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Migraine
Migraines are the most common type of vascular headache and are characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, sometimes associated with stomach problems, and, at times, disturbed or blurred vision.
Migraine Symptoms:
There are two types of migraine headaches known as “classic” and “common.” The visual symptoms called an “aura” such as bright flashing lights or differing line shapes, blurred or temporary loss of vision. Some or all of these symptoms tend to happen ten to thirty minutes before the onset of a classic migraine. There may also maybe a speech impediment, weakness may occur in the arms or legs, the face or hands may tingle, confusion may also occur. The “aura” is a characteristic of a “classic” migraine.
Migraine symptoms tend to present as intense throbbing or pounding headache which usually affects one side of the head and can spread to the other side and be accompanied by throbbing or pounding pain in the forehead, temple, ear, jaw, or around the eyes. A Common migraine is the most common kind of migraine which affects the greatest number of people.
Symptoms of “common” migraine:
Mood swings
Lack of mental awareness
No aura
Fatigue
Diarrhoea and increased urination
Fluid retention
Nausea and vomiting
Migraine Long-term problems/treatments:
A classic migraine attack lasts one to two days
Common migraine pain can last three or four hours
Both classic and common migraine can strike as often as several times a week
Some migraines become very predictable (if in doubt keep a diary)
Symptoms:
The pain can be classified by at two or more of the following
Severe to moderate headache
The headache becomes aggravated by movement
Throbbing on one side of the head
There is also at least one of the following associated symptoms
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Headache may last for between 4 and 72 hours
Sensitivity to light which is called photophobia, or sensitivity to noise, photophobia
Other symptoms include
Articulation and coordination problems
Sensitivity to smell called osmophobia
General feeling of being extremely unwell
Difficulty in concentrating or confusion
An aura which is a visual disturbance, for example: bright lights, flashing lights, zigzag lines, difficulty in focusing or blind spots
Tingling and weakness in either legs or arms associated with pins and needles or numbness.
Migraine does occur over many years or even decades. The frequency may vary from person to person, from a few a years to several per week.
Triggers:
Common dietary triggers include:
Caffeine
Missed or inadequate meals
Citrus fruits, cheese and cultured products such as chocolate
Wines, beers and spirits
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Dehydration
Physical and Emotional Triggers:
Emotional triggers such as arguments, excitement and stress
Lack of sleep or oversleeping
Viral infection or cold
Vigorous or excessive exercise
Neck and back pain, stiff and painful muscles, especially in jaw, neck, shoulders, and upper back
Environmental Triggers:
Bright sunlight and bright or flickering lights
Weather changes, changes in barometric pressure
Travel and stress related
Strong smells, e.g. Petrol, perfume, chemicals, various food odours
Hormonal triggers:
Menopause
Ovulation
Oral contraceptives
Menstrual period
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Early Warning Symptoms, which are called the prodromal.
Migraine sufferers can experience warning symptoms up to 24 hours before an attack.
These symptoms include:
Mood changes, varying from depression and irritability to elation
Behaviour such as being obsessional, lethargic, and hyperactive
Nausea, changes in appetite from intense hunger to a complete lack of appetite; constipation or diarrhoea
Neurological yawning, drowsiness, difficulty with vision
Muscular symptoms include general aches and pains
Light and sound will have its effect.
Fluid retention, passing more fluid
Please go to top left corner under “pain” or “conditions” for in-depth information on headaches.
