The Effects of Untreated Chronic Migraines | Affinity Health
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores the effects of untreated chronic migraines on your health and wellbeing.
About 20% of the population get a migraine headache sometime in their life – that means over a billion people worldwide at some point get migraines.
What are Chronic Migraines?
Migraines, unlike regular headaches, are not the same as “everyday” head pain one might experience after a long day at work. Migraines are excruciating and can make you feel nauseous, dizzy, and hypersensitive to light and sound. Every person with migraines has different triggers, but common ones include a lack of sleep, caffeine, and stress.
Some people get chronic migraines – a lifetime illness that causes the person to experience long-term symptoms and repercussions. It’s common for people with chronic migraines to have depression and anxiety.
The 4 Defining Stages Of Migraines
Migraine attacks are divided into four stages: prodrome, aura, assault, and post-drome.
Prodrome:
The prodrome period usually begins one or two days before the onset of a migraine. Constipation, mood swings, and an insatiable desire owing to food cravings are all warning indicators.
Aura:
The aura stage commonly occurs during the pre-stages or in the intervals between migraine attacks. Some patients may have cognitive issues, such as trouble speaking or using their legs.
Assault:
Some people may see flashes of light or a peculiar aura enclosing their vision before or during the assault stage, creating visual problems.
Post-drome:
Your body will be fatigued for the rest of the day after a migraine because it requires much-needed rest to recover from the mental and physical impacts of the migraine. This is known as the post-drome stage.
Chronic Migraine’s Long-Term Consequences
Migraines can lead to various co-morbidities, especially if you’ve had migraines for a long time.
- Studies have found a link between migraines and depression, particularly in the early stages of the disease and later in life.
- Migraines can cause a stroke, as well as other cardiovascular illnesses such as coronary heart disease and hypertension.
- Studies have indicated that visual abnormalities aura that result from migraines can lead to Parkinson’s disease or other neurological disorders.
- People with migraines also develop a type of leg ailment- aka restless leg syndrome where they will exhibit discomfort in their leg and movement.
- Because of the impact on daily living before, during, and after a migraine episode, migraines can have a negative influence on one’s quality of life.
- Chronic migraine patients may be in danger of losing their jobs if the condition affects their ability to work.
Is It Possible to Prevent Chronic Migraines?
Taking care of your daily health will help prevent migraines from becoming a long-term issue.
Affinity Health recommends the following 7 tips:
Get some shut-eye:
A migraine can be brought on by a lack of sleep. Each night, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep.
Keep an eye on your nutrition:
MSG (monosodium glutamate), nitrates in cured meats like hot dogs, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol can trigger migraines.
Control your anxiety:
Tension and worry are frequent causes of anxiety. If you’re in the middle of a crisis, try carving out a few minutes each day to do something you enjoy or learn to breathe deeply.
Make a meal schedule:
Migraines can sometimes be caused by fasting and skipping meals. Make an effort to eat at the same time every day.
Get your feet moving:
Exercise is an excellent approach to reduce anxiety and tension that can trigger migraines.
Recognise your triggers:
Keep a journal to determine if your migraines are triggered by certain things. Write down what you were doing, how long the migraine lasted, and how you felt before it started each time you have an episode. This will assist you in recognising patterns and avoiding your triggers.
Don’t put off seeking help:
If you experience a migraine that lasts more than 72 hours, is severe, or if you have any new symptoms that are alarming to you, you should seek medical attention.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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