Migraine Headache Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Medication and when to contact your physician. Family history of migraines plays a large factor in developing migraines.
A migraine is caused primarily by the constriction or flow of blood through the blood vessels of the head and brain. Migraine headaches are unlike a tension or a stress related headache. They are severe in nature usually involving one side of the head, but occasionally involve both sides depending on the severity.
Health topics: Migraine headaches
A migraine can last anywhere from four hours up to three days in duration. They are often incapacitating causing an inability to do simple daily living chores. Many people complain that the intensity increases by the normal act of walking.
The frequency in which a person suffers from migraines can vary from one a week to a couple times a year. As we age migraines can decrease in frequency, but there is always an exception to the rule.
Predisposition and Causes
? Age- usually develops under the age of 40, occurring less often after 40.
? Women are more likely to suffer migraines
? Hormonal replacement therapy may increase Migraines.
? Family history
? Other medications
? Situational stress
? Diseases and disorders such as, Stroke sleep disorder, Asthma, COPD, hypertension, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Lupus (SLE) and other diseases that affect normal blood flow.
? Stopping caffeine intake rapidly
Since many diseases and disorders can cause headaches, migraines have specific oddities that other headaches do not have in common. A migraine will exhibit signs before the headache actually occurs is referred to as an aura.
These are warning signs of impending migraine that may appear up to two days before a headache. There are several types of migraines and it is important to discuss with your physician which type you may be experiencing.
? Hunger
? Mood swings
? Numbness or tingling in face or arm
? Smells that seem overly strong
? Sensitivity to sounds
? Visual disturbances ? flashing lights often described at a lightening bolt in visual field
? Dark spots in visual field
? Sensitivity to light
? Nausea
? Fatigue
Treatment and Medication
? Apply cool compresses or cold pack to the pain, avoid heat as it will only increase the throbbing and pain.
? Lay in a dark room
? Avoid strong smells
? Avoid loud noises
? Use pain reliever such as aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin or pain reliever prescribed by your physician. There are several migraine medications that your physician can prescribe, they will decide which would be most beneficial for you. Be aware that overuse of pain medication can cause a rebound headache.
? Sleep- sleeping can help to relieve the pain
? Attempt meditation and relaxation techniques
? Caffeine is often used to dull the ache of migraines
It is important to document your headaches. Keep a record of when you get a migraine, what was happening before you got your headache and what bothered. Some of the most common triggers listed below. Knowing what your triggers are can help you to avoid recurring migraines.
? Activities- working out, running, exercise of any sort
? Smells- did you notice anything that was irritating such as perfume, flowers, food, kerosene, paint or any other strong smell.
? Flashing lights-caution light, rapid blinking light as a banner on a website that was blinking, or strobe like light
? Sounds- music, jackhammer, construction, trucks, traffic or loud voices.
? Stress
When to contact your physician:
? Headache with severe eye pain or blindness
? Sudden severe headache unlike any you have known
? Headache with severe nausea, vomiting, fever and confusion
? Severe headache after exercise or sexual activity
? Slurred speech, behavior changes, and unusual weakness on one side of the body.
? Headache after a head blow or accident.
? After taking a new medication.
? If your headaches are coming more frequently and no pain relief
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
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