t’s the very rare person who has never had a headache. However, all headaches are not created equally. There are various forms and one of the most painful and difficult to handle is the migraine headache.
They are classified as throbbing headaches that occur on only one side of the head. Many migraine sufferers also experience nausea and even vomiting. The pain becomes worse with activity and there is a sensitivity to light and sound.
A person that suffers from ‘classical’ migraines will have what is called an ‘aura’ prior to the actual headache. They will experience sensory disturbances that could include brightly colored blinking lines, flashes of light, dots and black spots that pass in their field of vision. They might also lose a portion of their sight for this short period of time and may only see half of an object. The aura comes about 10 - 30 minutes before the headache and only 10% - 15% of migraineurs have this type of a migraine.
The ‘common’ migraine is what the other 85% - 90% of the people will get. Their warning signs could include a hot sensation in the head, a feeling of heaviness and a tightening sensation throughout the scalp. These warnings can occur anywhere from a few hours to an entire day before the headache commences.
Most doctors will recommend that you keep a symptom diary. This way you will become more in tune with your body and the warning signs it is giving you. Obvious patterns will undoubtedly emerge which will go a long way to helping you prevent future attacks. If you are a woman, and you notice that your headaches come on a regular monthly basis, then it is a good indication that your hormonal levels are in some way triggering your migraine. This type of information can be very helpful in coming up with a treatment plan.
A migraine can last for quite a long time…anywhere from four to seventy-two hours. It starts with a dull, aching pain but then develops to an overwhelming throbbing pain that fluctuates. As mentioned, most sufferers are sensitive to light and sound and need to be in a darkened room. Moving, bending over or sudden movement, can make the pain worse. Some experience nausea to the extent of vomiting. Other changes in the body include diarrhea, increased urination and a loss of appetite.
While the headache is at its worse, the hands and feet can feel extremely cold. However, just before the migraine the head might have felt hot. All these temperature changes are thought to be due to disturbances taking place in the hypothalamus, which is the bodys thermostat.
Instead of experiencing the migraine during a period of stress, it is felt that it actually occurs after a period of intense stress has ended. Some examples would be after the person gets back from vacation, when the weekend is over or shortly after meeting an important deadline. Many people feel completely exhausted when the migraine is all over and they feel unwell for a day or so. Others, however, report feeling a sense of renewal and a surge of energy.
If you think that your headaches are migraines, whether they be of the classical or common variety, then I recommend you visit your health care provider as traditional over-the-counter pain medication will do little to alleviate your severe pain. There is effective treatment available.
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