Coping With Migraine Headaches

As early as 400 BC Hippocrates classified headaches into two groups, primary and secondary. Secondary headaches are those, which indicate an underlying medical condition. Primary headaches are a medical condition of themselves. Migraines are a type of primary headache.

Migraine headaches tend to be quite severe. The pain is throbbing and intense and can occur in any part of the head. However, it is usually in the temples or behind an eye or ear.

Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Depending on the individual, migraines may occur once or twice a week or once or twice a year.

Women are more susceptible to migraines than men. While migraines are common in people from 15 to 55 years old, their frequency and severity often decrease with age. Women usually experience migraines between the ages of 20 and 45. Also, women's migraines are often connected to their menstrual cycle.

While researchers haven't determined the exact cause of migraines, they are usually set off by various factors referred to as triggers. These include sleep deprivation, hunger, offensive odors, too bright lights, too loud noises, hormone changes during the menstrual cycle, stress, anxiety, foods containing nitrates, MSG, tyramiine or aspartame, alcohol, too much caffeine and weather changes.

There are two main types of migraines: classical and common. People with classical migraine often experience sensory symptoms prior to an attack. These may be seeing flashing lights, numbness or tingling the face or hands, and a disturbed sense of smell or touch. These symptoms are referred to as an aura. Common migraines have no aura. The aura is more often seen by men than women.

Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate a migraine from a bad tension type headache. However migraine pain tends to be more severe with intense throbbing. Both have a steady ache.

Tension headaches tend to be bilateral (pain on both sides of the head) while migraines are unilateral (pain restricted to one side of the head. Migraines are accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sounds. This is rare in tension headaches. Migraines may have an aura prior to the onset whereas tension headaches never have an aura.

Some migraines respond to over the counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen. However, other patients may need prescription drugs.

Medications are most effective when taken as soon as symptoms begin so people who suffer from migraines should always have medication with them.

If no nausea is present, it helps to drink fluids.

When migraines are so disabling that they interfere with work, social events or family activities, doctors often recommend prevention medicines.

Another prevention strategy is to try to identify the triggers and make appropriate lifestyle changes. For example, if stress triggers a migraine, try to find ways to either reduce or cope with the stress.

Each individual is different. What works for one person may not help another. While some sufferers have successfully used alternatives such as biofeedback and acupuncture, others must rely on drugs for prevention and pain relief.

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