What a migraine headache is and how migraines can be treated

Introduction

Headaches are very common condition. They are one of the most common health complaints. A migraine is a very specific type of headache. All headaches are not migraines.

This reference summary will help you understand what a migraine headache is and how migraines can be treated.

Classical Migraine headaches

Migraines usually start in childhood and may either get better or worse with age. There are two generally recognized types of migraine headaches. The first one is the classical migraine headache and the other is the common. The common migraine headache, as its name suggest, is more common than the classical one.

A classical migraine headache typically starts with some visual disturbuances. The patient sees spots, dots, or even zigzag lines. These disturbances are called aura. An aura is usually on one side of the head only. A migraine headache is generally worse by noise, light, and activity.

Migraine headaches may range in length from half an hour to several hours or even several days! Nausea and vomiting may accompany a migraine headache.

Classical migraines may include short-lived but extreme neurological effects. They can cause the patient to be paralyzed on one side of the body for a few minutes of longer.

Conmon Migraine Headaches

Not all migraine headaches are of the classical type. A good number of migraine headaches are atypica, meaning one or more elements of the classical migraine ay not be present. These are also known as common migraines.

Common migraines may involve the whole head, instead of only one side. Some migraines may cause visual changes, nausea, and vomiting but No headache.

Causes

The exact cause of migraine headaches is still unknown. Doctors used to believe migraines were linked to the opening and narrowing of blood vessels in the head. Now they believe the cause is related to genes that control the activity of some brain cells.

Triggering factors

Certain events can trigger migraine headaches for certain people. When patients are aware of triggering factors, they should avoid them if possible.

In some patients, certain types of food or drink may trigger migraines. Examples of dietary triggers include:

1.     Chocolate

2.     Cheese

3.     Food additives such as MSG, found in some Chinese foods

Smoking and drinking alcohol are common trigger for migraines. Certain medications may start migraine episodes as wel. Stress and being overweight can both contribute to migraine episodes.

Treatment

There are 2 main ways to treat migraines.

1.     Take medications that cause episodes to be shorter.

2.     Take a pills on a daily basis to reduce how often migraines occur.

Many people with migraines use both approaches. Patiens take medications originally developed for epilepsy and depression to prevent future attacks, and treat attacks when they happen with drugs called triptans that relieve pain and restore function.

Since most migraine medications can have side effects, patients should follow-up regularly with their doctor.

Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual sycle. Stress management strategies, such as

·        Exercise

·        Relaxtion

·        Biofeedback

Other therapies designed to help limit discomfort may also reduce the occurrence and severity of migraine attacks.

Prevention

Preventing migraines can be effective especially if triggering factors are known.

Not smoking, not drinking alcohol, and not eating certain types of cheese may also help reduce the number of migraines. Staying relaxed, and not being overweight also helps to prevent migraines.

Migraines are fairly similar from episode to episode. If the nature of the attacks changes a doctor should be contacted because it may be a sign of a more serious type of headache.

Sumary

Migraines are a very common condition that sometimes runs in families. Determing what triggers migraines in each specific case is extremely importan in preventing them. Fortunately, recent advances in medicine have discovered effetive treatments for migraines.

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