Common Migraine Symptoms

By Carly on Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Filled Under: Migraine Articles

A majority of the migraine attacks are accompanied by headache, which is an intense, throbbing or pounding pain involving one temple. At times, the pain may be located in the forehead or around the eye or the back of the head. Usually, migraine attack reoccurs and is a chronic disability. The headache is generally on one side of the head, though it may rarely happen on both the sides. The unilateral headache changes sides alternatively, from one attack to another, which is, in fact, characteristic of migraine (otherwise it may be a more serious problem).

Daily routines like walking upstairs aggravate a migraine headache. The most common and obvious symptoms of migraine are nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Some people experience warning symptoms called aura before the actual beginning of a headache. An aura is a group of symptoms, mainly a vision disturbance which foretells that a headache is coming. But, most of the people do not have such warning signs. In fact, migraine headaches are classified based on their symptoms such as migraine without aura, migraine with aura and mixed tension migraine.

Migraine without aura: The most common symptoms can be a throbbing pulsating headache, which is usually worse on the sides of the forehead, generally only on one side, that can be either severe or dull, lasting for six to forty eight hours. The other symptoms are dizziness, vertigo (a feeling that the room is moving), loss of appetite, fatigue and nausea. There may be symptoms after a migraine attack too. It can be dullness, neck pain and a need for more sleep. Such symptoms may be accompanied apart from headache.

Migraine with aura: Before the headache, the warning symptoms may occur anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours and the aura or vision changes happen in one or both the eyes. The symptoms may be one or more of the following; seeing zigzag lines, seeing flashing lights, temporary blind spots, sensitivity to bright light, visual hallucinations, blurred vision and eye pain. Accompanying the headache, there are other symptoms like loss of appetite, chills, increased urination, increased sweating, irritability and fatigue. The “pounding” headache starts on one side and spreads to the other side that typically starts as a dull ache and progressively worsens over several minutes to hours. So, the patients wish to rest in a quiet, dark room.

Mixed tension migraine: This migraine is a headache with features of both tension and migraine headache. The symptoms include headache on one or both sides and the person may feel dull, tight and the pain, which varies from mild to severe, may get worse with activity, lasting from 4 to 72 hours. Sensitivity to light or sound, depression, tingling, sluggishness, numbness, and weakness are other symptoms.

Unfortunately, migraine headache is a recurring chronic ailment, which may recur after 24 hours for some people.

http://www.shunmigraine.com deals extensively with all types of migraines, the causes, prevention and treatments.

Migraines: a Common But Painful Problem

By Carly on Friday, May 21, 2010
Filled Under: Migraine Articles

Migraine headaches are commonly preceded by warning symptoms (prodrome), that may include depression, irritability, restlessness, loss of appetite, and a characteristic “aura” – usually a visual disturbance such as flashing lights or a localized area of blindness that follows the appearance of brilliantly colored shimmering lights. Migraine headaches may also involve nausea, vomiting, and changes in vision.

Certain dietary changes, according to studies, have been shown to have a possible effect in reducing or eliminating migraine headaches(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Migraine-Headache.html). A blood-sugar condition known as reactive hypoglycemia is experienced by some migraine headache sufferers, and for these people, avoidance of refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can be beneficial. Migraine headaches can also be triggered by allergies to foods, so avoidance of these foods might be necessary to avoid them. Reducing salt in the diet, and eliminating dairy if lactose intolerance is found, also should be helpful in reducing the occurrence of migraine headaches.

Some doctors have found that reactions to smoking and birth control pills can be additional contributing factors in migraine headaches.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, an organism that causes peptic ulcers) may predispose people to migraine headaches. In a preliminary trial, 40% of migraine sufferers were found to have H. pylori infection. Intensity, duration, and frequency of attacks of migraine were significantly reduced in all participants in whom the H. pylori was eradicated. Controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

This formula of natural migraine headaches(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Migraine-Headache.html) treatment works to support optimal nervous system health and maintain blood circulation in the brain. Powerful botanicals are also included for a multitude of beneficial effects which are central to the natural treatment of migraine headaches; for example, Ginkgo Biloba and White Willow.

Migraine headaches may be caused by functional changes in the trigeminal nerve system, a major pain pathway in the nervous system, and by imbalances in brain chemicals. Calcium and Magnesium play a key role in proper nerve functioning and nerve system chemical transmitting. White Willow contains a chemical similar to aspirin which is useful in relieving migraine headaches. These elements are therefore included in this natural treatment for migraine headaches(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Migraine-Headache.html).

Calcium plays a key role in proper nerve functioning. Compared to those who don’t suffer from migraine headaches, people with migraines have been found to have lower levels of Magnesium in the blood and brain; therefore, supplementation with Magnesium may be important in the natural treatment of migraine headaches. The Vitamin B Complex is made up of several vitamins that work well together to support nervous system health and therefore may beneficial in the natural treatment of migraine headaches. Feverfew controls inflammation that constricts blood vessels in the head, and prevents blood vessel spasms which may contribute to headaches. Ginkgo Biloba helps maintain peripheral circulation to the arms, legs and brain. White Willow contains a chemical similar to aspirin which is useful in relieving migraine headaches. Preliminary research suggests that white willow bark extracts have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. St. John’s Wort Extract is used in the natural treatment of migraine headaches as it helps promote a positive mood and healthy emotional balance.

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Migraine Headache – Find Authoritative Natural Treatment Information, Plus Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements for Supporting Migraine Headache Treatments, Symptoms, Causes.

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