When Is A Headache Really A Migraine?
Everyone suffers from the occasional headache
Everyone suffers from the occasional headache. But at what point is it no longer a headache but a migraine? Migraines are more than just a bad headache. There is a whole slew of additional symptoms that define the migraine.
Is your headache a migraine? Study the checklist to find out for sure.
Migraine Symptom Checklist:
"Photophobia - This is an extreme aversion to light. Many migraine sufferers will leave a room to rest in darkness.
"Unilateral Pain - This really separates a headache from a migraine. Migraine sufferers will complain of pain on one side of the head, although it may change from one migraine attack to the next.
"Nausea/Vomiting - Nausea and vomiting associated with head pain is generally a deciding factor with migraines. It is a rare migraine sufferer that does not report this symptom.
"Extreme Pain - It is not unusual for patients to describe a migraine as debilitating pain - pain so severe they cannot continue on with daily activities. Sometimes, patients will seek out emergency care for the pain.
These are the most common signs of a migraine. Most headache sufferers will not experience these symptoms. However, it is very common for a migraine sufferer to report all of these symptoms.
Warning Signs of an Impending Migraine -
It is estimated that 40-60% of migraine sufferers report warning signs of an impending migraine. The warning signs may include one or more of the following:
"Fatigue/Sleepiness
"Irritability
"Feelings of depression or euphoria
"Excessive Yawning
"Cravings for salty or sweet foods
Not all patients have a warning sign. Therefore, the presence or lack of warning symptoms does not differentiate a regular headache from a migraine.
Presence of an Aura -
It is also estimated that 20% of migraine sufferers will experience a migraine aura. In most cases, the aura will come before the migraine but it has been reported to coincide with the migraine attack.
There are two distinct types of auras that are reported. They include:
"Fortification Spectra - Colorful zigzagging lights that start in the middle of the eye and progress outward are reported.
"Blind Spot - Some people report a loss in the visual field. It is temporary and generally goes away along with the migraine.
It's a Migraine...Now What? -
Only a qualified doctor can diagnose a migraine. Unfortunately, you will find lots of misinformation from people who wrongly diagnose themselves with migraines. Therefore, it is important to consider the source before treating your migraine.
Once diagnosed with migraines, treatment can be sought. There are two types of migraine treatments - preventative care and symptom treatment. Preventive medications are generally reserved for severe cases or for frequent cases. Otherwise, medication is given for the onset of a migraine.
Preventative care often includes daily medication and nutrition counseling. Nutrition counseling works well since many migraines can be triggered by foods like chocolate. Although massage has been shown effective in reducing the duration and frequency of headaches, it is not often used.
When to Seek Emergency Care -
While migraines are generally severe, they are also self-limiting. This means the migraine will go away on its own. Therefore, many people will not seek emergency care. However, if the migraine is the worst headache of your life, then emergency care is highly recommended.
When symptoms surpass your usual symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious illness. Therefore, if you experience the worst pain ever, then do not hesitate to seek emergency care.
by: Chris Tomshack
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