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Migraines – More Than Just a Headache
Date: August 3, 2015
Are headaches regularly hijacking your to-do list, seriously affecting your day-to-day
functioning and quality of life?
Most of us have a headache from time to time, but do you know how to recognize when
it’s more than “just a headache”? Isn’t a migraine just a bad headache? Nope. So what
makes migraines different?
What is a migraine?
A Migraine is a throbbing, recurring headache that typically affects one side of the head
and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and disturbed vision.
Migraines can last from 4 -72 hours, with frequency that changes from person to person.
Migraine is the most prevalent neurological condition in the developed world and
according to the World Health Organization, one of the 20 most disabling lifetime
conditions.
What causes a migraine?
The majority of headaches are not migraines. Simply put, they are pain signals within your
head. These headaches are most often associated with and made worse by fatigue, sleep
deprivation, certain allergens or stress. They’re successfully treated by over-the-counter
medication or rest.
The exact cause of migraines is not known. It is believed that abnormal brain functioning
is involved. Sufferers are usually affected between their early twenties and their forties.
80% of all migraine sufferers are women. Migraines also tend to run in families, which
points to a genetic component.
What are the symptoms?
A deep throbbing, pounding and pulsating pain behind or near the eye on one side of the
head is generally reported by migraine sufferers. Tension headache pain can range from
dull pressure to a tight squeeze on the head or around the neck. A migraine may cause
sensitivity to bright light, loud noise or smells. Tension headaches rarely cause such
sensitivities. Nausea, vomiting and an upset stomach are also common symptoms with
migraine headaches, but rarely occur during a tension headache.
A visual aura (bright, flashing lights or dots appear in the field of vision) can occur before
a migraine begins, though it’s not common even among people with a history of migraines.
Other types of auras may occur, too. These could include loss of speech, pins and needles
in arms or legs or vision loss.
What are the triggers?
When it comes to tension headaches, stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation are the most
common triggers.
When it comes to migraines, the most common triggers include foods, drinks, stress,
smells, physical activity and sleep patterns. Common foods known to trigger migraines
include chocolate, processed foods, dairy products and meats containing nitrates. Alcohol,
caffeine and smoking are often culprits as well. In women, migraines are often associated
with changes in oestrogen that occur during periods, pregnancy and menopause.
How to prevent migraines
There is no guaranteed way to prevent migraines. Certain lifestyle changes can help to
reduce their occurrence and symptoms. The best way to avoid migraines is to avoid its
triggers. Limiting caffeine, alcohol and smoking as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle,
may help. In women whose migraines are triggered by the oestrogen in birth control pills
and hormone replacement therapy, avoiding these medications and finding alternatives, may
prevent attacks.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and identify triggers. Keeping a headache
diary can help sufferers to learn what triggers their migraine attacks. For those with frequent
attacks, preventative medication is available. Anti-depressants, beta-blockers or calcium
blockers, seizure medication and Botox can all be taken to reduce the occurrence of
migraines.
Remember, there can be unpleasant or harmful side-effects from many of the medications
used to relieve migraines. Several alternative therapies for migraines seem to be effective,
including acupuncture, bio-feedback, massage therapy and certain herbs and vitamins.
Consult with your medical practitioner to avoid reactions with other medications.
Source: www.healthline.com, doctormdx.com, www.womanshealthmag.com,
www.mylastsong.com, www.mirror.co.uk, www.migranetrust.org, www.healthline.com,
webmd.com
- See more at: http://www.fedhealth.co.za/healthy-living-tips/migraines-more-than-just-a-headache/#sthash.oq0MArsN.dpuf
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