Migraines can begin at any age, though they first often occur during adolescence. Migraines tend to peak during the 30s, and gradually become less severe and less frequent in the following decades. Experts estimate nearly half of adults’ experience headaches and 12% of Americans get migraine headaches. Women are three times more likely to have migraine headaches as compared to men. A family history of migraine headaches can make you more prone to these headaches. Migraines are considered primary headaches. This means there are no blood tests or imaging studies to diagnosis it. They are diagnosed by your symptoms. A secondary headache is usually caused by another health issue. Your healthcare provider will help you determine your headache type.
Migraines are thought to be the results of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting the nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain. A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. Movement, hormones, bright lights, sun glare, sound, stress and other triggers may cause symptoms like pain, tiredness, nausea and visual disturbances, numbness and tingling, irritability, difficulty speaking, temporary loss of vision and many more. Migraine headaches can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.
The Mayo Clinic web page provides a lot of information on migraines including: Causes, Triggers and Risk Factors. Go to www.mayoclinic.org/disease-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes.syc-20360201 for specifics in these areas.
There are four stages of migraine headaches. They include:
Prodrome – One or two days before a migraine, you might notice subtle changes that warn of an upcoming migraine. This could include mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, constipation and/or increased thirst and urination.
Aura – For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the headaches. These symptoms are reversible and can include a visual disturbance such as flashes of light or blind spots or tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg. Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes and lasts for 10 to 60 minutes.
Attack – A migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. How often migraines occur varies from person to person. Migraines might occur rarely or strike several times a month. You might have pain on one side of your head, but often both sides, pain that throbs or pulses, sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch, nausea and vomiting.
Post-Drome – After a migraine attack, you might feel drained, confused or washed out for a day. Some people report feeling elated.
Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you regularly have symptoms of migraines, keep a record of the occurrences, your symptoms and how you treated them, then make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your headaches. If you notice a change in the pattern and symptoms of your headaches or they suddenly feel different make an appointment to see your health care provider.
See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room, if you have any of the following signs and symptoms, which could indicate a more serious medical problem:
- an abrupt severe headache like a thunderclap
- headache with fever
- stiff neck
- mental confusion
- seizures
- double vision
- weakness
- numbness or trouble speaking
- headache after head injury, especially is the headache worsens
- chronic headache that is worse with coughing, exertion, straining or sudden movement
- new headache pain after age 50
For more information/resources:
www.mayoclinic.org/disease-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes.syc-20360201
https://medlineplus.gov >Health Topics, Migraine
www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headache