Treating your headaches on time is very important. It makes sure that you do not have to suffer from or bear the pain for long. But, to approach the right treatment method, it is also quite crucial that you diagnose the headache type properly. There are different types of headaches – they have different causes and different symptoms. While the tension type headache is the most commonly identified one, there is a lack of understanding as to what is migraine.
Amongst the different headache types, tension type headache or sinus headaches are less severe and easily diagnosed. But, most people fail to recognise the signs and symptoms of migraine and thereby treatment is delayed. That is why, it is quite essential that you go through the details of what is migraine, understand its characteristics and symptoms. This will make diagnosis fast and treatment will be proper.
Understanding what is migraine:
Migraine is a serious, complex and very intense type of headache that imparts a throbbing and pulsating sensation, usually on one side of the head. The pain is so severe that sufferers fail to conduct their daily activities.
Signs and symptoms of migraine:
Now that you have roughly understood what is migraine, you should go through its signs and symptoms. This will help you to make self-diagnosis easy.
Here it needs to be mentioned that the signs and symptoms of migraine headache vary to a great extent from one stage to another. Some indicate the onset, acting as warning signs and some are associated with the period, when the migraine headache goes away. But, the signs and symptoms that can be encountered during a migraine attack are –
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Excruciating pain in one side of head
- Abdomen pain in children who are also sufferers
- Feeling lightheaded
- Sensitivity to light, sound and smell
- Blurred vision
A migraine attack may last for anywhere between 4 hours and 72 hours. In fact, its frequency of occurrence cannot be pre-determined.
Causes of migraine:
Though what is migraine is known, yet its causes are not clearly identified. But it is associated with certain brain chemicals in the head. When the trigeminal nerves interact with the brain stem, it releases neuropeptides, certain brain chemicals that induce the pain. It also reduces the serotonin level in the brain that is instrumental in regulating any pain in your head.
However, there are some external factors that can trigger your pain. These triggers are –
- Salty food, aged cheese, processed and packaged food
- Alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Change in sleeping pattern
- Too much of stress and physical exhaustion
- Skipping meals
- Smell of thinner or paint, bright light and loud sound
- Barometric pressure or change in weather
- Hormonal changes in women.
These triggers may differ from person to person. What has been the cause of your migraine attack can well be identified with the help of a professional doctor. The doctor will help you recognise your triggers and offer the best treatment. If you still have confusion regarding what is migraine, see a doctor at once. Proper medication will help you manage this excruciating pain better.
