What Is A Migraine And How To Treat It

If you've ever experienced a nasty, more painful than normal headache and wondered whether it was a migraine, you're not alone. Migraines are a common health problem, and those who suffer from them get well-versed in migraine headache prevention. Of course, not every headache is a migraine, and there are several types of migraines. We'll discuss all these issues, as well as some medications you can take for your migraines. Regardless of whether you've ever had a migraine or know exactly how to tell the difference between that and a normal headache, most of us understand the pain that these can cause.

Migraines are a neurological disorder characterized by moderate to severe headaches and nausea. Usually, a migraine headache will affect only one half of the head, the pain will be pulsating, and it can last from four hours to three days. Other symptoms include sensitivities to light and sound, and all symptoms will be aggravated by routines and activity. What's quite interesting is that around thirty-three percent of those who suffer from migraines experience what is called an aura. An aura is some sort of cue that the migraine is approaching, be it visual, physical, or language disturbances. Also, more women than men are affected by this disorder; in fact, it is three times more common in women.

Types of Migraines

Though most people think there is only one kind of migraine, there are in fact several. Knowing which type you suffer from can help in treatment, releasing you from severe pain sooner than you might otherwise be. A basilar migraine is one that includes an aura around the brainstem or both sides of the brain. This aura will present as dizziness, double vision, loss of balance, confusion, slurred speech, hearing changes, or tingling throughout the body. Cyclic migraine syndrome refers to ten or more migraines a month, and they are long-lasting. The one type of migraine that more people have heard of beyond the standard one is a cluster migraine. It includes an intense degree of pain in the head, though they are often shorter than what is thought of as a “traditional” migraine. Onset is rapid, and these occur frequently with periods of remission.

How To Treat

Obviously, if you believe that you might suffer from migraines, you should make an appointment with your physician to discuss a diagnosis and treatment. In general, migraines are treated with medicines, including migraine prevention medicine, in conjunction with lifestyle changes. These changes can range from muscle relaxation exercises to a regular, normal amount of sleep.

By: Cedric Loiselle

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