Introduction
Migraines are severe headaches that can last for days, or even weeks. The pain is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. If you have had a migraine, you know how debilitating they can be; however, there are ways to manage them so they don’t interfere with your life.
What Is A Migraine?
Migraines are a type of headache that affects millions of people in the United States and around the world. They’re also referred to as “migraine attacks,” but it’s important to note that they don’t just come in one form or another—there are many different types of migraines.
Migraines are a neurological condition, meaning they involve issues with your nerves, brain tissue and other bodily systems. The three main components that make up a migraine attack include:
- Pain (usually on one side of your head)
- Sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia and phonophobia)
- Nausea or vomiting
When The Aura Is Missing
When the aura is missing, you will not experience any warning signs. This means that you will have a sudden onset of migraine symptoms with no warning from your body. This can make migraines very difficult to deal with as you do not know when they are going to strike or how long they will last for.
The most common type of migraine without an aura is called ‘common migraine’ and accounts for about 70% of all cases in adults and children aged 5 years or older (www.migraine.com). However, some people may experience other types of headaches such as trigeminal neuralgia (a nerve disorder causing severe pain in the face) which could cause similar symptoms without an aura being present first
A Common Misconception – Migraines Are Not Just Severe Headaches
A common misconception is that migraines are just severe headaches. In fact, they are often mistaken for tension headaches, sinus problems and eye strain or stress.
Who Gets Migraines?
- Migraines are common, affecting about 1 in 5 people.
- Migraines are more common in women than men.
- People who have a family history of migraines are more likely to get them themselves.
Why Do I Get Migraines?
The cause of migraines is not known. However, it is believed that changes in the brain are an important factor in the development of migraines.
- Migraines are a neurological disorder, rather than a disease of the nerves or muscles (like carpal tunnel syndrome). As such, they can’t be caused by stress, dietary changes or lack of sleep.
- Caffeine does not cause headaches; however if you’re sensitive to caffeine and consume it regularly it can make your headaches worse if you drink too much on a given day or week. Food allergies also do not cause migraines; however if you have an allergic reaction to certain foods (such as wheat) then reducing your intake may help reduce symptoms related to eating those foods.”
How Can You Treat Migraines?
As a migraine sufferer, you know that headaches are not just something to be endured. There are ways to treat migraines and prevent them as well.
Headache relief medications (such as aspirin) can help relieve the pain of a migraine headache for most people. However, these medications do not work for everyone and can cause side effects like stomach upset or bleeding from the stomach lining. If you take blood thinners and have a history of bleeding complications, talk with your doctor before taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
Acupuncture may help some people who suffer from migraines by stimulating nerve endings in areas of the head that connect with body parts outside the brain. Acupressure is also another treatment option for headaches; pressing certain points on your shoulders, neck or temples may help ease pain caused by tension building up inside your head during an attack.
Another effective treatment is massage therapy–massaging points along both sides of your head may help relax tense muscles around nerves near the temples and forehead area where they meet at what is called “the occipital protuberance.” This will likely reduce inflammation caused by tightness in those muscles which should bring down pressure on surrounding nerves leading back into our brains causing throbbing pain when too much pressure builds up during an episode…
Although there is no cure, they can be managed.
Although there is no cure, they can be managed.
Migraines are a complex condition with many possible triggers and causes. They may be triggered by certain foods or drinks and can also occur due to stress and lack of sleep, as well as dehydration. There are many different types of migraine headaches, some of which have been linked with alterations in the brain’s serotonin levels. While research continues on this topic, migraines are still considered difficult to treat because their causes are not fully understood.
Conclusion
Migraines are a serious medical condition that can affect anyone. They are not just a headache, but rather a complex neurological disorder with many causes and triggers. If you think you or someone you know might have migraines, see your doctor to get tested. You may need treatment with medication or other therapies to help manage them effectively—or even prevent them altogether!