monoclonal antibodies that target a protein in the brain and nervous system called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP release in the brain is believed to promote migraine episodes.
Can any medications (including contraceptives) worsen migraine episodes? Yes, some medications can exacerbate migraine episodes. Hormone therapies based on estrogen, such as birth control pills, may increase migraine episodes in approximately one in three women using them for contraception or to treat other disorders and menopausal symptoms. Any medication that dilates blood vessels, like nitroglycerin tablets used for chest pain, can worsen underlying migraine disorders.
Is migraine disorder hereditary? Yes, about six in ten people with migraine disorders can identify a family member with the condition.
Is there a possibility that migraine symptoms will improve over time or with hormonal changes like menopause? For most women, migraine episodes begin with the onset of menstruation and peak a few years before turning 40. Changes in estrogen levels during perimenopause may increase migraine episodes. Consequently, migraine episodes may improve for some postmenopausal women, but approximately one in three women continue to experience symptoms.
Are there lifestyle changes that could be helpful in preventing migraine episodes? Maintaining a regular schedule could be helpful. Waking up and going to bed at the same time, eating regular meals, and staying hydrated could help prevent migraine episodes. Certain foods and beverages can trigger episodes in up to six in ten people with migraines. These include alcohol, aged cheese, meats with nitrates and nitrites, citrus fruits and juices, bananas, chocolate, and MSG. Smoking traditional or e-cigarettes could worsen migraine disorders. It’s important to identify your triggers. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent migraines. Stress, whether good or bad, can trigger an episode, even when the source of stress is removed. For example, students who stay healthy during exam week may experience an episode afterward. This educational resource was prepared with support from Pfizer.