Most people have heard the term migraine headache. In fact, some people believe that when they get a bad headache, it is a migraine. In actuality, it probably is not.
A migraine headache is throbbing, moderate-to-severe pain usually on one side of the head that is worsened by physical activity, light, sounds, or smells and it is associated, generally, with nausea and/or vomiting.
Migraines can start at any age, but they usually begin between the age of 10 and 40. In most people, migraines recur periodically. Recent studies are showing that as a person ages, migraines will definitely become less severe and, in many cases, they will actually go away.
Migraines are approximately three times more common in women than men. Migraines tend to run in families. it has been estimated that half the people who have migraines have close relatives who also have them. The causes of migraines are unknown and certainly they are not well understood. it is known, though, that there are complex changes that affect blood flow in the brain during a migraine. some of these changes are mechanical, such as constriction of arteries and dilation, and others are chemical changes. In others, it can be a genetic defect in some of the chromosomes.
If a person believes that they are suffering a migraine, they should see their family doctor for a complete evaluation. There are many treatments available today for migraines. There are three main categories of medications used to treat migraines. There is a group of medications that are used to prevent migraines. There is another group that can be used to actually stop a migraine before it begins and the last are medications to relieve the pain of a migraine.
The medications that can prevent migraines fall into a couple of classes. one is known as beta blockade, such as Inderal. Another is a calcium channel blocker and some medications that can prevent migraines are anticonvulsants.
The medications that are used to actually stop a migraine as it is beginning are the new group of medicines that are readily available; of course, only with a prescription. These medicines are highly effective and have very little side effects. of course, as a last resort, once a migraine occurs, the pain medications will be needed.
Migraine headaches are a fact of life for many people. Today, fortunately, there are many treatments that can actually prevent migraines from occurring. Anyone suffering from migraines should see a doctor.
