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Globally, a billion people suffer from migraine, the second-leading cause of disability worldwide. Many of us experience severe, radiating pain on either one or both sides of our head, known as migraine. A migraine may last from four to seventy-two hours and is usually felt around the temples or behind the eyes. Although referred to as a migraine headache, a migraine is different from a headache. While the causes of a migraine headache are not understood very well, there are known triggers, with stress being a primary trigger reported by more than 80% of migraine pain patients.
Call Manipal Hospitals to book an appointment with our experienced neurologists in Ghaziabad. Our neurology department has some of the leading doctors and our facility is equipped with some highly advanced equipment to carry out complex neuro surgeries and treatment.
The Connection Between Stress and Migraine
A vicious cycle links stress and migraine. While stress can become a cause that triggers migraine, chronic migraine pain increases the level of stress.
The Symptoms of Stress
A build-up of emotional or physical tension is known as stress. It can be something that makes you frustrated and cause other extreme emotions. While stress is the body's natural reaction to a challenging situation, a constant state of stress is harmful to physical and mental health.
Some usually observed symptoms of stress are:
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Tensed muscles
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Constant irritation
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Tiredness
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Pain in chest
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Unusual increase in heart rate
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Feeling of sadness
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Depressing thoughts
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Reduced sex drive
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An upset tummy
The Symptoms of Migraine
Stage 1
The prodrome stage is a precursor to migraine symptoms. Patients usually observe prodrome stage symptoms a day or two before migraine invades. These symptoms are similar to stress, where people experience fatigue, stiffness, constipation and frequent mood swings.
Stage 2
Post the prodrome stage. Several migraine pain patients experience an aura causing disturbances in vision and other problems like:
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Momentary failure of vision
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Seeing sudden flashes of light and shapes
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Tingling sensations in the body
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Problem in talking
Stage 3
The migraine pain, commonly called the attack phase, may last up to seventy-two hours. While the migraine symptoms vary for every individual, some common symptoms are:
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Extreme sensitivity to sensory objects like sound, light, smell and touch
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Severe pain in the head
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Nauseousness
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Vomiting and dizziness
Stage 4
The postdrome phase is the last phase which may cause a person to swing between ecstasy and fatigue. This phase may last up to 24 hours.
How Stress Triggers Migraine?
The change in levels of stress is known to kick off migraine pain. The difference in status can result from joyful events like getting a promotion and buying a new home or stressful situations like getting stuck in a long traffic jam and a high-pressure work project.
Research says that while our brain gets used to normal stress levels, a sudden change triggers unusual activity in the brain, which may lead to migraine. Visit our Neurology Hospital in Ghaziabad to know more about the preventive measures for migraine.
How to Get Solace from Migraine Pain Caused by Stress?
Reducing stress levels and stress management can help patients prevent migraine headaches.
Some recommended ways for stress management are:
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Meditation
Focusing on the present moment using various techniques reduces migraine pain, among various stress management benefits.
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Medications
Several over-the-counter medicines help to relieve migraine symptoms. However, they do not treat the cause of migraine. Doctors recommend drugs for chronic cases of more than four migraine attacks a month or the inability to get relief for a prolonged period.
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Yoga and Relaxation
Doctors recommend adding exercises that relax our body and mind, like yoga, to the routine.
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Rest in Dark Room
It has been seen that getting away from bright light at the onset of migraine pain is known to provide faster relief to some patients.
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Proper Sleep
Lack of sleep is a known cause of stress resulting in migraine. Maintaining a regular sleep cycle helps to prevent migraine.
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Massage
Massage helps to reduce cortisol, a hormone that acts as the body's stress alarm helping to prevent migraine.
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Regular Exercise
Exercise is proven to be helpful in stress management. Doctors recommend adding a moderate level of exercise to the everyday routine.
Stress Management Clinic
Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad helps patients with advice from India's leading doctors to find ways to reduce stress and conduct migraine diagnoses. Stress management benefits extend beyond relief from a migraine headache to leading a better quality of life.
Do you or someone you know experience chronic migraine pain? Seek an appointment with the leading neurologists on migraine diagnosis at Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad. To book an appointment, call us at 886-0945-566.
Consultant - Neurosurgery
Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad
