4th
Oct 2010
In
HealthCare
Few that have experienced a true migraine had to question it. They are not entirely uncommon. Ten percent of Americans have suffered from a migraine and more than sixteen percent of the women in this country are among the sufferers. However, if you aren’t certain, then consider these typical symptoms. A migraine is described as a headache that involves throbbing pain and is often worse on one side of the head. Migraines, unlike a standard headache, can last up to three days. They are often accompanied by nausea, light and sound sensitivity. Some also suffer with associated vision problems, such as blurring. This can also include seeing flashing lights, lines, dots in the line of vision, or even temporary blind spots. People that are frequent sufferers may notice a pattern – warning signs – such as muscle tension in a particular area, increased fatigue, or other strange sensations. If you think you might be suffering from migraines, it is wise to consult a migraine specialistso you can gain control of them.
What Causes Migraines?
The exact cause is unknown. Though, there are a number of things that are thought to be triggers. Flickering lights – even sun playing off reflective surfaces – cause them in some people. Stress, disruption of sleep routing, poor diet, and dehydration are also things that should be avoided. Anyone who suffers with pain understands that stress and pain seem to go hand-in-hand. Migraines are no exception. Though life hands us stress, one must be able to cope with it. Try meditation, yoga, a ten minute nap, or simply a few minutes each day to do something fun. Another thing that might lead to migraine is poor care of other aches and pains. Those who suffer from neck and back painare more prone to the debilitating headaches. Consider hot showers or a anti-inflammatory to ease the pain and tightness. Finally, a trigger that we cannot avoid is hormone fluctuations. This is especially true for woman. Migraine patterns will often follow the menstrual cycle.
Are There Any Ease and Fast Ways to Stop a Migraine?
An Austin pain doctor can help you find a routine that helps control your migraines. This might include natural supplements, daily medication, or as-needed prescriptions to be taken at onset. However, if you need a quick fix and haven’t made it to the doctor yet, consider over the counter migraine medications or caffeine. That’s right! Caffeine, which we are typically told to avoid, can be very beneficial to migraine sufferers. Ingested, at onset, with pain medication, caffeine can help prevent the headache from progressing.
How Does Age Pertain to Migraines?
While anyone can develop a migraine, they are most common in people between the ages of twenty and sixty. History shows us that many migraine sufferers, especially women, see the headaches dwindle as they age. Saying goodbye to frequent migraines is one of the few benefits of a woman going through menopause. The changes in hormones within the body seem to have a positive effect on migraine frequency and severity.
How Do I Know When I Should See a Doctor?
As with any other ache and pain, when a headache becomes difficult to manage or lasts more than a couple days, it is time to see a doctor about possible pain management methods. If migraines become a consistent problem for you, it will be very beneficial to keep a pain diary to track possible triggers and help you take control. It is also important to note that headaches can be a sign of something more severe. A headache that is accompanied by fever, paralysis, stiff neck, or confusion should not be ignored. In those cases seek immediate medical care.
About the Author: Karen Prior has written extensively about the pain management industry and works hard to keep patients informed about the newest developments in pain management
