Migraine is not just a bad headache. It’s a medical condition that often affects how people work, study, and live day to day. For many, it’s unpredictable and frustrating, especially when medication alone doesn’t offer lasting relief. At Epione Pain Management, we work with individuals who are looking for clear answers and better solutions.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through common migraine triggers, how symptoms typically appear, and the treatment options that go beyond just tablets. If you’re trying to manage your condition or support someone who is, this guide is for you.
Common Triggers of Migraine
Migraines can be set off by a variety of factors, and they differ from person to person. Recognising your own triggers is an important step toward managing the condition better. Some common ones include:
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in oestrogen are closely linked to migraines in women. Many experience migraines around menstruation, during pregnancy, or around menopause. This hormonal connection is a key reason behind what causes migraines in females, making it more than just a stress-related issue.
- Stress: Long hours at work, emotional tension, or even sudden anxiety can lead to migraines. Stress alters brain chemicals and blood vessels, which can trigger or worsen a migraine. People with demanding routines or jobs are often at higher risk.
- Skipping meals: Not eating on time or missing meals altogether can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which in turn may lead to a migraine. This is a trigger many don’t realise until it becomes a repeated pattern.
- Strong smells: Perfumes, paint, incense, or cigarette smoke can be overpowering for some people. These smells may activate parts of the brain associated with migraine in sensitive individuals, leading to an attack soon after exposure.
- Sensitivity to light: Bright sunlight, flashing lights, or even extended screen time can overwhelm the senses and set off a migraine. This type of trigger is common among students and professionals who spend long hours under artificial lighting or on devices.
Lifestyle and environmental triggers are also linked to what causes migraines in males, though hormonal changes tend to play a lesser role in their case.
Recognising Migraine Symptoms
Migraine symptoms often follow a pattern, moving through various phases. Being aware of these can help in managing the condition early and effectively. Here’s a breakdown:
- Prodromal symptoms: These show up one or two days before the actual headache. Common signs include fatigue, mood changes, food cravings, constipation, or neck stiffness. It’s the body’s early warning system, though many miss it unless they’re tracking their episodes.
- Aura symptoms: About a quarter of people with migraines experience aura, temporary neurological changes before the headache. These may include visual disturbances like flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, or blind spots, along with numbness or trouble speaking. Recognising the aura is key to early intervention.
- Headache symptoms: This is the most recognised stage. It often starts with a dull ache and develops into throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. The pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound, light, or smell. In some cases, the pain may shift from one side to the other.
- Postdrome (after-effects): Once the headache subsides, people often feel drained, confused, or sluggish. Some describe it as a “migraine hangover” that lasts up to a day. It’s important to allow rest during this stage.
Together, these make up the typical profile of migraine symptoms, and treatment plans are usually tailored around which phases a patient struggles with most.
Advanced Treatment Options at Epione
At Epione, our focus is on providing treatments that go beyond painkillers. We offer non-surgical and minimally invasive therapies that aim to reduce both the intensity and frequency of migraines. Here are the options we offer:
- Botox Injection
Botox is approved for treating chronic migraines in adults. Small doses are injected around specific muscle groups to help block pain signals. It’s especially useful for those who experience headaches for 15 or more days a month. - PRP Injection
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body’s own healing agents to repair nerve tissues. It is natural, low-risk, and helps manage inflammation, which is often linked to recurring migraines. - Neuromodulation
This involves using medical devices that deliver mild electrical pulses to nerves that influence pain. It is safe, non-invasive, and suitable for people who cannot or do not want to take daily medication.
- Pulsed RF Ablation
A precise technique where controlled radiofrequency waves are used to calm specific nerves responsible for chronic pain. This method helps break the cycle of repeated migraines.
- Prolotherapy
This therapy involves injecting a mild irritant solution to stimulate the body’s healing process in areas where nerves are overly sensitive. It strengthens weak connective tissues and helps prevent future episodes.
For those looking into what causes migraine and how to cure it, these treatments offer a promising path forward, especially when standard medication falls short. If you’re exploring migraine headache treatment in Chennai, these options are available at Epione with expert care.
Conclusion
Migraine is a complex condition, but they can be managed effectively with the right guidance and care. At Epione, our focus is to help you reduce your pain and regain your routine without relying on long-term medication.
If you’ve been struggling to find relief, it might be time to consider expert help from our Pain Management Specialists in Chennai. Book a consultation today and explore the right treatment for you.