Headache/Migraine Headaches
Migraine
Although it's common for a layperson to call any type of severe headache a migraine, migraine headaches actually refer to a very specific type of vascular headaches. The specific causes of migraines are still being studied, but science suggests that they occur when blood vessels within the cranium swell and fill with blood. This in turn activates the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers nausea and inhibits blood circulation.
Migraines affect approximately 12% of the population, and they're somewhat more common in women than in men. Migraines may affect many more patients than this as some migraines are misdiagnosed as tension headaches. Migraines can be inheritied so children are not exempt from developing them. They can start early in life or later as an adult.
However, the symptoms of a migraine are usually distinctive:
-- Moderate to severe pain localized near the temple on one side of the head or switching between sides
-- Pain that pulses or throbs and worsens with physical activity
-- Nausea and vomiting
-- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
Many migraine sufferers also experience "auras" before the pain sets in. An aura is a perceptual disturbance or hallucination that precedes the pain symptoms of a migraine. Common migraines include visual disturbances, unpleasant smells, tingling extremities and confusing thoughts. Approximately one third of migraine sufferers experience auras.
Some migraine sufferers prefer to wait out the attack by finding a dark, quiet room and resting until the symptoms subside. This does not always work, however, as migraines can last for several days. The pain can be managed with analgesics, especially those including caffeine, and tricyclic antidepressants can be useful in the long-term management of symptoms for some patients. A doctor may have additional treatment options that can help to manage recurring migraines, so be sure to inquire about your options.
Finally, remember that the symptoms of a migraine can be similar to those of a more serious condition, like a blood clot, stroke or meningitis. If your headache is accompanied by a fever, if you have difficulty with movement, coordination or speech, or you're experiencing neck pain and stiffness, you'll want to seek medical treatment right away.