Migraine Headaches – Are You Suffering From Them?

It has been found that more than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, a type of headache that's often very severe. Another fact is that the number of women suffering from migraine is three times more than men. Though any head pain can be miserable, a migraine headache can be disabling. In some cases, these painful headaches can be preceded or accompanied by a sensory warning sign (aura), such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in leg or arm. A migraine headache may also be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine pain can be excruciating and may incapacitate the sufferer for hours or even days.

It is rather fortunate that the management of migraine headache pain has improved dramatically in the last decade or so. If one has seen a doctor in the past and had no success, it's time to make another appointment. There is still no cure for migraine, medications can help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches and stop the pain after it has started. The right medicines combined with self-help remedies and changes in lifestyle can make a tremendous difference for a patient.

The Signs and Symptoms Of Migraine Headache -

Well, the signs and symptoms that a migraine produces are varied. A typical migraine headache attack will produces some or all of these signs and symptoms:

a. Moderate to severe pain – many migraine headache sufferers experience pain on only one side of their head, while some experience pain on both sides

b. Head pain which has a pulsating or throbbing quality

c. Pain which worsens with physical activity

d. Pain which hinders your regular daily activities

e. Nausea which may be accompanied with vomiting

f. Sensitivity to light and sound

If left untreated, a migraine headache can typically last from four to 72 hours, but the frequency with which they occur is bound to vary from person to person. One may have migraines several times a month or just once or twice a year. It is also important to note that all migraine headaches are not the same. While most people suffer from migraines without auras, some have migraines with auras. A second group patient is likely to have auras about 15 to 30 minutes before your headache begins. These may continue after the headache starts. Auras may include sparkling flashes of light, dazzling zigzag lines in the field of vision or slowly spreading blind spots in vision.

Recommended Reading:

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