Frequent migraine attacks cause stress, which is one of the main triggers of headaches. Find out how to break this cycle
Today, September 23, is the World Stress Day. Therefore, it is a symbolic date to warn about the risks the condition can cause and how to prevent symptoms.
Stress causes migraines, and depending on the attack and pain, migraines cause stress. This is a vicious circle that seems to have no end. The discomforts generated reduce the quality of life and can become disabling, hindering the carrying out of simple daily activities. However, it is possible to get rid of the pain.
Migraine
Migraines are recognized for headache attacks that can last up to 72 hours and appear more than 15 days per month. she provokes symptoms as intense, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Additionally, discomfort can lead to nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
According to estimates, the chronic migraine disease, popularly known as migraine, affects about 15% of the Brazilian population. The 20 to 45 age group is the most affected.
“Many people who already have some kind of predisposition can suffer from larger migraine attacks during times of stress. This is because our behavior, emotions and mental state strongly influence the aspect of the problem. During these mood-altering situations, changes occur in the release of substances that the brain uses to minimize pain, ”explains Dr. Paul Rubez, plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
The main problem with migraines is the fact that it is a chronic problem, that is, it goes back and forth frequently. This is because migraine is a multifactorial and polygenic neurological disorder associated with environmental, genetic, hormonal and even dietary factors, as the professional explains. “Stress management is one way to reduce attacks, but some patients are unable to have this control precisely because there are several triggers for chronic headaches,” says Dr. Paul.
Surgery
This cycle of pain can become vicious, in which the migraine itself fuels the stress. This, in turn, makes the symptoms last even longer. For these cases, we recommend migraine surgerythe expert points out
“Surgery has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with refractory headache. A Harvard study, published last year, compared pre- and post-operative medication use of patients undergoing the procedure and found that more than ⅔ of them reduced the use of prescribed drugs, and of the total number of patients who underwent the procedure, 23% no longer needed to take any drugs “, adds the doctor.
The doctor points out that performing surgery can often put you to final end to severe migraine attacks. “Migraine surgery has been performed by different groups of plastic surgeons around the world and in more than a dozen major American universities, such as Harvard. Positive and similar results from the different groups’ publications demonstrate efficacy and reproducibility. of treatment, “says the surgeon.
According to the doctor, the procedure is minimally invasive. In it, the nerves that are usually compressed by the structures that surround them are relieved, reducing the symptoms related to migraine attacks.
“In all there are seven types of surgery for migraine, because for each type of pain there is a different access to heal the branches of the nerves, all in the superficial areas of the face or scalp, or even in the nasal cavity. . In for all these types, the principle is the same: decompress and release the branches of the trigeminal or occipital nerve, which are irritated by adjacent structures along their path, “explains the specialist.
Who can have migraine surgery
Any patient with diagnosis of migraine (migraine) can be operated on. However, it is necessary to have two or more severe pain attacks per month that are not controlled by drugs. In addition, patients who suffer from side effects of painkillers, who have drug intolerances, or who have their personal and professional life compromised due to pain, can also undergo the procedure.
“The interventions are performed in a hospital setting and under general anesthesia or, in some cases, under local anesthesia. The procedure takes about an hour or two for each nerve. And the best thing is that the patient is discharged the same day, to be able to return. at home, “raises the surgeon
How to relieve symptoms
According to nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcez, professor and director of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN), some of the strong symptoms of migraine can be alleviated with a balanced diet. It emphasizes the benefits of foods such as Brazil nuts, tuna, cinnamon, dark green vegetables, and chickpeas, which can help reduce migraine attacks.
“Foods rich in selenium and magnesium are important for reducing stress, while antihistamines (found in cinnamon and ginger) inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for the sensation of pain,” says the specialist.
“It is also essential to avoid fast food, fried foods and fatty foods, which have a more inflammatory profile and release prostaglandins, as well as to reduce the consumption of substances containing caffeine, substances that alter blood circulation and alcoholic beverages, linked to vasodilation”, he concludes. .
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.