We all have had a headache at some point; you know how painful it can be. You may have taken a painkiller, and the pain faded away. But now, a migraine is worse than a headache episode.

A migraine episode can last for several days. Severe migraine episodes can affect your daily life routine; work, morning run, or school.

The migraine triggers, severity, frequency, signs, and symptoms vary. To some people, it occurs once a week, while others get more than an episode. At least one person gets migraines in every four Americans, often an acute migraine attack.

Do you experience migraines? Or do you know someone who does? It would help understand their type and causes of migraine. The good thing is that there are natural ways to relieve and prevent intense pain. Read on to get well-informed.

What Are Migraines?

Migraines affect millions of people globally, and Kansas City is no different. In the United States, it affects 18 percent of women, 6% of men, and 10% of children.

A pulsating pain is a common characteristic of migraines. It occurs on one side of the head through others experience migraines on both sides.

Types of Migraines

1. Migraines with Aura

Aura refers to a sensory and visual disturbance acting as a warning that you are about to have a migraine. Such disturbances include:

· Blind spots in your vision

· Ringing in the ears

· Temporary vision loss

· Seeing bright flashing lights, among others

An aura may last up to half an hour before a migraine kicks in.

2. Migraine without Aura

This type of migraine occurs without any throbbing pain or other symptoms.

3. Migraine without Head Pain

Migraine with no head pain is also known as silent or acephalgic migraine. It comes with no head pain. Instead, you may have alarming symptoms like an aura, visual disturbances, and nausea.

4. Hemiplegic Migraine

Hemiplegic migraine may come with temporary paralysis weakening one side of your body. You may also experience feeling sensory loss.

5. Retinal Migraine

Temporary vision loss in one eye, often with an aura, is a significant characteristic of this migraine. The visionary loss may be partial or total, lasting a minute or as long as months.

6. Chronic Migraine

Chronic migraines last 15 or more days in a month. People who experience chronic migraines may experience migraines of different severity each day. One may think it’s tension or a sinus headache.

Common Migraine Signs and Symptoms

There are four stages of migraine attacks having different symptoms.

They include;

· Prodrome

At this stage, symptoms occur before you feel the real pain. Such symptoms are neck stiffness, mood changes, constipation, and yawning frequently. You may also feel thirsty and urinate more often.

· Aura

One will experience aura symptoms about an hour before having migraines. Aura symptoms are; loss of vision, creeps, tingling, numbness, and jerking movements. Besides, some people may see flashes of light and have difficulty speaking.

· Migraine Attacks

Pulsing pain, nausea, and light and sound sensitivity are signs of a migraine attack. The headache may vary from moderate to severe and start on one or both head sides.

· Postdrome

Migraine attacks leave some people confused and (or) drained, while others feel euphoric. You may also have involuntary head movements causing short-term pain.

These symptoms may go on for days, even after the headache.

Major Causes of Migraines

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of folate, Magnesium, water, Vitamin B2, 12, and D may result in migraines.

Dehydration

When you sweat, you lose water, electrolytes, and other fluids from your body through the skin.

The human brain can contract when the body is dehydrated, leading to headaches and migraines.

Mold Exposure

Mold is a severe problem in the US. Mold mostly thrives in humid areas like under the sink, basement, bathroom, and garage. It can cause breathing problems, headaches, and migraines.

Hormone Imbalance

Migraines can occur as a result of hormonal imbalance. Many women, for instance, have migraines before or during their menstrual cycle.

Chronic Stress and Poor Sleep

Long-term stress and poor sleeping pattern may make you tired and inflamed. They may result in migraines and headaches.

Common Food Triggers

Often, food sensitivity causes chronic inflammation, which triggers migraines in many people. Typical food triggers include dairy and poultry products, additives, caffeine, etc.

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help prevent migraines and improve one’s health. Eat vegetables, nuts, seeds, wild-caught fish, herbs, and spices.

Viral Infections and Migraines

Viral infections like the Influenza virus can make you have migraines and headaches.

Bad Posture and Neck Subluxation

Spinal health is very crucial for your overall well-being. A healthy spine provides structural strength and body balance and protects your nervous system.

Misaligned body structures, subluxations, and wrong posture can result in body pain.

Neck subluxation, stress, and nerve irritation often occur in the upper cervical spine. These problems are due to bad posture, one of the leading causes of migraines.