Migraine Headache 101

A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by a combination of vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours. They may occur as often as several times a week to only once a year. People who have migraines are called migraineurs.

Migraine headaches affect about 15% of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. Over 80% of migraineurs have family members who have also have migraines on a regular basis. Migraines are classified according to the symptoms they produce.

The two roughly prevalent types of migraines; are those with atmosphere and migraine without atmosphere. Adult migraines usually are better established occurrence in women, with a 3:1 female-to-male ratio. In childhood, however, migraines are more frequent in boys than in girls. Migraines with atmosphere is characterized by a neurological phenomenon (atmosphere). This neurological light show is experienced 10 to 30 minutes before the migraine begins. Most auras or atmosphere are a dramatic visual phenomenon.

These visual occurrences are described as sunny shimmering lights around objects or at the edges of objects .These visual phenomenon are seen by the sufferer in their visual field. These illusions of light are called scintillating scotomas. They can be zigzag lines, curly images, or hallucinations. Others only see short-lived disappearance of objects from their visual field. The visual experience can be described as trying to see the world through a bottom end of a greasy glass.

Common migraines accounts for 80% of migraines. There is no "atmosphere" before a common migraine. Migraine without atmosphere is of an almost rife character and may happen on one or both sides (multilateral) of the head. Tiredness or climate changes may be experienced the day before the onset of this type of migraine. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to illuminated light (photophobia) are the unpleasant symptoms; that frequently follow the migraine without atmosphere.

A kind of drugs has been specifically designed to handle migraines. Medications used to fight migraines slip into two comprehensive categories. Pain-relieving medications are designed to handle the intense pain of the headaches and preventative drugs to prevent the migraine from occurring at all. Some drugs are designed to halt symptoms that have already begun are self administered at home others require an IV in a clinic or hospital setting.

Preventive medications types of drugs are taken on scheduled basis to stop the effect of migraine triggers before the sufferer has a full blown migraine. You can, halt the frequency of migraines. Try to avoid foods or new things that appear to induce migraines for you. Get enough slumber and drink lot of fluids. Try to lower your exposure to stress and decrease the emotional strain in your daily living. Most migraineurs can handle mild-to-moderate attacks at house. Using a cold compress to the region of pain appears to help some migraineurs.

If certain foods appear to have triggered your headaches in the past, don't consume food stuffs that are likely to contain the offending ingredient. Many people believe that additives ,such as MSG can trigger their migraine. Do a little research to find ways you may be able to avoid accidental exposure to ingredients you are sensitive to when you are eating out.

Many oriental restaurants serve food high in MSG. You need to ask ;if you dine out if they offer MSG free alternatives on their menu. Sensitivity to MSG is so common most restaurants will have MSG free offerings.
If common scents and odors are a trigger for your migraine; do the best you can to avoid them. Most people find that keeping a headache diary can help them identify their migraine triggers. One can not avoid all the possible triggers for migraine headaches , only impact the frequency that migraines will occur.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120

http://www.migraineheadachesaid.com/

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/brain/disorders/127.html