Migraine is one of the most common neurological conditions and significantly affects patients' quality of life. It is not just an ordinary headache. Migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause severe throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and in some cases visual disturbances.
Many patients suffer from migraine for years without proper diagnosis or effective treatment. Modern neurology now offers several ways to significantly reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
What is migraine?
Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder associated with recurring headache attacks. It most commonly presents as throbbing pain on one side of the head that can last for several hours or even several days.
Migraine often affects a person's normal functioning, including work, sleep, concentration, and daily activities.
Some patients experience migraine only occasionally, while in others it can progress to a chronic form with frequent attacks.
What are the most common symptoms of migraine?
Migraine symptoms can vary from one patient to another. Typically, the following appear:
- severe throbbing headache,
- pain on one side of the head,
- nausea or vomiting,
- sensitivity to light and noise,
- worsening pain with movement,
- fatigue and weakness,
- difficulty concentrating.
Some patients also experience a so-called migraine aura.
What is migraine aura?
Migraine aura consists of neurological symptoms that appear shortly before the headache itself.
It may include:
- flashing lights or blind spots,
- tingling in the face or limbs,
- speech difficulties,
- visual disturbances,
- dizziness.
Aura usually lasts 5 to 60 minutes and is then followed by a migraine attack.
What causes migraine?
The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood, but genetics, the nervous system, and vascular mechanisms play an important role.
Migraine can be triggered by various factors:
Stress and mental strain
One of the most common causes of migraine attacks.
Lack of sleep
Irregular or short sleep can increase the risk of migraine.
Hormonal changes
Migraine is more common in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
Certain foods and alcohol
Alcohol, red wine, chocolate, caffeine, or skipping meals can act as triggers.
Long-term computer work
Eye strain and long periods in front of screens can worsen migraine. If your symptoms get worse with screen use, our article on digital eye strain may also help.
Weather changes
Some patients react to changes in pressure or temperature.
How does a neurological examination for migraine work?
When diagnosing migraine, it is important to rule out other causes of headache.
A neurological examination includes:
- a detailed discussion of symptoms,
- a neurological examination,
- assessment of headache frequency and type,
- evaluation of migraine triggers.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to add:
- brain CT,
- brain MRI,
- vascular examinations,
- laboratory tests.
Modern migraine treatment
Treatment depends on the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Pain medication
In milder forms, common analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs may help.
Triptans
Special medications intended for treating a migraine attack.
Preventive migraine treatment
For frequent migraine, a neurologist may recommend long-term preventive treatment.
Examples include:
- beta blockers,
- antiepileptics,
- antidepressants,
- biological migraine therapy.
Biological migraine treatment
Modern biological therapy can significantly reduce the number of migraine days in patients with chronic migraine.
What helps with migraine?
Patients are often helped by:
- regular sleep,
- adequate hydration,
- stress reduction,
- regular meals,
- limiting alcohol,
- breaks during computer work,
- tracking migraine triggers.
Keeping a migraine diary can help identify the factors that trigger attacks.
When should you see a neurologist?
A neurological examination is recommended if:
- headaches are frequent or severe,
- common medications do not help,
- migraine limits normal functioning,
- neurological symptoms appear,
- headaches gradually worsen,
- migraine first appears at an older age.
Not every headache is migraine, which is why a specialist examination is important.
Frequently asked questions about migraine
How long does a migraine last?
A migraine attack can last from several hours up to 72 hours.
Is migraine hereditary?
Yes, genetics plays a significant role in migraine.
Can migraine cause visual disturbances?
Yes, with migraine aura, flashing lights or visual field loss may occur.
Can migraine be completely cured?
Migraine is a chronic condition, but proper treatment can greatly ease its course.
Neurology clinic in Bratislava – diagnosis and migraine treatment
At our neurology clinic in Bratislava, we provide specialist diagnosis and modern treatment for migraine and chronic headaches.
We help patients identify the causes of their difficulties, set up appropriate treatment, and improve quality of life with migraine.
If you suffer from repeated headaches or suspect migraine, book a neurological examination.