Deciphering the Migraine Enigma: A Complete Guide

Migraine is a highly painful neurological disorder that disproportionately affects the lives of millions of women around the world. This disorder, which is characterized by its intensity, has been classified as the second most common cause of disability globally and the first among young women, due to its ability to significantly impact quality of life.

Despite scientific advances, the enigma behind migraines has not yet been completely solved. However, it is believed that factors such as family history, gender and age may play an important role. In fact, approximately one in five women will experience migraines at some point in their lives, compared to one in sixteen men.

According to the prestigious Mayo Clinic, a migraine manifests itself with severe palpitations and a throbbing sensation accompanied by intense pain, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. Accompanying the pain, the side effects of migraines can include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, even vomiting in some cases.

The magnitude of this health problem is evident, with more than one billion people worldwide experiencing a severe form of headache known as migraine, according to the American Migraine Foundation. Looking for relief? It is essential to understand the difference between a common headache and a migraine, as well as strategies to manage it.

Differentiating a Migraine from a Headache

The distinction between a migraine and a conventional headache lies in several aspects. Generally speaking, a headache commonly affects both sides of the head and is usually less severe than a migraine, which is considered a more extreme type of headache.

It is important to note that headache is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of various underlying disorders, such as colds, flu, depression or even muscle contractures. In contrast, migraine is a disease of neurological origin that generally manifests on only one side of the head and can be aggravated by daily activities.

To identify whether the headache you are experiencing is a common headache or a migraine, it is crucial to analyze the nature of the pain. While headaches generate a sensation of generalized pressure around the head, migraines present a different type of pain.

Although the pain of a migraine is typically located on one side of the head, some people may feel it on both sides. In addition, migraines are often accompanied by additional symptoms, such as stabbing palpitations, which are usually located on one side of the head, behind the eyes.

These symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, alterations in the trigeminal nerve, which manifest themselves through redness of the eyes, tears and facial swelling, as well as increased sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, such as hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, noise. , light and smells.

The Intricate Triggers of Migraines

Experts have not yet pinpointed the exact cause of migraines, but they believe they may be related to changes in the brain that affect communication between nerves, the balance of chemicals, and the function of blood vessels.

Although the exact chain of events remains a mystery, most medical experts maintain that the onset of a migraine attack occurs in the brain and affects nerve pathways and chemicals, which in turn , influences blood flow in the brain and its surrounding tissues.

Importantly, the way migraine affects people can vary significantly in terms of triggers, severity, symptoms, and frequency.

Some people may experience migraine episodes more than once a week, while others experience them occasionally.

A number of environmental factors have been identified as possible triggers, including stress, hormonal changes, dietary patterns, specific foods, weather conditions, sensory stimuli, sleep patterns, smoking, physical activity and sexual activity.

Among women, the most commonly reported migraine triggers include menstruation, stress, exposure to bright light, dehydration, skipping meals, lack of sleep, exposure to high altitudes, and changes in weather.

Prevention and Treatment

While completely preventing the occurrence of migraines and tension headaches is sometimes difficult, there are strategies that can help reduce their frequency and severity. These strategies include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, learning techniques to manage and reduce stress, maintaining adequate hydration, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fresh foods, avoiding as much as possible. processed foods possible.

As for treatment, there are specific options to relieve the pain caused by migraines and tension headaches. In both cases, painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can be used.

Our recommendation? At Zenzsual, we have developed a product that takes advantage of the natural properties of Cannabis to help you control anxiety, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and enhance relaxation: CBDZen.

The American Migraine Foundation reported that CBD oil (like our CBDZen ) may be a viable topical solution for neck and joint pain, symptoms often associated with migraines. This approach not only relieves pain, but can also help reduce nausea and inflammation commonly linked to migraines.

Cannabinoids, including CBD oil , interact with the endocannabinoid system, a neuromodulatory system in our body that plays a crucial role in the development of the central nervous system and the body's response to both endogenous and environmental threats.

According to Dr. Michael Lewis, MD, president and founder of the Brain Health Education and Research Institute, using CBD oil before the onset of a migraine, especially if a trigger is known, such as stress or weather changes, may be beneficial. . You can help yourself with a few sublingual drops of our CBDZen.

In unusual, complex or sudden worsening cases, as always, we recommend that you consult a specialized doctor, preferably a neurologist, to obtain an accurate diagnosis based on medical history, symptoms and a physical or neurological examination.

Sources consulted:

Headache and migraine. What is the difference

https://www.teknon.es/blog/es/salud-az/cephalea-migrana-difference

Migraine or headache? Warning signs, triggers and treatment

https://www.achn.net/es/acerca-de-access/que-hay-de-nuevo/recursos-para-salud/migrana-o-dolor-de-cabla-senales-de-advertencia-desencadenantes- y-treatment/#:~:text=%C2%BFCu%C3%A1l%20is%20the%20difference%20between, lasting%20hours%20or%20even%20d%C3%ADas .

What Is Migraine?

https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-migraines

Medical Marijuana and CBD Oils for Migraines

https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/under-counter-treatment-migraines

CBD For Migraines: Benefits, Risks and When to See a doctor

https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cbd-for-migraines/