Migraine Headache

Migraine is a severe headache, often preceded or accompanied by pain sensory Warning signs such as flashes of light spots, blind spots , tingling in the arms and legs, nausea,Vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound. A result of migraine Combination of the expansion of blood vessels, and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers File on the blood vessels. During the headache, and enlarged artery which is located on the outer surface of the skull just below the skin of the head.

Causes Of  Migraine

Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify the triggers or factors that cause headaches, but many can not. Possible triggers for migraine include:

• Allergies and allergic reactions
• Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
• Physical or emotional stress
• Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep
• Smoking or exposure to smoke
• Skipping meals or fasting
• Alcohol
• Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during menopause onset
• Tension headaches
• Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), mono sodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)
• Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.

Symptoms Of  Migraine

• Moderate to severe pain, usually confined to one side of the head, but switching in successive migraines
• Pulsing and throbbing head pain
• Increasing pain during physical activity
• Inability to perform regular activities due to pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound

Diagnose

Doctors look at the family medical history and check the patient of the symptoms described above in order to diagnose migraine.

• 5 or more attacks
• 4 hours to 3 days duration
• At least 2 unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe pain, aggravation by or avoid physical activity routine
• At least one additional symptom such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity.
• Tests such as electroencephalography (EEG), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture can also check for:
• Bleeding inside the skull
• Blood clot within the membrane covering the brain
• race
• Dilated blood vessel in the brain
• Cerebra spinal fluid too much or too little
• Inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord
• Blockage of the sinuses
• Postictal headache (after the stroke, or seizures)
• tumors

Treatment

Drug treatment for migraine headaches can relieve the pain and symptoms of a migraine attack and prevent further migraine attacks.

Migraines can be treated with two approaches: abortive and preventive.

Abortive: The goal of abortive therapy is to stop it once it starts. The prescribed medications stop a migraine when you one coming or once it has begun and may be taken as needed. Abortive medications can be administered by self-injection, by mouth, or by nasal spray. These forms of medication are especially useful for people who have nausea or vomiting related to their migraine, and they work quickly.

Abortive treatments include the trip tans, which specifically target serotonin. They are all very similar in their action and chemical structure. The trip tans are used only to treat headache and do not relieve pain from back problems, arthritis, menstruation, or other conditions.

Preventive: This type of treatment is considered if migraines occur frequently, typically more than one migraine per week, or if migraine symptoms are severe. The goal is to lessen the frequency and severity of the migraine attacks. Medication to prevent a migraine can be taken daily.