by Artisttia Yarns

Created on: July 05, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

Migraine is a neurological disease which affects 29.5 million Americans. Typical characteristics of migraine include: throbbing pain at the temples, nausea, and sensitivity light, noise and even scents. Although many people think persons experiencing migraine always have headache pain; this is not always true. Separating fact from fiction and gaining knowledge of migraine is the key to preventing migraines; perhaps, when scientists learn more about migraine it will lead to a cure.

The two common types of migraine are classic migraine (with aura) and migraine (with aura). With classic migraine, the migraineur has forewarning that a migraine attack is imminent through the presence of an aura. An aura is a sensation that can be experienced as a disturbance in the visual field, such as seeing wavy or jagged lines. Auras can also be experienced as tasting or smelling things that are not there. With auras, sounds may be distorted and abdominal pain, weakness or numbness felt. Auras generally may last 15 minutes to an hour.

The prodromal phase of migraine is different from that of an aura. It is the name for the subtle warnings that a migraine episode may start. Sixty percent of migraineurs experience some or all of these symptoms: diarrhea, fatigue, changes in mood, increased urination, and muscle stiffness (especially in the neck and shoulders).

A migraine attack can be brought on by trigger. A trigger is anything that can "set off" or "trigger" a migraine. Triggers are environmental, hormonal or physical in nature. Triggers can include various foods, beverages, medicines, an activity, sleep patterns, stress levels, hormonal level, and weather conditions.

To discover personal triggers, the migraineur should make a migraine journal. In the journal, record the weather, foods or beverages consumed in a day. A journal in calendar format makes for ease in record keeping.

The journal should be reviewed by the migraineur and their healthcare provider to look to see if patterns are evident. When migraines are related to hormonal fluctuations the health care provider can adjust medications accordingly.

The health care provider may prescribe medications which can be taken as soon as the onset of an attack is suspected. If taken in time, some migraine episodes can end before they become full blown. Other medications must be taken on a daily basis to try to avoid migraine symptoms.

Some over-the-counter medications may help ease migraine pain and/or nausea. Sleeping or lying in a dark room is helpful to many. The science of migraines is new. New treatment modalities are being discovered to control the discomfort and prevent migraine attacks. One day there may be a cure; until then, migraineurs need to follow up with their health care provider to determine which options are the best to prevent migraines.

Sources:
http://www.migrainesolutions.com/migraine_resources/ migraine_glossary.html
http://www.helium.com/knowledge/250179-migrainous-in farctions-what-are-they/show_rank/1
http://www.headaches.org/press/NHF_Press_Kits/Press_ Kits_-_AMPPS_Fact_Sheet

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