Overview

Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily experiences, painful headaches, and nausea. It is a common condition which affects women more frequently than it does men.

The typical migraine headache is one-sided and pulsating, lasting 4 to 72 hours. Accompanying complaints are nausea and vomiting, and a heightened sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) and noise (hyperacusis). Approximately one third of people who experience migraine get a preceding aura, in which a patient may sense a strange light or unpleasant smell. Patients often describe triggers they feel precipitate an episode of migraine, such as certain foods and beverages (like chocolate or alcohol), stress or menstruation. In some migraine types there are typical features but the headache remains absent, and in children abdominal pain may be a prominent feature.

Although the exact cause of migraine remains unknown, the most widespread theory is that it is a disorder of the serotonergic control system. Genetic factors may also contribute. Studies on twins show that genes have a 60 to 65% influence on the development of migraine. Fluctuating hormone levels show a relation to migraine in several ways: three quarters of adult migraine patients are female while migraine affects approximately equal numbers of boys and girls before puberty,[citation needed] and migraine is known to disappear during pregnancy in a substantial number of sufferers.

The treatment of migraine begins with simple painkillers for headache and anti-emetics for nausea, and avoidance of triggers if present. Specific anti-migraine drugs can be used to treat migraine. If the condition is severe and frequent enough, preventative drugs might be considered.

The word migraine is French in origin and comes from the Greek hemicrania, as does the Old English term megrim. Literally, hemicrania means "half (the) head".

Sunday, October 11, 2009

How to manage your headache and migraine symptoms


Migraine - Severe headaches can be harmful


Migraines are a common problem in the UK where up to 10% of the population suffer from them. Primarily, they are defined as a severe headache on one side of the head and often accompanied by other distressful symptoms.

Primarily, there are two types of Migraines- migraine with an aura and migraine without an aura. In the former type, headaches are preceded by symptoms such as temporary visual loss, seeing flashing lights, speech problems, and numbness of the face or arms. In the later type, there are no preceding symptoms.


What are the symptoms of a Migraine?

The most common symptoms of Migraines are mood swings and increased food cravings. You can feel Migraine attacks on one side of the head and they may last for four to 72 hours. The immediate remedial measure for a Migraine attack is to lie down in a quiet and dark room.


How do you get a Migraine?

It's not clear what exactly causes a Migraine however, medical experts cite reasons that migraines occur due to changes in the size of blood vessels and the levels of neurotransmitter substances in the brain. In some cases, migraines are also associated with tiredness, stress, dehydration, missed or delayed meals, and even certain foods can trigger migraines such as tea, coffee, chocolate, cheese, and alcohol.


How early can a Migraines show up in childhood?

The childhood migraine is an unrecognized reality, as reports suggest that a quarter of a million children in the UK may be affected by migraines. Most of these children are in the age group 7-15 years. The average age of the onset of Migraines in children is six years.



The most common symptoms of migraines in children are premonitory symptoms such as changes in mood, appetite, thirst, and arousal. Some of the accompanying symptoms are sensitivity to light or photophobia, phonophobia (sound), gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, and depression.


Migraine and headache management

You can certainly keep Migraine problems under control however, there's no permanent cure for it. The treatments can range from pain killers to some therapies such as acupuncture, osteopathy, yoga, and other methods of relaxation. If these methods prove less effective and migraine attacks are still coming, then you should see a doctor.


For the treatment of migraines and headaches, some medical devices can be quite helpful. These devices are considered revolutionary and designed with the help of special medical technology. One of these devices is Cefaly, which helps to treat migraine and reduces headaches in adults. This device is used on the forehead and its effects act on the nervous system.
What to do if you get a Migraine?

If you get a Migraine, then some of the immediate measures for you are listed below:



    • You should lie down in a dark and quiet room

    • You should put a cold rag on your forehead

    • Try to massage your scalp with pressure applied

    • You should put pressure on your temples

    • You can also use Cefaly, if you have already bought it




    Autor: MarkBevan

    Webmaster associate with migraine headache related site. This site provides various information on headache, migraine and hay fever treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk


    Added: October 11, 2009
    Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/How-to-manage-your-head~

0 comments: