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Headaches Migraines
Migraine headache is a throbbing pain in the head and the pain related to such headaches is known to last for hours or at times days. For some people, before a migraine headache strikes, a person has a number of associated symptoms called auras. These auras are at times visual problems that tend to warn some one of a severe headache ahead. Migraines are suspected to occur more in women than in men and is at times hereditary. It is notable also that the migraine headaches tend to affect pregnant women more often in their final months of pregnancy.
Symptoms of a migraine attack
Migraine headaches are more often than not accompanied by vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, cold feet and hands, facial pallor and sensitivity to light and sound. Due to this sensitivity to light, a person having migraine headaches is advised to lie down in a quiet and dark room in the event of a migraine attack. Symptoms of migraine headache attacks may also range from sleepiness, depression or euphoria, fatigue, irritability, yawning and at times craving for sweet or salty foods.
Causes of a migraine headache
Migraines are known to be a result of some abnormal brain activities that are triggered by stress, consumption of a certain type of food, some environmental matters and such like causes. Doctors and researchers argue that migraine headaches are a result of changes in blood vessels that are within the brain and hence migraine headaches are considered to start from the brain itself and take their toll on various nerve pathways and chemicals. These changes within the brain affect blood flow inside the brain and the surrounding tissues. About 20% of migraine headaches are said to be caused by aura which comes before the actual headache and it appears to stimulate the migraine headache.
How Migraine is diagnosed
When experiencing the symptoms mentioned above it is advisable to seek medical attention. Migraines occur from childhood into early adulthood but can also occur in people who are well into their fifties. In case of a family history with migraines, this tends to suggest some aspects of it being hereditary and therefore slight symptoms may warranty a medical checkup. Incase of a first ever headache or the worst ever, or incase of nervous system symptoms such as visual, hearing or sensory loss a person is advised to see a doctor for screening, brain scanning or some blood tests.
Treating a migraine headache
Treatment may be in form of a medication or a non-medication approach.
Medication treatment for migraine headaches
At times, when the migraine headache doesn’t interrupt the daily activities of a person, one may be advised to make use of some over the counter drugs that are bought without a prescription. Pain killers have been known to be a safe and effective short term reliever for migraine headaches.
Non medication cure for migraine headaches
Placing ice on your face and some relaxation techniques are known non-medication ways of stopping or slowing down a migraine headache once it starts. Sleeping too helps a lot.