Although the specific etiology of migraine headaches is unknown, 4 out of 5 people believe stress to be a trigger. After a stressful period, relaxation could also be a trigger.
A migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause throbbing, pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head, among other symptoms. The most common locations for the pain are behind one eye or around the temples. Hours or days can pass while experiencing pain.
During a migraine attack, other symptoms that may manifest are light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting.
Headaches and migraines are not the same thing. Its etiology is poorly understood. However, certain established causes, such as stress, exist.
As per the American Headache Society, stress is cited as a trigger by approximately 45% of migraine sufferers. Another finding suggests that relaxation after a time of high stress may be a trigger for migraine headaches.
What then is the relationship between migraine and stress? Our explanations of the symptoms, research, and coping mechanisms will help you feel better more quickly.Although the precise etiology of migraines is unknown, scientists think that variations in the amounts of specific chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, may be the reason. Serotonin aids in controlling pain.
Approximately 80% of migraine sufferers stated in a research that stress is a cause for their attacks.
Apart from the stress itself, some people think that the relaxation that follows a period of high stress could be a migraine trigger. It’s known as the “let-down” effect by some.
According to a 2014 study, migraineurs who saw a decrease in stress from one day to the next were far more likely to suffer from a migraine the next day.
It is worthwhile to make the effort to identify strategies to reduce your stress if it is a migraine trigger for you. According to the American Migraine Foundation, lowering your stress level can help with symptoms.It’s possible that stress symptoms will manifest before migraine symptoms. Typical signs of stress include:
tummy distress, aches in the muscles
Anger
exhaustion
chest discomfort
elevated blood pressure
depressive or melancholy emotions
A day or two prior to the real migraine episode, one may start experiencing migraine symptoms. The promonitory stage, also known as the prodrome stage, is this. The following are possible signs of this stage: exhaustion
cravings for food
mood swings
soreness in the muscles
sensitivity to light
sighing
Aura-accompanied migraine is a condition that some people have after the prodrome phase. Usually, an aura creates problems with vision. Some individuals may also experience issues with speech, movement, or sensation, such as tingling in the arms, legs, or face; seeing flashing lights, bright spots, or forms.
speech impediment temporary blindness
The following symptoms could be present: sensitivity to light and sound; heightened sensitivity to touch and scents; throbbing or pulsating headache pain, usually on one side of the head; nausea; vomiting
The postdrome phase is the last stage. It might bring on mood swings from extreme happiness and exhilaration to exhaustion and fatigue. In addition, you might be experiencing pain where your headache was.
Drugs
The following drugs can be used to treat migraine pain:
OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) prescription pain relievers like naproxen triptans like sumatriptan (Imitrex), almotriptan (Axert), and rizatriptan (Maxalt) ergots like Cafergot and Migergot that combine ergotamine and caffeine umbrogepant (Ubrelvy) that can be used to treat migraine symptoms during an episode or prevent migraine episodes rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) that can be used to treat migraine symptoms or prevent migraine episodes
There are over-the-counter migraine remedies like Excedrin Migraine that contain acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Rebound headaches, also referred to as medication overuse headaches, are a rare adverse effect that can result from these.
It has been discovered that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such ibuprofen and naproxen, raise the risk of heart attacks, stomach bleeding, and ulcers. It is not advised to use frequently.
In addition, antiemetic drugs might be administered if you vomit and feel queasy during a migraine attack.
When treating severe migraines, corticosteroids are occasionally used with other pharmaceuticals. However, due to side effects, frequent use of these is not advised.
If you require painkillers three or more times a week, you might be a good candidate for preventive medicine.
Medication for pain doesn’t relieve the agony.
Your attacks make you miss work or social occasions, or generally interfere adversely with your regular life.Preventive medicine is typically taken on a daily basis. Preventative treatment is meant to lessen the frequency, length, and intensity of your migraine attacks.
Should your migraine attacks be known to be triggered by stress, your physician can advise you to take the medicine exclusively during periods of elevated stress, such as the days preceding a demanding work week or occasion.
Among the drugs used as preventive measures are beta-blockers like propranolol, antidepressants like amitriptyline or venlafaxine (Effexor XR), and CGRP receptor antagonists such atogepant (Qulipta) and rimegepant (Nurtec ODT).
anti-seizure drugs, such Topamax (topiramate)
Botox injections in the migraine-affected areas
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan) and other calcium channel blockers are occasionally recommended to prevent migraines. Since they are not FDA-approved to treat migraines, this use is considered off-label.You can take a few steps to reduce your chance of experiencing a migraine due to stress. These items might also aid in the relief of migraine and stress-related symptoms. Think about the following:
Include calming activities like yoga and meditation in your everyday schedule.
