Twenty-Four million people in the United States alone suffer
from migraines. A migraine is typically a throbbing or pulsing
headache, often focused on one-side of the head, and associated
with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as certain
smells. Attacks are typically recurring, and can be less severe
as the migraine sufferer ages.
Migraines can occur at any age, but typically begin between the
ages of 10 and 40. While some people experience several
migraines a month, a select few only have a few migraines
throughout their lifetime. Nearly 75% of migraine sufferers are
women. Though migraines can happen at any time, some women
experience migraines just prior to or during mentruation. These
migraines, called menstrual migraines, are related to hormonal
changes and often do not occur during pregnancy. Meanwhile, some
women only develop migraines for the first time during
pregnancy, or even after menopause.
The actual cause of a migraine is unknown. It is believed,
however, that the condition results from a series of reactions
in the central nervous system, usually caused by changes in the
body or in the environment. Migraines often appear to be
inherited, as there is often a family history of the condition.
These migraine sufferers may inherit the sensitivity to triggers
that produce inflammation in blood vessels and nerves around the
brain, which cause pain.
The signs and symptoms of migraine pain are often intense and
severe, described by throbbing or pulsating pain that only gets
intensified by routine physical activity, coughing, straining,
or even moving the head. These headaches can often gets so
severe that they interfere with the day-to-day activity of a
person. Sleeping migraine sufferers can be awakened by the
attack, which can also cause a numbing sensation in hands and
lips, as well as interfere with eyesight and vision for the
duration of the attack. Migraines can be so debilitating -
causing sufferers to feel tired and weak even long after the
migraine has passed.
Migraines typically begin in a specific area, usually on one
side of the head, and can spread and build in intensity over a
course of a few hours, then gradually subside. They can last an
entire day, or in some extremely severe cases, several days.
The problem with migraine symptoms is that they are as varied as
the individual sufferer. The strange sensations, such as
tingling or the feeling of numbness, are known as auras, and can
start anywhere from ten to thirty minutes before the migraine
pain actually sets in.
Migraine treatment is possible. Knowing what triggers your
migraines and avoiding them is one of the best ways to avoid a
migraine. Treating acute attacks as they appear is crucial.
Talking to your doctor, who may prescribe regular use of a
preventative mediation can also be the way to go. Over the
counter treatments for migraines can be helpful, as well as
resting or sleeping in a completely dark and quiet place.
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