A migraine is a severe headache characterized by recurring attacks. The disorder usually causes pulsating pain on one section of the head. The symptoms of migraine can last from 72 hours to 4 hours. Symptoms of migraines can occur before, during and after the headache. Classical symptoms of migraine include: vomiting, moderate to severe pain, sensitivity to sound and light, throbbing head pain and inability to perform normal activities. The most common types of migraines are common migraine, abdominal migraine, menstrual migraine and classic migraine.
The common migraine is the most widespread of all migraines, accounting for about 80% of all migraine cases. Patients with common migraine typically experience mental fuzziness, mood alterations, exhaustion and anxiety. Patients with abdominal migraine usually experience moderate to severe abdominal pain as well as vomiting or nausea that can last up to 72 hours. Abdominal migraine is especially common among children. On the other hand, the symptoms of classic migraine include; seeing flashing lights, ringing ears and having odd taste in the mouth.
Causes of Migraines
Most migraine triggers can be pointed out easily. Although triggers are not always the cause to migraines, they play a big role in the development of migraines. The list of triggers include:
In certain cases, migraine patients may experience auras or perceptual disturbances just before or when experiencing head pain. The auras frequently reported include; blind spots, repulsive smells, confusing thoughts, stiffness of the neck or limbs and perceptions of sparkling lights.
Diagnosis
According to the International Headache Society (IHS), before a patient is diagnosed with migraine, a criterion known as “5, 4,3,2 and 1” is highly recommended. This criteria stands for:
Testing for migraines is usually performed using various scanning tools such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electroencephalography (EEG) and spinal tapping. These tests are normally undertaken to check for signs of nasal sinus blockage, stroke, bleeding within the skull, tumors, dilated blood vessels in the brain, enlarged blood vessels in the brain and irritation of the brain membrane.
Treatment
Over the counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen and analgesics such as Excedrin can be used to treat or manage migraines. The other treatment and prevention procedures include the use of abortive therapies and prophylactic therapies. Lifestyle changes can also go a long way to minimize the frequency of getting migraines. The other preventative measures include:
Following these guidelines can help you get rid of or manage migraines.
Causes of Migraines
Most migraine triggers can be pointed out easily. Although triggers are not always the cause to migraines, they play a big role in the development of migraines. The list of triggers include:
- Smoking and exposure to smoke
- Irregular sleep pattern
- Allergies and allergic reactions
- Emotional and physical stress
- Alcohol
- Fluctuations in menstrual cycle
- Extreme bright lights, certain odors and loud noise
- Fasting or staying away from eating
- Tension headache
- Foods such as peanuts, onions, avocado, chocolate, fermented foods and dairy products
- Foods that contain monosodium glutamate and tyramine like smoked fish, hot dogs and red wine.
In certain cases, migraine patients may experience auras or perceptual disturbances just before or when experiencing head pain. The auras frequently reported include; blind spots, repulsive smells, confusing thoughts, stiffness of the neck or limbs and perceptions of sparkling lights.
Diagnosis
According to the International Headache Society (IHS), before a patient is diagnosed with migraine, a criterion known as “5, 4,3,2 and 1” is highly recommended. This criteria stands for:
- 5 or more bouts of headache
- 4 hours to 3 hours duration
- At least 2 unilateral locations with moderate to severe pain; the pain should make it difficult to perform daily routine.
- At least 1 additional symptom such as nausea, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity.
Testing for migraines is usually performed using various scanning tools such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electroencephalography (EEG) and spinal tapping. These tests are normally undertaken to check for signs of nasal sinus blockage, stroke, bleeding within the skull, tumors, dilated blood vessels in the brain, enlarged blood vessels in the brain and irritation of the brain membrane.
Treatment
Over the counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen and analgesics such as Excedrin can be used to treat or manage migraines. The other treatment and prevention procedures include the use of abortive therapies and prophylactic therapies. Lifestyle changes can also go a long way to minimize the frequency of getting migraines. The other preventative measures include:
- Reducing stress triggers
- Performing regular exercises
- Getting enough sleep
- Drinking a lot of water
- Staying away from foods that trigger migraines
Following these guidelines can help you get rid of or manage migraines.