I recognize a migraine attack by these symptoms

A migraine attack usually has quite characteristic symptoms, which can vary in severity among those affected. Very often a so-called aura, i.e. symptoms that are considered to be harbingers of the attack, occurs before the actual attack begins. These include seeing flashes of lightning or circles, more rarely a tingling or numbness in various parts of the body, dizziness or hearing loss.

The actual attack is characterized by often very severe headaches. These are usually described as pulsating or drilling and are typically located in one half of the head. The location of the headache may also change during the attack.

It is also typical that the pain is aggravated by any physical activity, so that the person affected usually just lies in bed and waits for the migraine attack to subside. Often, accompanying hypersensitivity to light and noise, as well as neck pain, are also common. Digestive tract disorders with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are also typical. Likewise, those affected can feel cold and often have no appetite at all during and even after the attack. Untreated, a migraine attack can last between 4 hours and 3 days.

TreatmentTherapy

In order to prevent a migraine attack, the first step should be to identify the trigger factors that might trigger it. To facilitate this, the creation of a migraine diary can be very helpful. Here it can be documented exactly when and under which circumstances a migraine attack has occurred.

If triggers can be identified as such, an attempt should be made to avoid them or to reduce their intensity, for example by reducing the consumption of red wine. Smoking cigarettes also frequently promotes the development of a migraine attack and should therefore be considered as a possible trigger. There are various drugs that can be helpful in general as prophylaxis against migraine.

These include beta blockers and flunarizine, for example, but also valproate and topiramate. This should be discussed accordingly with the treating physician. In addition, acupuncture, sports, relaxation exercises and sauna sessions can prevent migraine attacks. Some clinics also offer so-called headache seminars in which you can learn how to deal with a migraine attack correctly.