Distinguishing a migraine from a traditional headache requires knowledge of symptoms and a consistent catalog of occurrences, duration and remedies. Atypical migraines may have an extremely long duration. However, most atypical migraines are coined as such due to the origin of the pain rather than symptoms experienced. Thus, any intense head pain triggered by trauma or occurring at high frequency requires immediate medical evaluation to ensure no other serious medical condition is triggering the migraines.
Migraine Identification and Triggers
Dr. Lawrence Goldberg, a well-known neurologist, suggests that only one or many symptoms may accompany a typical or atypical migraine--for instance, intense unilateral or bilateral head pain that interferes with normal activity along with a sense of nausea. Physical activity exacerbates pain. Sensitivity to sunlight, fluorescent light or flashing light is a common trigger and symptom of migraines. Repetitive noises may be annoying to most people, but migraine sufferers should actively avoid them. High-pitched noise, often associated with electrical humming, can trigger intense headaches and migraines. Cleaning supplies, perfumes, colognes and cooking all represent potential migraine instigators. The National Headache Foundation reports a large number of women experience stronger and more frequent migraines with the use of hormonal contraceptives.
Biological Causes of Migraines
Chemicals in the body trigger swelling of blood vessels around the skull. The restricted blood flow causes the body to compensate by increasing blood pressure to force more blood to the brain. This exacerbates swelling and causes the brain stem to perceive this pressure as pain.
Typical Migraines
Classic, common and rebound migraines are the most prevalent types. The National Headache Foundation estimates that approximately one third of sufferers experience classic migraines. Migraines with auras, called classic migraines, include "vision or hearing hallucinations and disruptions in smell, taste or touch." Migraines without auras, also called common migraines, are traditional and characterized by three phases: onset of symptoms, headache and aftereffects. The National Headache Foundation indicates that most headache experiences are common migraines. Excessive medication use induces rebound migraines that become more severe and more frequent. Caffeine present in most over-the-counter medications is a common instigator of rebound migraines.
Atypical Migraines
There are many forms of migraines. If you believe that you experience any of the atypical forms, consult a physician. The World Health Organization describes several dozen atypical types; some are outlined here. Migraines without head pain are silent migraines. They're typically diagnosed by the presence of auras. Children typically experience abdominal migraines, which have vomiting and diarrhea as warning signs before the headache. Transformed migraines are difficult to diagnosis due to constantly changing symptoms. Swelling of the basilar artery causes vision and speech problems in basilar artery migraines. Epileptic seizures or stroke characterize hemiplegic migraines, and extremely prolonged head pain, greater than three days, characterizes status migraines. All atypical migraines have similar triggers and symptoms as typical migraines. Some symptoms require extra medications. For instance, the Mayo Clinic recommends anti-seizure medication to help with hemiplegic migraines. The medication may not stop the migraine itself, but it will help limit the possible dangerous repercussions of the seizure.
Prevention and Treatment
The Mayo Clinic recommends meditation and massage to prevent and treat migraines. Meditation improves physical and mental relaxation. Because anxiety and stress are frequent migraine triggers, controlling your body's ability to regulate stress is a valuable resource in preventing and reducing the severity of migraines. Clinical trails published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine indicate that weekly massages relieve stress, lower the heart rate and minimize perceived pain by lowering the body's cortisol levels. Head, neck and shoulder massages improve general circulation to improve blood flow to and from the brain, leading to improved sleep. These methodologies should help prevent all forms of migraines.
References
- The National Migraine Association: Treatment & Management
- Dr. Lawrence D. Goldberg, "The Cost of Migraine and Its Treatment." The American Journal of Managed Care. 2005.
- National Headache Foundation: Migraine Prevention http://www.headaches.org/educational_modules/migraine_module/page_treatments6.htm
- The World Health Organization: Headache Disorders
- Annals of Behavioral Medicine: Migraine Treatment
