Silent but Violent: Understanding Migraines
- natalika776
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Migraines—nearly everyone knows someone who has them, yet the underlying cause remains a mystery. While researchers understand the biological processes that occur during a migraine and have identified common triggers, the exact reason why they happen is still unknown. What’s clear, though, is that migraines are more than just headaches; they are a neurological condition that can be debilitating for many.
What Are Migraines?
"Migraines" or "migraine attacks" are recurring episodes of intensely strong headaches that can last anywhere from several hours to a couple of days.
A migraine typically presents as an intense throbbing pain localized to one side of the head. Some people may also experience visual impairments, difficulty speaking, or a "pins and needles" sensation throughout the body. When these additional symptoms occur, it’s known as an "aura migraine."
Migraines occur in distinct phases, each with its own set of symptoms:
The Four Phases of a Migraine
1. Prodrome: The first phase can last for hours or even days before the headache begins. Symptoms include mood changes, fatigue, food cravings, difficulty sleeping, and muscle stiffness.
2. Aura: This phase affects some—but not all—migraine sufferers. It can last from 5 minutes to an hour and is characterized by visual disturbances like flashing lights, blurred vision, or temporary loss of sight. Other symptoms include difficulty speaking and tingling sensations in the body.
3. Headache: The headache phase is the most well-known. Pain usually localizes to one side of the head and intensifies over time. It may last several hours to several days and is often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, and neck pain. Not all people experience migraines with headaches—some individuals still experience migraines without them entirely.
4. Postdrome: This is the "migraine aftermath" phase, when people feel drained, confused, and unable to concentrate. It may take several days for full recovery.
Common Migraine Triggers
Migraine triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include:
Loud noises
Bright lights
Strong smells
Motion sickness
Changes in lifestyle (too much or too little sleep)
Mental health changes
Over-exertion (e.g., excessive exercise)
Skipping meals
Alcohol or tobacco use
Hormonal changes (such as during menstruation or pregnancy)
Treatment Options
There are several treatments available for migraines. Medications can be taken either preventatively or at the first sign of symptoms to minimize the severity of an attack.
The most common medications are triptans, which work by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Other options include ergot derivatives, CGRP inhibitors, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and nausea medications. Here’s a resource that covers these medications in greater detail.
Non-drug treatments include Botox injections, resting in a dark and quiet space, applying a cool pack to the forehead or neck, and staying hydrated. Some supplements—such as Vitamin B2, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and butterbur (a medicinal plant)—may also help. Always consult a doctor before starting any new treatment.
Ongoing Research
Researchers are working to better understand migraines by studying the role of neurotransmitters (signals in the brain), hormones, and the immune system. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) funds many projects to gain a deeper understanding of this condition. For more information, click here.
Migraines vary from person to person, and unfortunately, treatment options are not one-size-fits-all. Living with this condition can be extremely debilitating. Understanding migraines and their triggers is an important first step toward managing them. With continued research and growing treatment options, there is hope for the billions of people affected worldwide.
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