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Migraine HeadachesWhat is a migraine headache? A migraine is an intense, sometimes debilitating, form of headache marked by severe throbbing or pulsating pain in a specific region of the head. A common location is right behind the eyes or on just one side of the head, but migraines can also be felt in the back of the head, top - just about anywhere. Sufferers from migraines often are highly sensitive to light, motion, and sound, which can cause sensations of nausea or vomiting in some cases. Some migraines are preceded by a visual phenomenon called a migraine aura, where the victim may have vision problems or experience flashes of lights in their field of vision, similar to lightning flashes or bright colors. Most people with migraines will suffer from them repeatedly.
Causes of MigrainesWhat causes a migraine headache? There is no definitive answer at this point in time. About 10% of the population suffers from an occasional migraine. Most sufferers have their first attack after the age of 10, but can be as late as mid 40s. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines, which tend to occur less and be less severe during pregnancy, suggesting a hormonal link. How long do migraines last? About 6-24 hours on average, though sometimes as long as 2 days. Though they differ from person to person, there are many perceived triggers or causes of migraines:
Migraine Symptoms and Warning Signs - Migraine PreventionAs mentioned above, some people have a migraine aura before the onset of a headache. This is called a classic migraine - the common variety is aura-free. Other times loss of appetite, tiredness, stiff neck, cold hands and feet, nausea, or light sensitivity will be the indicators of the onset of a migraine. Of course once you have a migraine, the throbbing pain will let you confirm its there. Severe headaches can also sometimes be caused by sinuses or other problems of the brain, so if you are in doubt, consult with your doctor to rule out any other possible migraine causes.Best Migraine Treatment - MedicationLike most headaches, there is no specific cure for migraines, although many things can help reduce the pain. Doctors recommend that you keep a headache log - noting what led up to each migraine to see if there are any common triggers, like dietary issues. Aspirin or ibuprofen help some migraine sufferers with temporary pain relief. A cold compress on the forehead helps others. Darkness helps relieve pain for many sufferers. Try taking a nap in a darkened room, relieving stress on your eyes and neurological system. We've seen people disappear into a dark room with a migraine and sleep for 4-5 hours, waking up feeling 100% better. Taking fluids also helps in the case of dehydration, especially if there have been instances of vomiting and loss of body fluids. Electrolyte drinks and water are fine - avoid caffeine. In the case of severe, debilitating pain, your doctor can prescribe additional medications like Midrin, Topamax, Nexoprin, triptan drugs like Imitrex or Frova, or ergots. Beta blockers, anti-depressants, and calcium channel blockers have also proven effective for chronic migraine sufferers. Again, these decisions can only be made by your doctor.Preventing migraines is even more important - try to avoid triggers that have caused migraines in the past. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and smoke. Avoid stress and use relaxation techniques. Get an appropriate amount of nightly sleep and daily exercise. Many patients are able to thus minimize the occurence of migraines, and use basic treatments like aspirin and sleep when one does occur. If you are unable to control your migraines, consult with your family physician for additional help and medication if needed.
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