Most people have experienced a headache at some time in their lives. However, headaches are not all of the same intensity. There are various forms and the migraine headache is one of the most painful and also difficult to manage.
Migraines are classified as throbbing headaches that are felt on only one side of the head. Most migraine sufferers experience some degree of nausea and even vomiting. They are also sensitive to light and sound and the pain becomes worse with activity.
Some migraineurs experience sensory disturbances (auras) at the beginning of a headache. This might include brightly colored blinking lines, flashes of light, colored dots or black spots. It can also cause a person to see only half of an object. This type of an attack is called a 'classical migraine' and the headache usually starts within 10 to 30 minutes of experiencing the aura. This type of headache is experienced by 10 to 15 percent of all migraineurs.
The 'common' migraine (or migraine without an aura) will be experienced by the other 85% - 90%. They can still have warning signs thought that could include a hot sensation in the head, a tightening sensation throughout the scalp and a feeling of heaviness. The warnings can actually occur a few hours or even a day before the headache starts.
Learning to read your own body warnings and symptoms can be a very important part of developing an effective treatment program for your headaches. It's a good idea to keep a little symptom diary so that you can identify any patterns that might emerge. For instance, you might find that the migraine comes on around the same time every month. If that's the case, and you are a woman, it could be tied in with your monthly cycle.
Some people only experience the headache for 4 hours or so, but other will have the migraine for up to seventy-two hours. It mostly starts with a dull, aching pain, developing into an overwhelming throbbing pain, which can fluctuate. For those who are sensitive to light during this phase, they have to lie down in a darkened room and keep as still as possible. Bending over or sudden movements can increase the pain. Diarrhea, increased urination and loss of appetite are other changes that can occur.
When the headache is at its worse, the hands and feet can feel icy cold. This is in contrast to the hot feeling in the head that is felt just before the migraine. The hypothalamus is the bodys thermostat and it is believed that these changes in the body temperature are brought about by disturbances in this area.
Instead of experiencing the migraine during a period of stress, it is felt that it actually occurs after a period of intense stress has ended. Some examples would be after the person gets back from vacation, when the weekend is over or shortly after meeting an important deadline. Many people feel completely exhausted when the migraine is all over and they feel unwell for a day or so. Others, however, report feeling a sense of renewal and a surge of energy.
If you believe that the headaches you are having are migraines, then I recommend that you make an appointment with your health care provider. Regular over-the-counter medication does very little to alleviate the pain and you will more-than-likely need a prescription. - 23802
Migraines are classified as throbbing headaches that are felt on only one side of the head. Most migraine sufferers experience some degree of nausea and even vomiting. They are also sensitive to light and sound and the pain becomes worse with activity.
Some migraineurs experience sensory disturbances (auras) at the beginning of a headache. This might include brightly colored blinking lines, flashes of light, colored dots or black spots. It can also cause a person to see only half of an object. This type of an attack is called a 'classical migraine' and the headache usually starts within 10 to 30 minutes of experiencing the aura. This type of headache is experienced by 10 to 15 percent of all migraineurs.
The 'common' migraine (or migraine without an aura) will be experienced by the other 85% - 90%. They can still have warning signs thought that could include a hot sensation in the head, a tightening sensation throughout the scalp and a feeling of heaviness. The warnings can actually occur a few hours or even a day before the headache starts.
Learning to read your own body warnings and symptoms can be a very important part of developing an effective treatment program for your headaches. It's a good idea to keep a little symptom diary so that you can identify any patterns that might emerge. For instance, you might find that the migraine comes on around the same time every month. If that's the case, and you are a woman, it could be tied in with your monthly cycle.
Some people only experience the headache for 4 hours or so, but other will have the migraine for up to seventy-two hours. It mostly starts with a dull, aching pain, developing into an overwhelming throbbing pain, which can fluctuate. For those who are sensitive to light during this phase, they have to lie down in a darkened room and keep as still as possible. Bending over or sudden movements can increase the pain. Diarrhea, increased urination and loss of appetite are other changes that can occur.
When the headache is at its worse, the hands and feet can feel icy cold. This is in contrast to the hot feeling in the head that is felt just before the migraine. The hypothalamus is the bodys thermostat and it is believed that these changes in the body temperature are brought about by disturbances in this area.
Instead of experiencing the migraine during a period of stress, it is felt that it actually occurs after a period of intense stress has ended. Some examples would be after the person gets back from vacation, when the weekend is over or shortly after meeting an important deadline. Many people feel completely exhausted when the migraine is all over and they feel unwell for a day or so. Others, however, report feeling a sense of renewal and a surge of energy.
If you believe that the headaches you are having are migraines, then I recommend that you make an appointment with your health care provider. Regular over-the-counter medication does very little to alleviate the pain and you will more-than-likely need a prescription. - 23802
About the Author:
Jan Shimano was District Manager for Health & Welfare Canada for many years. She was also self-employed as a Nutritional Consultant and a Master Herbalist. She is currently a Business and Health Coach working from her home on Vancouver Island. Jan invites you to visit her website and subscribe to her free newsletters on regaining and maintaining vibrant health....you can be healthy again!
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