Be Aware Of Your Migraine Symptoms
It has been estimated that migraine headaches afflict more than 29 million people in the United Sates alone. Women are affected up to 3 times more often than men. There are a number of factors that can trigger migraine headaches, these include, stress, certain types of food and inadequate sleep, among others. How do you know if you are just suffering from a very bad headache, or you are in the throes of a migraine attack? There are certain telltale signs you need to look out for.
There are signs that indicate the start of a migraine headache, and which precede other specific symptoms. One such indicator is migraine aura, which usually starts about 15 to 20 minutes before the onset of a headache. It is a condition that causes temporary visual disturbances. While it normally occurs prior to the start of a headache, it can also continue for the duration. The visual changes experienced include seeing flashing lights, dots, or wavy lines. There is also the tendency to have blind spots.
Migraine suffers can also experience other early physical and emotional symptoms. Physical symptoms include dizziness, lack of appetite, fatigue, increased urination, diarrhea or constipation. Some common emotional indicators are depression and irritability. Not all persons who suffer from migraines will experience the same symptoms. Persons also feel lightheaded and have a sense that they are losing conscious. This can lead to anxiety and fear, due to the feeling of being out of control.
Once the migraine headache begins, there are additional symptoms. The headache is confined to one side of the head, and is characterized by throbbing, usually in the temples. Persons can then go on to experience nausea or vomiting. Studies have shown that this may result in part, because of a condition known as gastric stasis. This is a slowing down of gastric activity, or a delayed emptying of the stomach.
Alongside this is photophobia, or abnormal sensitivity to light. This makes migraine sufferers unable to tolerate light of any sort, if they are exposed to light at all, then the headache becomes more acute.
Acute sensitivity to any kind of sound is also a common symptom of migraines. To the person with a migraine, a slight sound seems decibels higher than it really is, and is magnified beyond measure. Some sufferers have likened it to nails being pounded in their heads.
These symptoms can prevent persons from doing everyday activities, and cause them to retreat from social interaction. The migraine headache can last for up to 72 hours, or in some cases up to 2 days. During this time, the only way to get some relief is to either take medication, or lie down in a dark room.
There are also some symptoms that persist after the migraine has subsided. Often called ‘migraine hangover;’ these can include mood changes, irritability, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
As we have seen, the symptoms of migraines are many and can vary from person to person. However, there are some clear indicators to let you know when a headache is about to occur, while some symptoms will ease; there are others that persist for the duration of the attack.