Migraines
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So you have been diagnosed with migraine headaches. What does that mean and how does a migraine headache differ from a regular, plain headache? There are various characteristics that define a migraine headache.
Characteristics of Migraines
- Moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
In addition, a migraine headache usually will last anywhere from 4-72 hours. If you have had at least 5 "headaches" that fit most the above criteria they could be migraine. Only your doctor can accurately diagnose if it is a migraine headache and not some other ailment.
Causes of Migraine
Most people who suffer from true migraine headache can identify "triggers" that cause their migraines. However not all migraine suffers have a trigger.
Some common triggers for migraines
- Stress
- Caffeine
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tyramine (a chemical found in foods like aged cheese, red wine, and processed meats)
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Menstruation or ovulation
- Skipping meals
- Foods containing nitrates
Facts about Migraines
Approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraines. Most people who suffer from migraine have a family history of migraine. In addition, women are 3 times more likely to suffer from migraine than men. Despite all of this, over half of the migraine patients remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis often comes in the form of a "sinus headache" or "tension headache" diagnosis.
So what is going on in the brain when a migraine occurs? No one is exactly certain, but it is believed to be activation of chemicals in the brain, which in turn inflame nerve endings and cause a swelling of blood vessels on the surface of the brain. The Increased sensitivity to light and sound result from the activation of the nerve endings. Approximately 15% of migraine suffers experience an "aura" with their headache. Aura could be blurred vision, the appearance of wavy lines, flickering lights or other visual stimuli.
Medications for Migraine
There are a variety of medicines available for migraine. There are preventative medications and acute medications. Depending on the frequency and severity of your migraine, your doctor will prescribe the right medication for you. The forms of medicine available for migraine include pills, injections, and nasal sprays.
Treatment for Migraine
In addition to medication there are other ways to treat a migraine. Relaxation, massage, acupuncture, biofeedback.