Migraines
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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