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Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are a special type of headache thought to be related to changes (vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation) that occur in the blood vessels surrounding the brain. The exact cause of migraine headaches remains unknown, but a host of theories have been advanced involving a neurochemical known as serotonin. Although migraine headaches are not serious nor life-threatening, they are a painful and recurrent problem. Migraines are seen frequently by physicians in all settings from the emergency room to the private office. Migraines will often have their onset in childhood or puberty, but they can occur in any age group. Birth control pills are known to exacerbate (make worse) headaches in migraine sufferers and even cause first time migraines in some users. Stress, anxiety, and emotional factors have all been implicated in the development of acute migraine. Overall, females are affected more commonly then males.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINE
A prodrome (warning period that gives you some clue that the headache is coming) proceeds the onset of the headache and may consist of seeing flashing lights, or spots in front of the eyes.
Usually the migraine is a one-sided headache that is "throbbing" in nature.
Migraine is OFTEN associated with nausea or vomiting.
Photophobia (light hurts the eyes) may be present.
The rare "complicated" migraine will have an associated neurologic symptom (e.g. difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness to an arm or leg) that will resolve without treatment. Evaluation will include a physical examination and history to determine if there have been RECURRENT headaches of a similar quality. A CT-scan of the head or MRI will be useful to rule out other serious causes for headache. Treatment for migraine headaches will center around prevention of the headaches. Medications will be given for acute pain where needed. Some medications (ergotamine, sumatriptan) can be used at the onset of an attack in a attempt to abort the headache . A Neurologist will be the expert in the treatment of this problem.
SELF-HELP TIPS
1. Foods to avoid include: chocolate, nuts, cheese, alcohol (especially wine), and monosodium glutamate (Chinese food).
2. Other precipitating factors include: air pollution, perfumes, fatigue, stress, oversleeping, and use of vasodilator medications (check with your doctor).
3. See your doctor for evaluation. Some new medications (sumatriptan) can either decrease the frequency of migraine attacks, abort the migraine, or lessen the severity of the symptoms.
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