Do you experience frequent headaches from time to time?

For many people, this is due to migraine, also known as iruvaaradaya.

But is your headache really caused by migraine?

When a person has migraine and the condition worsens, the headache can become so severe that they are unable to carry out normal daily activities.

When does migraine occur?

Migraine attacks can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Loud noise or bright light
• Stressful situations
• Excessive physical or mental fatigue
• Lack of sleep or oversleeping
• Skipping meals
• Alcohol consumption

Because of these triggers, a person with migraine may experience severe headaches. Managing lifestyle habits such as eating meals on time, reducing stress, exercising, and engaging in relaxing activities is very important for controlling migraine.

In women, hormonal changes can also play a major role.

Migraine may worsen:

• Just before menstruation
• During menopause
• When using contraceptive pills

Why does migraine happen?

Migraine can be hereditary (passed through families). Due to genetic influence, there may be increased neuronal hyperexcitability in the brain, which is considered a key mechanism behind migraine.

How to identify migraine headaches?

A headache is likely to be migraine if it includes:

• Pain starting on one side of the head
• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Worsening pain with movement or activity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

During an attack, people often prefer to stay in a dark, quiet room, and sleep may provide relief.

Migraine with Aura

Some people experience neurological symptoms before the headache starts. These include:

Visual disturbances:

• Flashing or shimmering lights
• Blind spots in vision
• Distorted vision (like looking through broken glass)
• Zigzag lines or bright patterns (teichopsia)

Other symptoms may include:

• Speech difficulties
• Rarely, temporary weakness in limbs

When these symptoms occur before a headache, it is called migraine with aura.