Migraines, according to the Neurology Channel, affect 30 million Americans and typically begin between the ages of 10 and 40. Migraines are marked by extremely severe headaches, which can vary in frequency from patient to patient. One particular subtype of migraines is known as migraine with aura, in which the patient may experience non-headache symptoms before a migraine.
Migraine Symptoms
Migraines are marked by a severe headache that typically begins as a dull aching pain that gradually progresses to the point where the pain can be disabling. The headache is often described as a pounding pain that begins on one side of the head and can migrate so it affects both sides, the New York Times explains. Other symptoms include nausea, chills, loss of appetite and vomiting. Patients may also experience increased sweating and urination. Often people suffering from a migraine headache will be unusually sensitive to light and sound, causing them to prefer dark, quiet areas to rest.
Aura Identification
Some patients who have migraines experience a neurological phenomenon known as an aura before they have a migraine, the Mayo Clinic explains. The aura most commonly manifests itself as some unusual visual disturbances, such as bright lights or zig-zag lines appearing in the patient's field of vision. Patients may also experience blind spots or have blurred vision. The aura can also result in eye pain. An aura can occur anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours before a migraine.
Causes
Migraines are the result of a complex series of reactions that occur in the brain. As a result, it is not completely known what causes migraines, the Neurology Channel explains. Migraines often run in families, which suggests that there is a genetic component to this disorder. Certain things can trigger migraines in many different susceptible patients. These include red wine, caffeine and physical exertion. Other common triggers include changes in altitude, weather or time zone, and certain food compounds, such as monosodium glutamate, nitrates (which can be found in hot dogs) and artificial sweeteners.
Diagnosis
Often migraines can be diagnosed via a description of the symptoms, the Mayo Clinic explains, particularly if the patient has a family history of the condition. On the other hand, some cases of migraines with aura can be unusual; sometimes the aura only affects one eye, or the aura is not followed by a headache. In these cases, the patient may need additional tests to rule out other potential causes of these symptoms. These include a thorough eye examination as well as CT or MRI scans of the brain to rule out a stroke.
Treatment
There are a number of over-the-counter pain relievers which can be used to treat a migraine with aura, including acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Many of these pain relievers are also available in stronger forms with a prescription. Another kind of medication, known as triptans, can relieve migraine symptoms when taken early in the course of an attack. Commonly prescribed triptans include sumatriptan and naratriptan. Many patients also take anti-nausea medications to prevent vomiting. There are also a number of medications which can be taken to try and prevent migraines or reduce their frequency. These include certain heart medications, such as calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications.
