Migraine Headache

Some people complain of a severe headache that they feel. It causes severe pain that sometimes lasts for a couple of days. This is a migraine headache.

A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain.

Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.

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With the common migraine, headache begins without warning. Children mostly experience common migraine.

Common symptoms of migraine are associated with:

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-Intense head pain. The pain begins on one side of the head and it spreads downward to the eye, face and even neck. The pain can switch sides and less commonly can affect both sides at once.

-Feeling a relentless throbbing or pounding deep in the head.

-Having nausea

-Vomiting

-Strong and painful reactions to light and loud noises. As a result patients try to avoid them.

-The simple act of moving may be difficult during the migraine attack. Pain may worsen from activity.

-Not being able to carry out day to day activities.

-Need to lie down during the attacks.

It is not necessary to have all these symptoms. They may be moderate or severe. Migraine attacks may last between four hours and three days if not treated or poorly treated. Because you have the need to lie down and rest during these attacks your working life, family life and social activities may be disrupted.

How is migraine headaches treated? Treatment includes therapies that may or may not involve medications.

Non-medication therapies for migraine

Therapy that does not involve medications can provide symptomatic and preventative therapy.

• Using ice, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques may be helpful in stopping an attack once it has started.
• Sleep may be the best medicine if it is possible.

Preventing migraine takes motivation for the patient to make some life changes. Patients are educated as to triggering factors that can be avoided. These triggers include:

• Smoking, , and
• Avoiding certain foods especially those high in tyramine such as sharp cheeses or those containing sulphites (wines) or nitrates (nuts, pressed meats).

Generally, leading a healthy life-style with good nutrition, an adequate intake of fluids, sufficient sleep and exercise may be useful. Acupuncture has been suggested to be a useful therapy.

Narcotics and butalbital-containing medications sometimes are used to treat migraine headaches; however, these medications are potentially addicting and are not used as initial treatment.

If ever children are experiencing this kind of sickness must better for parents to consult a doctor.

Sources: www.esortment.com

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