Migraine headache
A migraine is a very bad headache. With a migraine, you may
feel nauseated and might vomit. The pain is usually on one
side of your head. Moving around can make the headache feel
worse. There are many forms of migraine headaches.
The basic difference between the two types
of migraine is the appearance
of an aura. The aura is the occurrence of neurological symptoms 10-30 minutes
before the classic migraine attack. You may see flashing lights, zigzag lines
or may temporarily lose vision. Other symptoms of classic migraine include speech
difficulty, confusion, weakness of an arm or leg and tingling of face or hands.
Migraines may be caused by a chemical or electrical problem in
certain parts of the brain. A key element of a migraine headache
is blood flow change in the brain. According to theory, the
nervous system responds to a trigger such as stress by creating
spasms in the nerve-rich arteries at the base of the brain.
The spasms constrict several arteries supplying blood to the
brain.
Things that
trigger a migraine or make it worse:
- Stress and time pressure, major hassles, major losses, anger and conflict.
- Smells and fumes, tobacco, glare or dazzle, weather changes.
- Monthly periods, birth control pills,
estrogen therapy.
- Too much, too little or interrupted sleep.
- Hunger, fasting or beverages.
- Excessive activity.
- Medicines may cause migraine.
|
