Brief Idea of Migraine Headaches – Identify its Signs and Symptoms!

Migraine Headaches

So, you are having headaches? There is nothing to be depressed about it as they are very common. Given the lifestyle, stress, tension and work pressure, most people suffer from mild to severe headaches now and then.

They often go on their own, or after medical attention. But, at times, these headaches are long-lasting and more serious. One of the headache types that need special attention is migraine. Migraine headaches are often mistaken and left undiagnosed. Hence, it is a must that you make sure that your headache type is identified properly.

What is a migraine?

Migraine is severe pain in the head that is throbbing or pulsating and is often associated with signs or symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It is usually concentrated on one side of the head, but can also spread to the other side. Unlike most other types of pains, this can last for about 4 hours to even a few days. At times, they are so debilitating that daily activities are disrupted.

Identify the symptoms of migraine:

Migraine headaches are often mistaken to be a usual tension-type headache. In order to get it properly treated by a doctor, proper diagnosis is a must. Hence, you must identify its symptoms. But, its symptoms vary during different phases.

 1. Symptoms occurring before an attack:

The symptoms that one experiences before the migraine attack are –

  • Depression
  • Food cravings
  • Hyperactivity
  • Fatigue
  • Irritation
  • Sleep problem
  • Stiffness of neck.

Many people also experience aura during this stage. Aura is a disturbance of sensory motors and hence, visual, auditory, speech and motor disturbances are felt.  People may not experience these auras at all before their attacks.

 2. Symptoms during a migraine attack:

During the attack, the symptoms of migraine headache, include –

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fainting
  • Extreme pain
  • Sensitivity to sound and light

Mood swings are also common during this time. One may feel extremely happy or extremely sad during this time.

Seeing a doctor:

Though these symptoms are very easily identifiable, many people often fail to diagnose this condition. Hence, it is left untreated. It is always a better idea to see a doctor to consult the condition. Before the doctor proceeds towards treatment, he or she will ask you to maintain a migraine diary.

There are factors that trigger migraine headaches. The doctor needs to know about these triggers so that the root causes are identified and proper treatment is offered by the doctor.

Treating migraine:

Migraines are serious and severe. However, with proper diagnosis, one can get good treatment options from a doctor. The doctor will be able to suggest you the medicines that help in reducing and coping with the pain. They also warn you against the potential triggers that can aggravate or welcome your migraine attacks. Along with medicines, the doctors will also let you know about the therapeutic practices and exercises that can manage this pain to a great extent.