|
| Migraine Headaches |
A migraine headache is a vascular headache associated with changes in
the size of the arteries within and outside of the brain.
Who Gets Migraines?
The National Headache Foundation estimates that 28 million Americans suffer
from migraines. More women than men get migraines and a quarter of all
women with migraines suffer four or more attacks a month; 35% experience
1-4 severe attacks a month, and 40% experience one or less than one severe
attack a month. Each migraine can last from four hours to three days.
Occasionally, it will last longer.
What Causes Migraine Headaches?
The exact causes of migraine headaches are unknown, but the headaches
are linked to changes in the brain as well as to genetic causes. Experts
believe that migraines may be caused by inherited abnormalities in certain
areas of the brain. People with migraines may inherit the tendency to
be affected by certain migraine triggers including fatigue, bright lights,
and weather changes. Additional possible triggers include:
- Emotional stress
- Sensitivity to specific chemicals and preservatives in food. Certain
foods, beverages and food additives may be responsible for triggering
up to 30% of migraines. Aged cheeses, alcoholic beverages, nitrates (sometimes
found in processed meats), and monosodium glutamate (MSG) have been linked
to migraines.
- Caffeine. Excessive caffeine consumption or withdrawal from caffeine
can cause headaches when the caffeine level abruptly drops. The blood
vessels seem to become sensitized to caffeine. When caffeine is not ingested,
a headache may occur. Caffeine itself is often helpful in treating acute
migraine attacks.
- Changing weather conditions. Storm fronts, barometric pressure
changes, strong winds, and altitude changes have been linked to migraines.
- Menstrual periods
- Tension
- Excessive fatigue
- Skipping meals
- Changes in normal sleep patterns
What Are the Symptoms of Migraines?
The pain of a migraine can be described as a pounding or throbbing. The
headache often begins as a dull ache and develops into a throbbing pain.
The pain is usually aggravated by physical activity. Migraine pain can
be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Some other associated symptoms
of migraine headaches include:
|
- Sensitivity to light, noise and odors
- Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Sensations of being very warm or cold
- Paleness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
|
|
|
Types of Migraines
There are several types of migraine headaches, including:
- Migraine with aura (classic migraine):
This type is usually preceded
by an aura. Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights
or jagged light images). This type of migraine usually is much worse than
a common migraine.
- Migraine without aura (common migraine):
This type accounts for
80% of migraine headaches. There is no aura before a common migraine.
- Status migrainosus:
This is the term used to describe a long-lasting
migraine that does not go away on its own.
How Are Migraines Treated?
People with migraine headaches can manage mild-to-moderate attacks at
home with the following strategies:
- Applying a cold compress to the area of pain
- Resting with pillows comfortably supporting the head or neck
- Drinking a moderate amount of caffeine
- Trying certain over-the-counter headache medications
- Resting in a room with little or no sensory stimulation (light,
sound, odors)
- Withdrawing from stressful surroundings
- Sleeping
When these efforts do not help, migraine headaches may be eased with prescription
medications. Migraines can be treated in two ways: with abortive therapy
or preventive therapy.
The goal of abortive therapy is to prevent a migraine attack or to stop
it once it starts. Some abortive therapies include:
|
- Imitrex
- Zomig
- Relpax
- Amerge
- Naramig
- Maxalt
- Frova
- Axert
- Tylenol with codeine
|
|
|
Preventive treatments are considered if migraine headaches occur more
than once a week. These drugs are meant to lessen the frequency and severity
of the migraine attacks. Preventive treatment medications include:
- Medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as Inderal and
Covera
- Antidepressants, such as Elavil and Pamelor
- Antiseizure medications, such as Neurontin, Depakote and Topamax
- Some antihistamines and anti-allergy drugs, including Benadryl and
Periactin.
|
 |
|
