Migraine Headaches

Categories: Health | Diseases
    • Affects 10%-15% of people
    • Affects 3 times more women than men
    • Symptoms: may include severe localized headache, light and sound sensitivity, nausea
    • More than 29.5 million Americans suffer from migraines
    • Common between the ages of 15 and 55
    • Some migraine sufferers experience aura
    • Can last 4 to 72 hours
    • Not all severe headaches are migraines
    • Stress most common trigger
    • Best prevention is to find the source triggering it
    • Hormones may influence migraines
    • Also common in children
    • A headache diary can help determine triggers
    • Get plenty of sleep but don't oversleep
    • Using relaxation techniques and biofeedback can lessen or eliminate symptoms

  • Migraine headaches are described as severe pain, often pulsing or throbbing, on one or both sides of the head. In many cases it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and a sensitivity to sound (phonophobia) and light (photophobia). Some people experience what are called aura symptoms. Aura symptoms can include visual and other sensory disturbances, unsteadiness, altered consciousness, etc. Migraine aura symptoms can occur prior to or during migraines.

  • Migraine triggers

    Some common things that can trigger migraines are stress, certain foods, hormones, skipping meals, dehydration, caffeine, smoking, travel and weather changes. There are many different things that trigger migraines in people, and every person has different triggers.

    Common Food Triggers

    1. Red Wine
    2. MSG
    3. Aged Cheese and other tyramine-containing foods
    4. Chocolate
    5. Food additives/nitrates
    6. Strawberries
    7. Citrus

    Please note that there are many other less common food triggers.

  • Treatment

    There are several drugs designed specifically for treating migraines. These medications consist of triptans, pain relievers and preventative/prophylactic medications taken on a regular basis to lessen the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Your doctor will choose a strategy for managing your migraine headaches depending on how severe and how often they are.

    Triptans include Amerge (naratriptan), Axert (almotriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Imitrex (sumatriptan), Maxalt (rizatriptan), Relpax (eletriptan), and Zomig (zolmitriptan).

  • Migraines and Breast Cancer

    A recent study has suggested that women who suffer from migraine headaches may be less likely to experience Breast Cancer. The reduced risk is believed to be a result of the low levels of estrogen that are found in migraine sufferers.U.S. News & World Report: Migraine might lower Breast Cancer risk (November 6, 20080

  • Tips to help with pain

    1. Lie in a dark quiet room
    2. Use a cold compress on forehead
    3. Massage scalp
    4. Apply pressure to temples

  • Disclaimer

    The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Migraine Headaches, please make sure to consult your doctor.

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