Learning the symptoms of migraine headaches can help you detect if you are suffering from a migraine. A migraine is not an ordinary headache and can usually warrant different treatment. Migraines are very painful and they can impair your daily activities and put you at risk for other health issues such as stroke.
Learn the symptoms of migraine headaches below and know how you can deal with them.
Symptoms of Migraine Headaches
Pre-attack symptoms – these include changes in the mood and cravings for certain food. Stiff muscles (usually in the neck) can also be observed at this time. Change in temperature and usual bodily functions are also signs that a migraine attack may be coming.
Aura – aura is a symptom that precedes a migraine attack. Though it is not present in all migraine sufferers. As one of the symptoms of migraine headaches, this is characterized by the appearance of lights, lines and waves in the vision. Vertigo and lightheadedness can also be present. Some aura also includes the sensation of pins and needles as well as the observance of different smells.
Nausea – dizziness and nausea are common symptoms of migraine headaches. Some victims of migraines will eventually vomit.
Paralysis or Impairment of Motor functions – migraine suffers can also experience a feeling of paralysis or inability to move in some parts of their bodies.
Visual Impairment – tunnel vision and temporary blindness can also be symptoms of migraine headaches. This is usually felt in one eye. Loss of perception is also observed in migraine sufferers. Some also experience high sensitivity to light.
Pain – pain is the most common of the symptoms of migraine headaches. Although there are some who suffer from migraines without going through headaches. The pain is usually very severe and can last from several minutes to hours and even days. The pain can be felt at one or both sides of the head. This can be throbbing pain as well as sharp pain. The intensity and frequency of such pain can vary from time to time.
Treating Migraines
Preventing migraines is perhaps the best way to deal with them. Migraines are often caused by stress, lack of sleep and different kinds of foods. Food which has been aged such as hams, cured meats and cheese are likely culprits for migraines. Learn which foods can trigger migraines by keeping a diary of what you ate when you had a migraine attack. This helps you keep track of what food to avoid.
You can also ask your doctor about medicine for migraines. Preventive medicines in the form of heart medicine, anti epilepsy and anti depressants are now prescribed for migraine prevention. When you are suffering from migraines, a host of different analgesics are also available.
Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen are effective in dealing with migraines. Fro more intense migraine you can take Triptans and Ergotamines which have also been effective in dealing with migraines.
Ask your doctor about these different ways to manage migraines. With the proper changes you can avoid suffering from the symptoms of migraine headaches.