A migraine is viewed by many as just a severe headache, but there are many differences. Migraines are a recurring kind of headache. They produce mild to sharp pain. The pain is beating or pulsing which is on one side of your head accompanied by nausea and weakness. Migraine symptoms include sensitive to light and sound. The pain from a migraine can last for an extended period that is hard to predict. Migraine can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so hard that it conflicts with your regular activities.
Few people experience a warning symptom known as an aura before the attack of migrating headache. These symptoms include visual troubles like flashes of light, zig-zag lines or blind spots, tingling on one side of the face, arm, or leg, muscle weakness and trouble speaking.
What causes migraines?
Migraine is a genetic condition. Many circumstances can trigger it. Migraine cause differs from person to person, and they include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Hormonal changes in women
- Bright or flashing lights
- Strong smells
- Medicines
- Sleep deprivation
- Consuming Tobacco
- Skipped meals
In some people, it is noticed that some foods can trigger headaches. These foods and ingredients include:
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Cheeses
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Some fruits and nuts
- Yeast
- Processed meats
Symptoms of Migraines
Some people get migraines more often than others and will start to notice some warning signs that a migraine is on its way. These symptoms include:
- Dimmed vision
- Flashes of light
- Blind spots
- Seeing stars
- Tingling/numbness in the face, legs or arms
- Muscle weakness
- Hallucinations
- Speech difficulties
Steps to Take with Migraines
Migraine pain can be very severe, so it is important to know what you can do to stop it. Proper diagnosis is key, particularly for anyone with reoccurring migraines. A specialist may conduct a CT scan to rule out any underlying issues causing the migraines. There are many pain-relievers available that are geared specifically towards migraines.
Always consult with your doctor, since there is also prevention medication that is usually taken daily to prevent migraines. It is also important to consult a doctor before taking any medications, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine. Most migraine pain relievers do contain small amounts of caffeine that can help eliminate a migraine, but for those that are extremely sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts could intensify a migraine instead.
Sometimes people can confuse serious medical emergencies with migraines. If you are experiencing any of the following, head to our Angleton emergency room:
- A severe headache that comes on suddenly and quickly
- A headache that occurs after hitting your head or after being in an accident
- A stiff neck and fever
- A fever with speech difficulty, seizures, muscle weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, double vision or dizziness
- A sudden migraine with no prior family history, especially if over the age of 50