All About Migraines
In this article, you’ll learn and discover all about migraines.
A migraine is a neurological issue that can lead to multiple symptoms. In most cases, it is associated with intense headaches. Other common symptoms of migraines include vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, numbness or tingling, and difficulty speaking.
The most common migraines are those with aura, also known as classic migraines, and those without aura, also known as common migraines. People can start suffering from migraines in childhood or early adulthood.
According to family medicine physician in Santa Monica, migraines can be managed. Below is a discussion of some important things you should know about migraines.
Symptoms of Migraines
Some symptoms of migraines can begin a day or two before the actual headache. These ones signify what is known as the prodrome stage. Some of the common symptoms in this stage may include:
- Low energy levels or fatigue
- Food cravings
- Hyperactivity
- Frequent yawning
- Irritability
- Neck stiffness
- Depression
In cases of migraines with aura, patients may experience aura after the prodrome stage. During aura, people usually have problems with their vision, sensation, speech, and vision. Some of the issues that they can experience include:
- Tingling sensation in the arms, legs, and face
- Temporary loss of vision
- Difficulty speaking properly
The next and the last phase are known as the attack phase. It is the most severe phase, and it is associated with symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased sensitivity
- Throbbing and pulsing head pain
- Vomiting
- Pain in the sides, front, or the back of the head
Migraine Tests
The diagnosis of migraines involves listening to a patient’s symptoms, physical exams, and medical and family history. Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans may be performed to rule out issues such as stroke, tumor, and abnormal brain structure.
Treating Migraines
Unfortunately, migraines cannot be cured. However, a family doctor can help you to manage them. The management involves reducing their frequency and treating the symptoms when they occur. A doctor can also help you to make the symptoms that you experience less severe.
There are also several things that you can do to manage the issue. For instance, when the signs first appear, you can retreat to a quiet place, turn off the lights, try temperature therapy, and drink a caffeinated beverage. You should also seek to improve your sleep hygiene by establishing regular sleeping hours and having adequate sleep every night. It is also wise for you to eat well, exercise regularly, and manage stress.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that although migraines cannot be completely cured, it possible to manage the symptoms and make them less frequent and less severe. To this end, it is imperative for you to make some lifestyle adjustments and work with a family medicine physician with experience in helping patients with migraines.
