Migraine is more than a headache. It can also be a neurological disorder that can manifest in many different ways. While most people place it in the same category as other types, it is a distinct entity. Although painkillers can be used to relieve the pain of a “typical headache”, they cannot treat a migraine headache. If they want to stop suffering from migraine headaches, they will need special treatment that addresses the root cause.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches can be mild to severe in intensity, and cause a pounding sensation or pulsating pain one side of the skull. Migraine headaches can be so severe that the sufferer is unable or unwilling to do their normal daily activities. Because migraine is a disorder, not just a headache, there are many symptoms that can occur before, during, and after the actual headache pain.
This disorder can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and tingling. Auras, which are visual sensitivities, are often preceded by these symptoms. These include bright, zigzagging flashes, hallucinations and blind spots.
Photophobia
They can also be called photophobia, or extreme sensitivity to light. There are four phases to migraine: the prodrome (or aura), pain (or postdrome), and blind spots (or hallucinations). The prodrome phase is usually a few hours or days before the actual headache. The prodrome phase is where approximately half of migraine sufferers experience depression, irritability and mood swings, euphoria or fatigue.
The aura phase usually occurs between 10 and 60 minutes before the headache starts, but it can also occur hours before. Auras are usually characterized by visual disturbances. However, they can also include sensitivities to hearing and smell.
Auras
Auras can be useful for migraine sufferers because they alert them to the possibility of a headache. It is possible to start treatment early and reduce or eliminate the headache pain if you give advance notice. The migraine headache’s pain phase is where it starts. However, other symptoms may also occur.
The headache usually develops gradually and does not appear suddenly. It can intensify during strenuous activities. These symptoms include nausea and vomiting. The postdrome phase refers to symptoms that occur after the headache has subsided. These symptoms include extreme tiredness, digestive problems, mood swings, and other symptoms.
Conclusion
A migraine sufferer can learn what to expect in each phase to help them manage their condition. The headache symptoms that are present before the headache can be relieved or prevented. Symptoms that occur after the headache will alert the sufferer that the headache has ended.
