Migraine

A migraine is an intense, throbbing headache that can last from a few hours to several days. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Triggers for a migraine attack can include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or drinks. In severe cases, you may require both preventive treatment and medication during the attack to alleviate symptoms.

Contents:

• Migraine Symptoms
• Causes of Migraine
• Self-Care Instructions
• When to seek medical care?
• How Can Dokport Help?

Migraine Symptoms

The most common symptom of a migraine is a pulsing headache, often on one side of the head. Pain may be felt in the temples, forehead, or back of the head and can worsen with physical activity. Symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily life, and migraines can also include other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. During an attack, light and sound sensitivity, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are common. In cases of migraine with aura, visual disturbances such as flashes of light, tunnel vision, or double vision may occur.

Causes of Migraine

The exact causes of migraines are not fully understood, but genetics plays a significant role—about two-thirds of people with migraines have a close relative who also suffers from them. During a migraine, sensory sensitivity increases, making light and sound particularly disruptive. Common triggers include stress, physical and mental effort, hormonal changes, and certain foods.

Self-Care Instructions

Migraines may be preventable through regular meals, adequate hydration, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction. Resting in a dark, quiet space during an attack can also help alleviate symptoms. Keeping a headache diary can help identify personal migraine triggers, allowing you to avoid them when possible. Pain killer medication may provide temporary relief, but they should not be used continuously, as overuse may worsen headaches.

When to seek medical care?

Seek medical care if your migraines are persistent, recurrent, or severe enough to impact your daily life. Reach out to healthcare services if you notice new symptoms, like dizziness or changes in vision that you haven’t experienced before. Urgent care is advised if migraine symptoms suddenly worsen, or if there is severe headache with vomiting or a head injury.

How Can Dokport Help?

Dokport's online medical clinic offers quick and convenient support for managing migraines. Our doctors can assess your symptoms through a chat consultation, provide home care instructions, prescribe medication if necessary, or recommend sick leave based on your work duties. If further evaluation is needed, we may suggest an in-person visit to a doctor or healthcare provider.

Expert: Dr. Anna Sipilä, MD, Associate Professor of Experimental Internal Medicine