JAKARTA - Migraine is still often considered a common headache that will go away on its own. In fact, this condition has characteristics and impacts that are much more serious than a mild headache.
Not a few migraine sufferers are forced to stop activities, withdraw from work, and even require special medical treatment. Unfortunately, because it is often trivialized, so many people are late in getting the right treatment.
Medically, migraine is a type of headache that feels throbbing and generally appears on one side of the head. The intensity can be moderate to severe, and often comes and goes.
This condition is much more debilitating than a normal headache because it can make the sufferer unable to carry out daily activities.
Migraines are also often accompanied by various additional symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, the appearance of unusual flashes of light or lines in vision, a tingling or numbness in the face and hands, and changes in the sense of smell, taste, and touch.
The combination of these symptoms has a direct impact on productivity and quality of life. Dr. Novrialdi Kesuma Putra, a specialist in Eka Hospital Bekasi, said that migraine is a type of throbbing headache that is generally episodic and occurs on one side of the head.
"The intensity also starts from light, moderate to severe. While physical activity can aggravate the condition, so migraine sufferers are advised to rest when the attack appears," explained Dr. Aldi during a media meeting in Bekasi, recently.
The causes of migraines themselves are very diverse. The trigger factor can be hormonal changes, stress, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, sensory stimuli such as bright light, loud noise, or pungent odors, to changes in sleep patterns.
In addition, excessive physical activity, weather changes, the use of certain medications, as well as the consumption of certain foods and additives can also trigger migraines.
Regarding treatment, dr. Aldi explained that migraine treatment is divided into two main approaches, namely pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Pharmacological therapy is carried out by administering drugs, such as pain relievers or drugs that prevent recurrence, which are adjusted to the patient's condition.
"This therapy is generally given accompanied by education about migraines. Every patient who comes to the doctor will be educated about what they did for the last 24 hours. Starting from sleep history, eating patterns, work patterns that may trigger stress and so on," added Dr. Aldi.
If drug therapy does not provide optimal results or migraines are more frequent and prolonged, doctors can recommend non-pharmacological therapy. This approach includes acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, to relaxation therapy. However, the selection of therapy must still be based on a thorough medical evaluation.
In certain conditions, especially if the results of the assessment show neurological deficits, patients need to undergo further examinations. Examinations such as CT scans, MRIs, and laboratory tests are carried out to find out the possibility of disorders or damage to the nervous system.
"In more severe cases, patients may even require hospitalization for monitoring and further treatment," he concluded.
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