Migraine Headaches, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Migraine Headaches, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesA migraine is a form of headache. It may happen with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head. The migraine is the second most frequent type of headache that may be so intense and debilitating that people with migraine are not able to work.
Each migraine can last from four hours to three days. At times, it will last longer (status migraineous)Migraines have a tendency to run in families. Four out of 5 migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. If one parent has a history of migraines, the child has a 50% possibility of forming migraines and if both parents have a history of migraines the risk goes up to 75%. Migraine headaches tend to first appear between the ages of 10 and 45.
Occasionally they may begin later in life. Migraines happen more often in women than men (5 to 1). CausesIt is now thought that migraine is produced by inherited abnormalities in certain parts of the brain. There is a migraine "pain center" or generator in the mid-brain area. A migraine starts when hyperactive nerve cells transmit impulses to the blood vessels resulting in the dilation of these vessels and the release of prostaglandins, serotonin and other inflammatory substances that cause the pulsation to be painful.
Certain brain cells use serotonin as a messenger in regulating mood, attention, sleep and pain. The chronic changes in serotonin can lead to anxiety, panic disorder and depressionPotential triggers are1. Emotional stress2. Sensitivity to specific chemicals3. Caffeine4. Changing weather5. Changes in hormone levels during a menstrual cycle6. Changes in normal sleep7. Smoking8. Alcohol9. Certain odors or perfumes10.
Loud noises or bright lightsSymptomsThere used to be 2 main types of migraines:1. Migraine with aura (classic migraine)2. Migraine without aura (common migraine)An aura is a cluster of nervous system symptoms that is a warning sign that a migraine is comingThe vision is affected :1. Temporary blind spots2. Blurred vision3. Eye pain4. Seeing stars, zigzag lines, or flashing lights5. Tunnel visionDiagnosisThere is no specific test to confirm that the headache is actually a migraineThe doctor may order a brain CT or MRI scanAn EEG may be requiredTreatmentThere is no specific cure for migraine headaches.
The purpose is to treat the migraine symptoms right away, and to prevent symptoms by avoiding or changing the triggers. Lifestyle changes are:1. Better sleep habits2. Better eating habits3. Managing stress4. Losing weight, if overweight5. If the patient has frequent migraines, the doctor may give medicine to reduce the number of attacks. Medicines may be:1. Antidepressants2. Blood pressure medicines, such as beta blockers3.
Seizure medicines4. Calcitonin gene-related peptide agents5. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections may decrease migraine attacks6. Some people find relief with minerals and vitaminsTreating an AttackPain medicines are taken at the first sign of a migraine attack1. Taking medicines more than 3 days a week may lead to rebound headaches that keep coming back from the overuse of pain medicine. Too much acetaminophen can damage the liver.
Too much ibuprofen or aspirin can harm the stomach or kidneys.2. Antiemetics for nausea and vomiting3. The doctor can select:a. Triptansb. Ergotsc. Isometheptene4. Other medicines are given to treat the symptoms:Sedatives such as butalbital, diazepamNarcotic pain relieversImigran a newer drug stops painSpring trans-cranial magnetic stimulation stops painT...