What Are Migraine ?
Migraines are headaches that most likely stem from problems with blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours. They may happen as often as several times a week to only once a year. Migraine headaches cause moderate-to-severe pain. The pain may be located on one or both sides of the head, in the back of the neck, or around the face or eyes. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stuffy nose, and/or watery eyes may occur. Some people have tunnel vision or see spots or halos. People who have migraines are called migraineurs.
What Are Migraine and Cluster Headaches?
Migraines are headaches that most likely stem from problems with blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours. They may happen as often as several times a week to only once a year. Migraine headaches cause moderate-to-severe pain. The pain may be located on one or both sides of the head, in the back of the neck, or around the face or eyes. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stuffy nose, and/or watery eyes may occur. Some people have tunnel vision or see spots or halos. People who have migraines are called migraineurs.
How Are Migraine Headaches Treated?
Migraineurs often identify certain triggers that seem to “set off” a migraine episode. These triggers vary among individuals. Trigger avoidance and preventive treatment with medications or other therapies are important control measures. Migraineurs often report the following triggers:
Foods (alcohol, nitrates [found in sausage, bacon, hot dogs, luncheon meats, nuts])
Light
Odors (smoke, perfume)
Stress
Heat or cold exposure
Weather changes (sudden barometric changes)
Caffeine
Hormonal changes
Motion
Hunger
Sleep pattern changes
Smoking
When migraines occur, individuals often need to lie down in a dark, quiet environment away from any sensitizing triggers.
A headache may be stopped in its tracks with certain medicines. This is called abortive therapy. If headaches occur frequently, regularly scheduled medication may be prescribed to prevent headaches or to lessen their severity.
Migraine Headache Preventive Therapy
This type of treatment is considered for persons whose migraine headaches are frequent and/or severe enough to significantly alter their lifestyle. Physicians decide whether to start a migraine preventive medication on a case-by-case basis in consultation with their patients. Preventive medications are given on a regular schedule in order to decrease the severity and/or frequency of attacks. Preventive medications must be taken on a daily basis, even if the migraineur is not experiencing headaches every day. These drugs may take up to 3 months to significantly alter the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. In other words, a specific preventive medication cannot be considered a "failure" until it has been taken as prescribed for at least 3 months to little or no effect.
Comments