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Migraine headaches |
Details
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Migraine headaches are throbbing, intense, recurring aches, which usually affect one side of the head, but in some cases two sides; the pain starts suddenly can can be accompanied or preceded by neurologic, visual, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Migraine headaches usually start in individuals between ages of 10 to 30; although they may begin at any age. In some cases, they disappear after 50 years of age. Migraines are most common in females as opposed to males. They can occur when artery to the brain becomes constrict (narrow) and then dilate (widen), which activates nearby pain receptors. The causes for the blood vessels to dilate or constrict are unknown, but extremely low amounts of serotonin in the blood can trigger the contraction. In rare cases malformation of the blood vessel can be underlying cause of migraines; for example, the headache almost always happens on the same side of the head. However, in most individuals, migraine headaches may occur randomly on either side. No laboratory tests are available to diagnose migraine headaches, but commonly these types of headaches distinct patterns make them easy to define. Approx. 10 to 30 minutes before the headache starts (a period called the Aura or Prodrome), the symptoms of irritability, depression, loss of appetite, nausea, or restlessness happens in about 20% of individuals. About the same percentage of people lose vision in certain areas (scotoma or blind spot), or see flashing, shimmering, or jagged lights. Sometimes, images may be distorted; for example objects may appear larger or smaller than they are. Some individuals feel tingling sensation, or in rare cases, weakness in the legs or arms. Usually, such symptoms disappear soon before the migraine headache starts, but sometimes they merge with it. The migraine pain can be felt over the entire head or on either side of the head. Sometimes, the feet and hands can turn blue and get cold. Migraine headaches can happen often for long periods of time, but after that disappear for many months, weeks, or years. Migraine attacks can last for a few hours or days if untreated. For some individuals, the headache is mild and can easily subside with non-prescription analgesics. Quite frequently, such headache is severe, and even disabling, especially if accompanied with photophobia (discomfort from bright light), vomiting, and nausea. In this situation, common analgesics do not relieve the headache, which can relent only after periods of sleep and rest. Some individuals experience irritability during migraine attacks and seek dark rooms frequently. Because of main symptoms and headaches of migraines do not happen until after the constricted arteries dilate, the prodrome gives a warning period during which medications can prevent the headaches. Widely used drug Ergotamine narrows blood vessels and helps prevent them from dilating and causing pain. Caffeine in increased doses is also helpful in preventing blood vessels from dilating and frequently is prescribed in combination with Ergotamine or analgesic. The medication Sumatriptan enhances the effect of serotonin, low blood amount of which may cause attacks. Sumatriptan and Eryotamine affect blood flow to the person’s brain, and may be dangerous and must not be taken more frequently then prescribed. Certain drugs used every day can prevent migraines from recurring. Such drugs include: Propranolol, Verapamil, and Methysergide.
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > M
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| Related Searches |
migraine headache symptoms, migraine headache relief |
| Date Submitted |
20-Nov-2005
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