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A migraine, once thought to be a headache, is now considered to be a neurological disease. Migraines can be caused by many factors and have many symptoms. People taking regular headache medicine for a migraine can make the pain worse and more intense.
Symptoms of a migraine include sensitivity to light, mind-numbing pain, seeing spots and difficulty speaking. There are many factors that can trigger a migraine. Something as simple as a weather change can bring on a migraine in some, while in others it could be the menstrual cycle pattern. Food could play a part in someone getting a migraine. Certain foods may trigger the disease to activate.
These disabling headaches are most likely caused from problems with nerves and blood vessels in the head. Certain chemicals in the brain (dopamine and serotonin) may also cause migraines. These neurotransmitters may cause blood vessels to act abnormally if there are too many of them. Five phases of migraines have been identified: Prodome, Auras, Headache, Headache Termination and Postdrome.
Prodome is a series of warning symptoms that a migraine is coming on. Some may experience tiredness or tense muscles before a migraine arrives. Auras are common in people about to experience a migraine. Some see patterns, hallucinations or even have blind spots before a migraine occurs. When experiencing the Headache phase, many people feel pain on both sides of their head. Throbbing pain, nausea and vomiting may occur during this phase, which can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Headache Termination can occur even if the person does not have their migraine treated. If able to fall asleep, that will get rid of the headache symptoms. The Postdrome phase occurs and may make a person feel ill and not up to their usual self. Being tired and having problems thinking are common in this phase.
