About Migraine

About Migraine And Tension Headaches

This site is all about migraine and tension headaches. More importantly it is about how to stop headaches and migraines. First a fairly technical definition, which you don't need in order to benefit from the information here. I just include it for completeness. A migraine is a type of headache that has standardized characteristics which are described by the International Headache Society. The IHS splits headaches into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are not related to any underlying problem in the body and are considered benign in nature. The types of headaches that are included in the primary category are migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are less common and caused by medical conditions which may include but are not limited to lupus, meningitis, sluggish thyroid and head trauma. Before attempting any form of self-help for migraine, your doctor should be consulted to confirm that you do not have a Secondary headache.

For many people, a sign that a migraine headache is coming on is an aura. The sufferer may see patterns before the eyes or a shimmering area that enlarges. Not every migraine is accompanied by an aura. Basic symptoms of migraine are pain located primarily on one side of the head, a throbbing and/or pulsing sensation, intensity of pain that has an effect on one's activities, a duration of 4 or more hours, sensitivity to light and nausea and/or vomiting. The symptoms are so uncomfortable that sufferers usually have no doubt they are suffering from a migraine headache.

There are various factors attributed to why these headaches occur. One factor is genetic. It is highly likely that an individual who suffers from this type of headache regularly has at least one relative who does as well. Studies also show women are more susceptible to migraine headaches than men. Although classified as primary headaches, there can be hormonal issues that can trigger migraine headaches. These issues include menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

While the headache will eventually go away on its own, most migraine sufferers in the throes of the pain want fast relief. There are over the counter medications designed for migraine headaches from manufacturers like Excedrin. These medications may contain a combination of pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin. A small dose of caffeine may be included in the formula as it has been shown to have a positive effect when administered in this manner. One of the odd things about migraine is that caffeine is said to be a trigger, yet migraine medications frequently contain it as an active ingredient! Read product labels and steer clear of this ingredient if you are sensitive to caffeine. There are prescription drugs and narcotic pain relievers that can be prescribed by a doctor if over the counter medications don't work.

However, having staved off an attack, you should start thinking about how to prevent your migraine headaches, and there are many ways to do this so that you don’t need to resort to medication in future.

After a migraine, start keeping a diary of when your headaches occur, their duration, the symptoms you experience, and anything you may have done or consumed prior to the headache that could be a potential trigger. A regular journal can help you and your doctor discover patterns and establish the most effective treatment and prevention plan possible.

Many before you have used a natural approach to managing their migraine to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of migraine pain experienced, so please explore the resources on this site and you can do the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Articles

• About Migraine
• Excedrin Migraine
• Migraine Headache Treatments
• Cause Of Headaches
• Migraine Symptoms
• Headache Cures
• Tension Headache
• What Is A Migraine
• Migraine Headache Remedies
• Natural Cures For Headaches
• Metal Toxicity
• Herbal Remedies For Headaches
• Prevent Migraines
• Headache Pain
• Types Of Migraines
• Headache Medication
• What Causes Migraines
• Fever Headache
• Migraine Relief
• Home Remedies For Migraines
• Headache Help
• Chronic Migraine Headaches



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