Migraine Headache

Migraine Headache:

Migraine headache is a main type of headache. Migraine headache is accompanied by flashes of light, stomachache, severe pain on one or both sides of the head, vomiting and nausea.

Causes of migraine headache:

The main cause of migraine headache is changes in the levels of serotonin. Serotonin, chemical in the body, plays important role in the body. Changes in the levels of serotonin, can affect the blood vessels. Blood vessels may shrink in case of high levels of serotonin and blood vessels may swell in case of low levels of serotonin. Certain foods and changes in the levels of estrogen and blood sugar can be affected the level of serotonin. People with migraine headache may experience excessive fatigue, changes in mood, intense energy and food cravings.

Signs and symptoms of migraine headache:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Confusion and tiredness
• Feeling sweaty and cold
• Changes in vision
• Light-headedness
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Severe pain
• Tingling in one arm or leg
• Dazzling zigzag lines in vision.
• Depression or irritation

Diagnosis:

Physical examination and medical history will be recommended by the health care providers to diagnose the conditions. Certain tests may recommend by the doctor in case of severe or unusual headaches. Sometimes, computerized tomography scanning, vision tests and magnetic resonance imaging tests are used to detect the condition. If headaches caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage and meningitis, spinal tap may be recommended by the doctor to diagnose the condition.

Treatment:

Pain-relieving medications:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help to reduce the pain. Specific drugs such as combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine may provide in case of moderate migraines. If OTC medications are not helpful to reduce the pain, strong prescription may be suggested by the doctor.

Ergots: Drugs such as dihydroergotamine and ergotamine are available in the form spray. They are used to reduce the pain, but these drugs also have some side-effects.

Preventive medications:

Antidepressants: Certain Antidepressants such as nortriptyline, amitriptyline and protriptyline are good to reduce the headaches. Newer antidepressants are not effective to treat migraine headache.

Anti-seizure drugs: Anti-seizure drugs such as valproic acid, divalproex sodium and topiramate are used to treat migraine headaches. High doses of anti-seizure drugs may cause side-effects such as vomiting, cramps, dizziness and nausea.

Botox: Botox stands for Botulinum toxin type A. Botox injections are very effective to treat migraine headache. Botox could serve as a temporary treatment for Migraine headaches. Regular injections of Botox reduced migraine attacks in people with the most frequent and most severe headaches.

Prevention:

Avoid triggers: you should take fresh fruits and vegetables. Take more and more rest with regular meals and regular sleep patterns. Try to avoid certain scents and foods which seem to have some problems.

Reduce the effects of estrogen: You should reduce the medications that contain estrogen. Women with migraines headache, who have hypertension and family history of stroke avoid triggers that contain estrogen.

Regular exercise: Women with migraine headache may do regular aerobic exercise. It may help to reduce the tension. You can do exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming regularly.

Avoid smoking: People with migraine headache, quit smoking may be suggested by the doctor.

Rest and relax: You take more rest in the quiet room. Apply gentle pressure on the affected areas and place cool cloth on the back of the neck.