Migraine

What is the difference between a splitting headache and a severe attack of migraine? Well if you have ever suffered from both then you will have the answer to that. A headache is normally a complaint that can be eased with the help of a pain killer and normally disappears in a short space of time. An attack of migraine is more severe where it can disable a person from doing their daily chores.

Migraine headache is a neurological disease affecting approximately 28 million people in the United States of America. Not many people are aware but migraine is three times more commonly found in women than in men. Children are not exempt from suffering from a migraine attack. Patients who suffer from this condition say that the pain is unbearable at times. A migraine is a severe form of recurring headache. The pain is generally concentrated on one side of the head. Some folk hideaway from bright lights and has to lie down in a darkened room in hope that the pain will ease. Some people find this works, whereas others use different tactics in easing symptoms that cause agony.

Studies show that the cause of an attack of migraine is due to changes in the blood flow within the brain. To help prevent or avoid an attack of migraine coming on, keep calm, because stress and anger can trigger a bout. Certain types of smell can also cause a flare up, smell from fumes, tobacco smoke, light glare, and weather change.

Not enough or too much sleep can cause also be held responsible for severe headaches or migraine. Hunger and specific food or beverages can also cause the patient/sufferer problems. Ask your doctor for a list containing what you should do to help avoid bringing on a migraine. Never take unfamiliar medication from over the chemist counter until you have spoken to your doctor.

There are two common types of migraine headache that we are familiar with and that is the classic type and common type. The classic migraine headache begins with a prodrome stage characterized by feelings of lethargy or irritability twenty fours hours before the second stage kicks in i.e. visual sensations of flashing, dots or tunnel vision (referred to as an aura) ten to thirty minutes prior to the headache All these symptoms are normally referred to by a patient as to having an attack of migraine. Other preceding symptoms may include speech problems, weak arm or leg sensations, confusion, and tingling in the face or hands. It is always best to talk to your doctor to eliminate any health matters that some of these symptoms can be confused with relating to other illnesses. Classic migraine headaches can last up to 24 to 48 hours.

The second type is the common migraine headaches which are not preceded by an aura but may be associated with prodromal symptoms of tiredness, fluid retention, or mood alteration. More stressing is that common migraine can last up to three to four days, more than that of the classic type. Other symptoms often associated with this are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or the frequent need to urinate.