The Severity of Migraine Headaches

In the United States, nearly 30 million people suffer migraines today. Most commonly, people ages 25 to 55 are affected but migraines can also be seen in children and teens as well. Although both men and women are affected by this type of severe headache, women are three times more likely than men to have it; about one in five women to one in 15 men.

Migraines are repeated attacks of severe headaches that are accompanied by a variety of symptoms. Usually causing throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head, migraines can also cause:

• Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
• Flashes of light
• Tingling in arms and legs
• Nausea and/or vomiting

The immense pain that migraines cause can last for hours or even days. In severe cases, migraines have been known to last up to 15 days.

When a migraine headache occurs, the temporal artery enlarges; causing a release of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. In response to the increasingly enlarging artery, the sympathetic nervous system brings about the feelings of nausea and vomiting. This also delays your digestive system, decreases blood circulation, and increases your sensitivity to sound and light.

Perceptual disturbances during migraines are known as migraines with auras. Some patients with migraines experience auras just before or during the head pain, but most people suffering from these severe headaches do not. These auras include:

• Blind spots
• Stiffness in shoulders or limbs
• Strange smells
• Perception of lights
• Confusing experiences

Patients may see things that are not there when they have a migraine with an aura that affects vision. They may see transparent objects, not see parts of an object in front of them, or lose visibility somewhere in their field of vision, regain it, then lose it again. This is similar to when someone takes your picture with a very bright flash. Since auras are more common to occur in adults before the migraine occurs, this can act as a warning sign for what is to come.

Besides over-the-counter medications used to eliminate or reduce the pain of headaches, there is some lifestyle alterations one can make that could help reduce the frequency of migraines. These alterations are:

• Reducing stress
• Plenty of water intake
• Getting enough sleep
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding certain types of foods

Migraines are often misdiagnosed as sinus or tension-type headaches. On the flip-side, many people who just have tension-type headaches or sinus headaches do not actually have migraines so it is important to consult a doctor. At Phoenix Family Medical Clinic, we will get to the root causes of your migraines and help treat your migraines with the best methods available. Contact us today to make an appointment or come right in.

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