Migraine Headache Essay
A migraine headache is a recurrent throbbing headache that usually affects one side of the head and is usually accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision. Migraine headaches can cause pain that can last for hours to days and can be so severe that all you can think about is spending some time in a dark, quiet place. Migraines can be accompanied by warning signs, like flashing lights, or tinging in your arm or legs. Usually patients with chronic headache often do not come back to normal neurologic function between headache attacks. Migraines are way more painful than headaches.
Pathophysiology
The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown. Most of the time headaches have no known precipitating events. Migraine can be associated with seizure
disorders, asthma, depression, anxiety, and ischemic stroke. There are sometimes factors that contribute to a headache which includes: menstruation, head trauma, fatigue, stress, or drugs. Food triggers can also contribute to headaches like chocolate, onions, cheese, and alcohol.
Migraine Headache Treatment
Chronic migraine is able to be treated. Treatment is usually a matter of trial and error, mainly when they are associated with cyclic hormone fluctuation. For migraines that are mild over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies can sometimes provide enough relief. For treatment of migraines that are less than two to three per month they may only want treatment for acute headaches. A patient that has more than two or three migraines in a month should think about prophylactic medication.
Triggers of Migraine. Stress is a common thing that can trigger headaches more often and cause the pain to feel really intense. Behavioral techniques like relaxation training, cognitive behavior therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness can help prevent reduce headaches. Addressing depression anxiety, and stress can all help reduce the chances of having a headache.
Medications. Over-the-counter medications like Aleve, Advil, and Tylenol are usually the go to medications for headaches. Using these medications often can lead to them to becoming less effective in treating migraine headaches.
Pathophysiology
The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown. Most of the time headaches have no known precipitating events. Migraine can be associated with seizure
disorders, asthma, depression, anxiety, and ischemic stroke. There are sometimes factors that contribute to a headache which includes: menstruation, head trauma, fatigue, stress, or drugs. Food triggers can also contribute to headaches like chocolate, onions, cheese, and alcohol.
Migraine Headache Treatment
Chronic migraine is able to be treated. Treatment is usually a matter of trial and error, mainly when they are associated with cyclic hormone fluctuation. For migraines that are mild over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies can sometimes provide enough relief. For treatment of migraines that are less than two to three per month they may only want treatment for acute headaches. A patient that has more than two or three migraines in a month should think about prophylactic medication.
Triggers of Migraine. Stress is a common thing that can trigger headaches more often and cause the pain to feel really intense. Behavioral techniques like relaxation training, cognitive behavior therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness can help prevent reduce headaches. Addressing depression anxiety, and stress can all help reduce the chances of having a headache.
Medications. Over-the-counter medications like Aleve, Advil, and Tylenol are usually the go to medications for headaches. Using these medications often can lead to them to becoming less effective in treating migraine headaches.