Migraines are headaches
that are so severe they can be disabling. The pain of a migraine
headache can cause extreme sensitivity to light or sound and may induce
vomiting in some individuals. People with migraines are not dealing with
the average headache, and there is no real consensus in the medical
community as to how or why migraines develop.
What is known is that there appears to be some connection between migraine headaches
and a malfunctioning of the central nervous system, as well as chemical
imbalances in the brain. People with migraines tend to have low levels
of serotonin (the pain-relieving, “feel good” chemical in the brain)
during a headache. A low level of serotonin may cause blood vessels to
dilate and become inflamed, resulting in a migraine headache. Migraines
are potentially dangerous, and have been associated with an increased
risk of heart disease and stroke.
In some, but not all migraine patients, an aura episode may occur about
30 minutes before onset of the actual headache. Common aura symptoms
include seeing flashing lights, developing blind spots or zigzag lines
that obstruct vision, a tingling sensation in one arm or leg, fatigue,
weakness, and in some cases difficulty speaking. A migraine headache
that is preceded by an aura is called a “classic migraine.”
Other migraine patients do not experience auras, and have what are
called “common migraines.” However, both classic and common migraines
may be preceded by premonitions or “prodrome sensations” hours or even
days before the headache. Common prodrome sensations include feelings of
elation, tiredness, irritability, extreme thirst or hunger, and depression.
Migraines occur at any age and in both men and women. In fact, about 12
to 28% of all individuals have a migraine at some point in their lives.
Before puberty boys and girls are equally likely to have a migraine
condition. However, after puberty the number of women who have migraine
headaches is much greater than the number of men. About 75% of all
migraine patients are women. Because of this gender discrepancy, there
is thought to be some link between hormone levels and migraine onset;
this notion is further supported by the fact that many women find their
migraine pain changes, for better or worse, during pregnancy.
After a migraine, most sufferers report feeling “wiped out” for several
hours or even days, depending on its severity. Residual effects, such as
less intense “mini-migraines,” difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and
moodiness can be present for some time. Left untreated, a migraine can
last as long as 72 hours, which is quite a long time to be in
excruciating pain.
Anything can trigger a migraine. Certain smells, exposure to bright
light, stress, depression, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, allergies,
and even sexual activity can bring on a migraine headache. People with
migraines must go out of their way to avoid known triggers, and should
take any prescribed medication as soon as they suspect a migraine is on
the way.
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