Migraine is a Neurological condition that is characterized by severe, disabling headaches that probably arise from problems with the nerves and blood vessels in the head. Migraine usually lasts 4 to 72 hours. Migraines can happen as often as several times a week or only once a year.
Migraines can affect any age range and are commonly inherited. They can begin in childhood or develop into adulthood. Women are more likely to get migraines than men.
Migraine is a common health condition that affects about 1 in 5 women and about 1 in 15 men.
Migraine occurs due to activity waves of excitable brain cell groups. These trigger chemicals, like serotonin, to narrow the blood vessels, then the neurotransmitters cause inflammation and pain. When serotonin or estrogen levels abruptly change, result in some people suffering from Migraine.
Some triggers that often cause migraines are:
Hormonal changes
Emotional triggers: Stress, depression, anxiety
Lacking sleep
Tension
Low or high blood sugar
Food Triggers
Some Medications
Triggers in the environment or weather changes
Skipping Meals
Pain Behind One Eye Or Ear
Pain in the Sienes
See Stains or Flashing Lights
Sensitivity to light and sound
Temporary Vision Loss
Vomiting
Difficulty speaking
Numbness or tingling
Migraines could have four stages: Prodrome, Aura, Attack, and Post-drome.
Prodrome:
Hours or days before suffering a Migraine, approximately 60% of the people notice symptoms that alert about a next Migraine, such as:
Constipation or diarrhea
Mood changes
Food cravings or lack of appetite
Neck stiffness
Increased thirst and urination
Frequent yawning
Irritability
Fatigue or low energy
Aura:
Aura occurs before or during Migraines. Each symptom usually starts gradually.
See flashes of light
Vision loss
Needle sensations in extremities
Weakness in one side of the body
Trouble speaking clearly
Attack:
The symptoms that occur in the Attack phase can last from hours to days and vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms during a Migraine are:
Severe throbbing and pulsating headache
Severe head pain
Sensitivity to light and sound
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Weakness or feeling faint
Pain on one side of the head (left, right, back, front, or temples) that may move from side to side
Pain that worsens during physical activity
Post-drome
After a migraine attack, you could feel confused. The abrupt head movement could bring on the pain again shortly. Symptoms include:
Fatigue or exhaustion
Bad moods or extreme mood swings
Muscle weakness
Food cravings or lack of appetite
Mild headache
Migraine with Aura (known as Classic Migraine)
Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine)
Menstrual Migraine
Silent (Acephalic) Migraine: Symptoms of Aura without Headache
Ophthalmic migraine: eye migraines that cause some total or partial change in vision
Abdominal Migraine
Hemiplegic migraine: weakness or short term paralysis on one side of the body
Migraine with brainstem aura: This type of migraine is linked to hormonal changes and occurs mainly in young adult women
If you have a family history of Migraines or you already know you have Migraine, a Doctor specialized in Neurology will probably give you a diagnosis based on a physical and neurological exam, considering your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history.
There is currently no cure for Migraines, but there are several treatments available to help relieve symptoms. It may take time to find the best treatment for you. You may have to try different types or combinations of medications before finding the most effective ones.
There are two general categories:
Painkillers: taken to stop the symptoms and pain during a migraine attack
Preventive medication: taken regularly to reduce the frequency of migraines
Remember that before taking any medication, it is necessary for your Neurologist to evaluate your particular case and tell you which medication is most appropriate for you.
When you've been diagnosed with migraine, and you start to recognize the symptoms, try to go to a room in the house that is quiet and dark. Rest and relax and if you can put a cold cloth on the forehead or neck it will help.
Some things to consider that might help reduce the incidence of Migraines includes:
Getting enough sleep
Avoid Stress
Drinking enough water daily
Avoiding some foods
Exercise regularly
Establish sleeping and eating schedules and routines
Learn relaxation techniques
Quitting smoking
Don't skip your meals
It is essential to see a specialist in Neurology to diagnose Migraines to start a treatment that helps you to control the symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can help you overcome the pain of Migraine. However, this condition should not be taken lightly and should be diagnosed and treated by a medical specialist.
When you see your Neurologist, try to keep a record of your headaches with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking. Learning how to prevent Migraine can be the first step to keeping it under control.
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