I decided to write and research on migraine because it's pestering me, not only now, but I think forever. I've read an article over the net in the U.S. National Library of Medicine: A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia a helpful article for me and for those who are suffering from migraine:
A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.
Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, including vision disturbances, that are a warning sign that a bad headache is coming.
Migraine headaches tend to first appear between the ages of 10 and 45. Sometimes they may begin later in life.
Migraines occur more often in women than men
Migraines may run in families
Some women, but not all, may have fewer migraines when they are pregnant
A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which can be triggered by a number of factors. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear. Today, most medical experts believe the attack begins in the brain, and involves nerve pathways and chemicals. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues.
Alcohol, stress and anxiety, certain odors or perfumes, loud noises or bright lights, and smoking may trigger a migraine. Migraine attacks may also be triggered by:
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Changes in hormone levels during a woman's menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills
Changes in sleep patterns
Exercise or other physical stress
Missed meals
Smoking or exposure to smoke
Migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods. The most common are:
Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, as well as foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Baked goods, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, and dairy products
Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans
Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
Onions
This list may not include all triggers.
True migraine headaches are not a result of a brain tumor or other serious medical problem. However, only an experienced health care provider can determine whether your symptoms are due to a migraine or another condition.
Vision disturbances, or aura, are considered a "warning sign" that a migraine is coming. The aura occurs in both eyes and may involve any or all of the following:
Other warning signs include yawning, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and trouble finding the right words.
Not every person with migraines has an aura. Those who do usually develop one about 10 - 15 minutes before the headache. However, an aura may occur just a few minutes to 24 hours beforehand. A headache may not always follow an aura.
Migraine headaches can be dull or severe. The pain may be felt behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. The headaches usually:
Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating
Are worse on one side of the head
Start as a dull ache and get worse within minutes to hours
Last 6 to 48 hours
Other symptoms that may occur with the headache include:
Chills
Increased urination
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Problems concentrating, trouble finding words
Sensitivity to light or sound
Sweating
Symptoms may linger even after the migraine has gone away. Patients with migraine sometimes call this a migraine "hangover." Symptoms can include:
Your doctor can diagnose this type of headache by asking questions about your symptoms and family history of migraines. A complete physical exam will be done to determine if your headaches are due to muscle tension, sinus problems, or a serious brain disorder.
There is no specific test to prove that your headache is actually a migraine. However, your doctor may order a brain MRI or CT scan if you have never had one before or if you have unusual symptoms with your migraine, including weakness, memory problems, or loss of alertness.
An EEG may be needed to rule out seizures. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) might be done.
There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to treat your migraine symptoms right away, and to prevent symptoms by avoiding or changing your triggers.
A key step involves learning how to manage your migraines at home. A headache diary can help you identify your headache triggers. Then you and your doctor can plan how to avoid these triggers.
If you have frequent migraines, your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce the number of attacks. You need to take the medicine every day for it to be effective. Medications may include:
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline or venlafaxine
Blood pressure medicines such as beta blockers (propanolol) or calcium channel blockers (verapamil)
Seizure medicines such as valproic acid, gabapentin, and topiramate
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may also help reduce migraine attacks.
TREATING AN ATTACK
Other medicines are taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen,ibuprofen, or aspirin are often helpful when your migraine is mild. Be aware, however, that:
If these treatments don't help, ask your doctor about prescription medicines. These include nasal sprays, suppositories, or injections. Your doctor can select from several different types of medications, including:
Some migraine medicines narrow your blood vessels. If you are at risk for heart attacks or have heart disease, talk with your health care provider before using these medicines. Do not take ergots if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Other medications are given to treat the symptoms of migraine. They may be used alone or along with other drugs. Medications in this group include:
Feverfew is a popular herb for migraines. Several studies, but not all, support using feverfew for treating migraines. If you are interested in trying feverfew, make sure your doctor approves. Also, know that herbal remedies sold in drugstores and health food stores are not regulated. Work with a trained herbalist when selecting herbs.
So there is goes. I wish there's really a treatment of this. Having migraine is ruining my life. It severely affects my daily routine. I need to stay in bed for several hours or days until it's gone.
