WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Migraine headaches typically affect one side of the head.
They can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Some
people have them weekly, others have fewer than one a year.
Migraines usually begin sometime between the teen years and the
age of 40, and can be classified as either ""classic'' or
""common.''
Causes
At the onset of a migraine, the
blood vessels in your head first shrink, then swell, causing
pain. Tension, bright lights, loud noises, strong
smells, weather changes, fatigue, missed meals, and emotional
upset all may trigger a migraine. The headaches may also be
brought on by many common foods and beverages, including lunch
meat, hot dogs, alcohol, beans, coffee or tea, cheese,
chocolate, nuts, pickles, raisins, and canned soup. Artificial
sweeteners can trigger a migraine. Many women get the headaches
before or during their monthly period.
Signs/Symptoms
You may know you are going to have a migraine before the
headache starts. Warning signs include nausea, vomiting, and
sensitivity to noise, light, or smells.
Classic migraines begin with warning signs such as
flashing lights or colors. You may feel as though you are
looking through a tunnel. One side of your body may feel
prickly, hot, or weak. These warning signs last about 15 to 30
minutes and are followed by pain in your head.
Common migraines do not have the same warning signs.
However, you may feel tired, depressed, restless, or talkative
for 2 or 3 days before the headache
starts.
Care
There are a number of
prescription medications for migraine. They tend to work better
if you take the medicine as soon as your headache starts.
Discuss these and other methods of preventing migraines with
your doctor.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If your doctor prescribed medicine to treat or
prevent your headaches, take it exactly as
directed.
-
At the first sign of a headache:
-
Apply cold compresses or ice packs to your head, or
splash cold water on your face.
-
Lie down in a quiet, dark room for several hours.
You may sleep, meditate, or listen to music. Do not read.
Rest during the attack.
-
To help prevent migraines:
-
Keep a record of what you ate before each headache.
Avoid foods, such as chocolate, cheese, and red wine,
that seem to cause an attack. Don't skip or delay
meals.
-
Try to keep your life as free of stress as
possible. Learn to pace yourself. Yoga, biofeedback, or
relaxation therapy may be helpful.
-
If the headaches first appeared after you began
taking birth control pills, you may want to talk to your
doctor about changing to a different method of birth
control.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine you are taking.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have a headache that gets worse or lasts more
than 24 hours despite treatment.
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
You faint or develop weakness, numbness, double
vision, difficulty with speech, or neck pain or
stiffness.
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