Ways to treat migraines and their varieties
Migraine is a severe headache that is not associated with trauma, vascular disease, or pressure changes. It is a neurological condition and therefore has no visible external symptoms. The danger of migraine lies in its strong negative impact on the entire body, often leading to loss of work capacity and normal functioning.
General Symptoms of Migraine
Since there are many types of migraine with different symptom patterns, it’s difficult to define universal signs. However, all forms of migraine commonly include:
- Severe headache often accompanied by nausea;
- Total inability to work during an attack;
- Recurrent nature of the attacks;
- Visual or auditory hallucinations (aura);
- Weakness and fatigue.
Depending on the type and course of the disease, a migraine attack can last from 20 minutes to several days. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.
Types and Subtypes of Migraine
In general classification, migraines are divided into two main types. The first is migraine with aura, which is preceded by worsening general well-being, drowsiness, and various visual or sensory disturbances. The second is migraine without aura, also known as common migraine. This form includes the following subtypes:
- Abdominal migraine – primarily found in children or teenage boys, can last from 30 minutes to several days, sometimes requiring hospitalization;
- Basilar-type migraine – observed in girls and young women, accompanied by temporary loss of consciousness or visual disturbances;
- Hemiplegic migraine – characterized by temporary paralysis of limbs on one side of the body;
- Ophthalmologic migraine – lasts about 30 minutes, involves unusual vision disturbances, mild hallucinations, and dull pain;
- Retinal migraine – causes temporary vision loss and pain on only one side of the head;
- Status migrainosus – an attack lasting up to three days, requiring urgent medical attention.
Causes of Migraine
Migraine with aura is a hereditary condition passed from parents to children through specific genes. About twenty gene types are linked to inherited migraine tendencies. Attacks of migraine without aura can be triggered by:
- Severe stress;
- Physical or emotional overload;
- Consumption of chocolate, nuts, fish, or cheese;
- Prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives;
- Too much or too little sleep;
- Sudden climate change.
Additionally, any other factor not listed above but unique to the individual may trigger a migraine attack.
How Migraine Is Diagnosed
As a neurological disorder, migraine cannot usually be detected using diagnostic equipment. Most often, diagnosis is based on patient-reported symptoms that correspond to specific criteria in the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Occasionally, migraines can be recognized by blurred vision, distracted attention, and overall paleness of the patient.
Features of Migraine Treatment
Most people suffering from migraines do not seek treatment for the underlying condition — they only try to relieve symptoms using spasmolytic and analgesic medications. However, over time, higher doses become necessary, while the disease itself continues to progress. Treating migraine effectively requires a serious and comprehensive approach, often involving inpatient care at a clinic or sanatorium.
Doctors at the “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium apply the latest medical advancements for treating migraines. These include state-of-the-art professional equipment, special diet, and quality rest — essential components of recovery. The most effective treatments used include:
- Irradiation with polarized light (Bioptron);
- Neck and head massage to relieve pain;
- Cryotherapy;
- Intratissue electrostimulation.
In addition, patients receive all necessary medications, therapeutic rest, Chakra Stone massage, individually tailored nutrition, and more. The staff at “Berezoviy Gai” ensures comprehensive care during treatment and supports full rehabilitation afterward.