Types of Migraines?
Most people have heard of migraine headaches, but most don't realize that there are actually several different kinds. An abdominal migraine affects not just the head but the abdomen, and usually occurs in children. A basilar migraine is one that affects the person in the back of the neck and / or brain. Hemiplegic migraines are extremely rare and can cause some motor paralysis. Some patients who have migraine attacks experience themin the early morning, usually around 4:00 A. M. It often will waken the sufferer. Ocular migraines are ones which bring most of the visual and other sensory symptoms without the headaches. And ophthalmoplegic migraines cause pain surrounding the eyeball which could last anywhere from days to months. Read More

What Are Signs & Symptoms of a Migraine Headache?
Although nobody is sure exactly what causes migraine, we do know what leads to the pain, and we know most of the symptoms associated with them. These symptoms can include extreme pain in the temple or forehead area of the head, usually on one side, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and auras that cause the sufferer to see unusual flickers of light or dark spots and to hear strange sounds and smell strange smells. Those are the most common symptoms. Other, less-common ones include irritability, sleepiness, depression, fatigue, euphoria, yawning, and an intense craving for either salty or sweet foods. Taking notice of the symptoms can help you lessen the severity of a migraine attack. Read More

How is a Migraine Headache Diagnosed?
A doctor makes a diagnosis of migraine headaches entirely on what the patient describes to him. Only after a detailed examination and taking the patient's medical history, and then asking him some simple questions about his symptoms, can the doctor determine this. If you go to a doctor with a possible migraine condition, the doctor will ask you how often your headaches occur, the location of the pain, how long it's been hurting, and whether there are other symptoms coming prior to, during, or following the headache. He'll want to know if you experience any nausea or vomiting and if you see any flickers of light or have a sensitivity to light or sound. The presence of multiple symptoms may indicate migraine headaches. Read More

How are Migraines Treated?
A variety of medications have been designed especially for treating migraines, while other drugs that are primarily for some other purpose have been found to also help the migraine sufferer. There are some medications that prevent the migraine attack, while others help to alleviate the symptoms after they have started. The most commonly prescribed pain-relieving medications include triptans, ergots, anti-nausea medications and NAISDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Common preventative medications include cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and Cyproheptadine. Treatment also often involves rest in a dark room, and learning which triggers cause the attack in the individual. Read More

How are migraine headaches prevented?
Preventing migraine attacks / headaches usually involves all those habits you've heard you should adopt: regular exercise, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and staying away from cigarettes and too much alcohol. Mastering good posture also helps. Plus, most doctors suggest that the migraine sufferer learn what their particular migraine triggers are. A trigger is something such as a food, sight, sound or smell that brings on an attack. When a person learns what sets off the migraine attacks most often, they are better able to try to stay away from those things or at least, when they are exposed to the triggers, they'll know they need to take steps to lessen the severity of the migraine headache. Read More

What are migraine triggers?
Most people experience migraine headaches after a certain trigger (or triggers) sets them off. These triggers differ from person to person. Some common ones include hormonal changes (in women), such as fluctuations in their estrogen level; foods (Common culprits include aged cheeses, alcohol, especially red wine and beer, chocolate, aspartame, marinated foods, pickled foods, fermented foods, and too much caffeine); stress at work, home or school; sensory stimuli such as bright lights, sun glare or unusual smells; changes in the person's sleep-wake patterns (Either getting too much or missing too much sleep); environmental changes (such as weather changes). Identifying these triggers is needed to prevent attacks. Read More