A migraine is a severe and recurring pain in the head, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity of light, sound, or even smell. Typically, the migraine headache is confined to just one side of the head, which can last for as short as a few hours to even three to four days at a stretch.

Migraines are believed to be caused mainly due to some abnormal activity in the brain.

Migraine attacks can get triggered at any time. While some people can identify it beforehand, others may not be able to do so. The pain is so intense that it becomes almost unbearable for the individual.

These chronic headaches of migraines are hereditary and can pass on to generations as well. It affects people of any age. However, it is often unidentified in the case of children, but as an individual grows up, the symptoms become intense with respect to the changes in lifestyle.

Causes of a migraine
The exact causes of a migraine are not yet figured out, but there are various factors that trigger the headaches. The triggers include:

• Physical
  Factors such as tiredness, insufficient sleep, pain in the neck and the shoulder, tension, poor posture, overexertion of physical activities, etc., are all responsible for causing a migraine headache. Even low blood sugar and jet lag can trigger a migraine.
• Hormonal
  This factor is mainly profound in women. It is often found that the menstrual cycles are correlated with a migraine because of the constant change in hormonal levels.
• Emotional
  Often stress, anxiety, depression, overexcitement, or a sudden shock can also lead to a migraine.
• Medications
  Certain hormone replacement therapy (HRT), sleeping pills and other contraceptive pills have often been named as possible triggers.
• Environmental
  Factors such as strong smell, smoke, and loud noises, flickering screen, etc., are also potential triggers of a migraine.
• Foods
  Certain foods such as cheese, processed and salty foods can also add to the factors causing migraines. Even sweeteners and preservatives can cause a migraine indirectly.

Symptoms of a migraine
The symptoms usually show up even before a headache. However, all migraines are not the same and hence, their symptoms also differ. The potential signs include a severe pain in the head (usually at any one side), vomiting, an increased sensitivity to sound, light, and smell, etc.

Other symptoms include food cravings, hyperactivity and irritability, stiffness in the neck, lower energy level, fatigue, and depression. Apart from these, additional symptoms such as a blurred vision, speech problems, getting visions of different shapes, bright spots, tickling sensation in the body, etc., are also observed. When the migraine attack occurs, some symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness may also be noticed.

Treatment for a migraine
Treatment for the migraine attacks varies according to the cause of the condition. For nausea and vomiting, there are certain medications or antiemetic drugs. Ginger is also a good option for ease nausea. Acupressure can also be a potential remedy for migraines. It involves applying pressure on specific points in the hands and the fingers.

Certain self-care remedies involve lying down in a quiet room, massaging in the scalp and temples. Placing a cold cloth over the forehead can also help in tackling a migraine. Change in lifestyle can also help in reducing stress and break the monotony.

Yoga is also a natural remedy for migraines. It proves beneficial in controlling the migraine which also reduces stress and anxiety. It is likely to prevent a migraine from recurring.