What Is a Migraine Part II

A migraine is a form of vascular headache. It is caused by the increasing of the blood vessels near the temporal artery. The increase of the blood vessels causes the release of chemicals around these blood vessels. The temporal artery itself enlarges. It is located outside the skull, just under the skin over the temple. The chemicals that are released cause inflammation and pain.

This sort of just builds on itself until the pain is severe. Sometimes migraine headaches activate the sympathetic nervous system. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea in the person suffering from the migraine. This can cause delayed absorption of stomach contents by the small intestine, therefore if medications are taken to relieve the pain, they may not work while the attack is happening.

Some of the migraine symptoms are cold hands and feet, because the sympathetic activity decreases blood circulation. This increased sympathetic activity can cause extreme sensitivity to light and noises. It can also cause blurred vision. Migraines are characterized as intense throbbing pain in one temple or the other. Usually the pain is only on one side of the head. If will switch from one side to the other with each attack. If you are having a migraine only on one side for an extended period of time, you need to see a doctor as this may be caused by a brain tumor. Most people who are suffering from a migraine want to lay down in a quiet, dark room until the pain stops. This may take a few hours or a few days.

Some common migraine symptoms are sleepiness, irritability, fatigue, depression, yawning and craving of sweets or salty food right before the onset. Some people experience migraine symptoms like flashing, bright lights moving in a zig zag pattern and sometimes even blind spots. Some people may experience pins and needle sensations on their hands and arms on one side or around their mouth and nose on one side.

Other migraine symptoms involve experiencing abnormal tastes and smells. Some complicated migraines are accompanied by neurological dysfunction. Vertabrobasilar migraines affect the brain stem and can cause fainting or vertigo (dizziness). These are also sometimes symptoms and warning signs. Hemiplegic migraines cause paralysis or a weakening of one side of the body. The symptoms are similar to those of a stroke. These symptoms normally are only temporary and go away in time. The condition is usually diagnosed when migraine symptoms like those mentioned begin to show up.

Migraines can start in childhood or early adulthood. It is thought that the condition might be hereditary. Migraines can be aggravated by caffeine. Certain types of foods may trigger attacks as well, so keep a diary of foods that you consume before an onset. It is best not to skip meals, as this has been known to bring on attacks. It is said that exercise is a good deterrent to migraine attacks. If you exercise regularly, you will sleep much more soundly and therefore may be more likely to avoid migraines.

Filed Under Different Types of Migraines, General Migraine Information | Leave a Comment

Tagged With , , , , ,

Comments

Leave a Reply