Recurring headaches can disrupt your work, relationships, and mental peace. If you’re tired of suffering and looking for expert help, you might need a headache specialist in Mohali. Migraines are more than just headaches — they’re a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of people globally.

At BetterWay Clinic, Mohali, Dr. Parag Sharma (MD Psychiatry, Certified Sexologist) provides personalized, advanced care to help you manage and prevent migraines — so you can live pain-free.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological condition marked by intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. Unlike a regular headache, migraine episodes can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and are often accompanied by:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell

• Visual disturbances (aura)

• Difficulty concentrating

Migraines can severely impact your quality of life — but with timely migraine treatment in Mohali, you can take control.

What Does a Migraine Feel Like?

Migraine pain is often described as:

• Pulsating or pounding

• Starting on one side and possibly shifting

• Triggering discomfort in the neck, jaw, or eyes

You may also feel:

• Nausea and stomach upset

• Dizziness or brain fog

• Extreme tiredness

• Visual auras like flashing lights or zigzag patterns

Common Migraine Symptoms

• One-sided or bilateral head pain

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

• Nausea and vomiting

• Aura (in about 25% of cases)

• Difficulty speaking or concentrating

• Eye or facial pain

If these symptoms sound familiar, consult a headache specialist in Mohali for a proper diagnosis.

What Is Migraine Aura?

Migraine aura is a group of warning signs that appear before or during a migraine. These can include:

• Visual effects (flashes, blind spots, zigzag lines)

• Pins and needles in limbs

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Difficulty speaking

• Muscle weakness or dizziness

Aura typically lasts less than an hour and signals that a migraine is about to begin.

What Causes Migraine?

Migraines are triggered by abnormal brain activity, not just changes in blood vessels. Key factors include:

• Imbalance in brain chemicals like serotonin and CGRP

• Neurogenic inflammation

• Overactive trigeminal nerves

• Cortical spreading depression (linked to aura)

These factors cause inflammation and nerve sensitivity, resulting in the severe pain and neurological symptoms of migraine.

Common Migraine Triggers

Everyone’s triggers are different, but the most common include:

• Stress or anxiety

• Hormonal shifts (menstruation, menopause)

• Sleep issues or oversleeping

• Strong lights, smells, or sounds

• Fasting or skipping meals

• Caffeine, alcohol, or smoking

• Weather changes

• Certain medications

Dr. Parag Sharma recommends keeping a migraine diary to identify and avoid your unique triggers.

Home Remedies for Migraine Relief

Mild migraine attacks can sometimes be managed at home. Here are expert-recommended steps:

• Rest in a dark, quiet room

• Apply a cold compress to your forehead or neck

• Stay hydrated – drink water regularly

• Take over-the-counter painkillers (with doctor’s advice)

• Try gentle head/neck massage

• Limit screen time and avoid strong odors

• Sleep or take a nap if possible

• A small cup of coffee can help in early stages (but avoid excess)

Always consult a doctor before starting any medication.

How to Prevent Migraine Long-Term

There’s no permanent cure for migraines, but they can be controlled and prevented through lifestyle changes and preventive care. Here’s how:

Sleep Hygiene

• Stick to a fixed sleep schedule

• Avoid late-night screens, heavy meals, and caffeine

Balanced Diet

• Eat on time

• Avoid known food triggers (like cheese, chocolate, processed meats)

• Keep a food and symptom journal

Regular Exercise

• Low-impact workouts like walking, swimming, and yoga

• Avoid overexertion

Stress Management

• Practice meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling

• Take short breaks throughout the day

• Make time for hobbies

Behavioral Therapy

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps reduce anxiety and sensitivity to triggers

• Therapy can also treat related conditions like stress and depression

Why Keep a Migraine Diary?

A migraine diary can help you and your doctor better understand your condition. Log:

• Time and duration of migraine

• Possible triggers (food, stress, sleep issues)

• Symptoms and severity

• Medications used and effectiveness

This information allows your headache specialist in Mohali to tailor your treatment plan.