Does a migraine hurt a lot?

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on February 14, 2025
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Migraine is a severe type of headache, but generally does not last long and usually does not come with symptoms of limb weakness or nausea and vomiting. It often resolves on its own after a few hours, even without treatment. Typical migraine attacks often have some precursory symptoms related to vision changes, such as blurred vision, distorted shapes, or the appearance of water-like ripples; these symptoms are followed shortly by headaches, either on one side or both sides of the head. Migraines do not generally have a major impact on one's health. During an attack, taking ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can help alleviate the pain. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid staying up late and overworking. Certain foods, such as pickled products, salty vegetables, and nitrates, can trigger migraines; some dairy products and red wine can also provoke headaches, so it is best to avoid these foods to prevent migraines.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part to massage for migraine?

Migraine is a clinical symptom where the patient perceives pain. Which areas should we massage? This depends on specific clinical symptoms of the patient. For example, if the pain occurs in the forehead, we would select acupuncture points on the forehead such as Yangbai and Zanzhu, including Sizhukong and Jingming. For distal points, we can choose Neiting to massage. Of course, if the pain is at the top of the head, we can select local points like Baihui and Tongtian, and choose Xingjian for distal points for massage. If the pain is on the sides of the head, we would select the wrist bone and Sizhukong, and then choose Waiguan for distal massage.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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What should I do if I have a migraine attack?

Migraine attacks do not pose a significant risk to one's health. Therefore, during an attack, it is appropriate to take symptomatic oral pain relief and antiemetic medications for treatment, such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules and metoclopramide tablets. These medications provide symptomatic relief. However, it is essential to confirm that the symptoms are due to a migraine and not conditions like cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage, which are acute cerebrovascular diseases. If it is one of these acute cerebrovascular diseases, taking these pain relievers could delay the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Migraines are often triggered by certain foods, so it is best to avoid preserved foods, such as pickled vegetables that contain nitrates, which can trigger migraines. Other foods like cheese and red wine can also trigger migraines and should be avoided as much as possible. Additionally, it is important to rest properly, avoid staying up late, and try to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. (Please consult a professional physician before using any medication.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Migraine vertigo symptoms

There is a special type of migraine called vestibular migraine, where the main symptoms during an attack are significant dizziness, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and unsteady walking. A headache may or may not occur. This type of migraine-induced dizziness is relatively common in clinical practice, and patients generally experience severe dizziness, along with pale complexion and cold sweats among other clinical symptoms. The treatment for the dizziness caused by this type of migraine primarily follows the treatment protocols for migraine attacks, and may include taking certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications. Additionally, administering calcium channel blockers and antiemetic medications can also achieve very good results. Furthermore, some sedative medications can also be used and can improve the patient's symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to suppress migraine and vomiting?

Patients with migraines typically experience unilateral or bilateral pulsating headaches. During severe headache episodes, they often experience significant symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This is because migraines can disrupt autonomic nervous function, and some neural nuclei in the brainstem emit impulses that cause nausea and vomiting. The treatment for vomiting includes the following aspects: First, patients should rest and avoid consuming foods that are hard to digest or are very tough. Second, patients can take orally or receive muscle injections of medications that treat vomiting, primarily those that promote gastrointestinal motility. Third, treating the migraine itself involves providing the patient with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief. Once the headache is alleviated, the nausea and vomiting will naturally subside.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which area is moxibustion applied for migraines?

Migraines can be relieved through moxibustion by targeting specific acupoints to alleviate headache symptoms. Firstly, local acupoints can be selected; for migraines, you can use the Ah-Shi points, and also massage points such as the temples, Si Zhu Kong, Jiao Sun, Shuai Gu, and Feng Chi. Additionally, based on differential diagnosis, distant acupoints may be chosen. For instance, if the migraine is caused by external pathogens, add Feng Chi and Feng Fu points. If caused by phlegm and turbidity disturbances, add Feng Long and Zu San Li to clear phlegm and reduce turbidity. For migraines due to deficiency of qi and blood, add Qi Hai, Xue Hai, and Zu San Li to nourish yin and replenish qi, with the aim of treating deficiencies and alleviating pain.