Headaches and Migraines

Headache Types 

• Sinus Headaches 

Sinus headaches are frequently mistaken for migraines due to the presence of sinus infection symptoms such as a stuffy nose, fever, congestion, coughing, and face pressure.

• Cluster Headaches 

Cluster headaches cause extreme discomfort on one side of the head. You cycle through bouts of headaches followed by times of no headaches.

• Chiari Headaches 

Chiari malformations, for example, might result in migraines produced by a compressed skull, generating pressure behind the head.

• Thunderclap Headaches 

Thunderclap headaches are strong headaches that begin within 60 seconds of each other. It is possible that this is indicative of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that requires rapid medical attention. This can also occur as a result of a stroke or an aneurysm. If you get this type of headache, dial 911.

Typically, migraine headaches fall into two categories: migraines with auras and migraines without auras. The aura is a sensation that occurs prior to the onset of a migraine. Auras typically develop 10 to 30 minutes before the onset of headaches. Aura symptoms such as the following may occur:

Insufficiency of mental acuity or trouble thinking

Flashing lights or the appearance of lines

The face or hands experience tingling or numbness.

Identify strange and uncommon odors, tastes, or experiences

A migraine sufferer may experience these signs a day or two before the onset of the headache. A "prodrome" phase may exhibit more subtle warning symptoms, including the following:

• Depression

• Constipation

• Irritability

• Often yawning

• Necks that are stiff

• Unusual food desires

Female Hormonal Changes - In women, menstruation is more likely to trigger migraines. Menstrual migraines may also be provoked by the abrupt decline in estrogen levels that occurs after menstruation. Hormone levels can also be altered by birth control medications and hormone replacement treatment. Due to the less frequent fluctuation of estrogen in adolescent girls and postmenopausal women, migraines are often worse between puberty and menopause. Following menopause, you may notice a decrease in headaches if hormones play a component in your migraines. In general, men do not have migraines as a result of hormonal changes.

Fluorescent lighting, fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent televisions and laptops, and sunshine can all provoke migraines.

Additional probable causes include the following:

• Changes in weather conditions include strong winds, storm fronts, barometric pressure swings, and changes in altitude.

• Being exhausted & overworked

• Consuming insufficient food or water

• Changing your sleeping habits

• Louse Noises

• Exposure to tobacco smoke, perfume, and other scents

• Certain drugs cause the blood vessels to enlarge.

Migraine Four Stages

The four stages are as follows: prodrome (premonitory), aura, headache, and postdrome. 30% of headache sufferers feel symptoms prior to the onset of pain.

Phase 1: Prodrome Phase

The prodrome phase, or preheadache phase, is another term for the premonitory period. Non-painful symptoms may arise days or hours before the headache.

During the premonitory phase, the following symptoms may manifest:

• Mood fluctuations that are unpredictable

• Appetites

• Stiffness of the neck

• Frequently yawning

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or scent

Phase 3: Headache Phase

Migraine headaches come in a variety of degrees and can vary from moderate to severe. Severe migraine headaches may necessitate medical care.

Exercise or exposure to sound, light, or odors aggravates the pain. However, migraine attacks are not always associated with headaches.

Phase 4: Postdrome Phase

The headache subsides following that, and the postdrome period begins. Postdrome symptoms may include confusion, exhaustion, and general malaise.

This phase is not time-limited. It may last a few hours or several days.

Treatment of Migraine 

Migraines are a chronic condition. They are incurable, although they can be managed and possibly even improved. Medication is utilized in two primary ways to treat: preventatively and abortively.

You should take preventative medication as soon as you feel the onset of a migraine. If you are getting mild migraines, you should take these drugs as soon as possible. By halting or postponing the headache process, an abortive medicine may alleviate or eliminate migraine symptoms such as pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. Abortive drugs that restrict blood vessels alleviate the throbbing discomfort.

If you frequently experience headaches, particularly severe headaches that interfere with your daily activities, you should be taking prophylactic preventive drugs. These drugs can enhance your quality of life by reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. It is normally recommended to use migraine prevention drugs on a daily basis.

Techniques & Methods for Relaxation

Because stress is a factor in the majority of headaches, lowering stress can help alleviate headache pain and the risk of future headaches. The following are some suggestions:

Compressive heat therapy, hot showers, or other forms of heat therapy

Massages

Meditation on Mindfulness

Neck stretches

Exercises for relaxation

How Frequently Do Migraines Occur?

Migraines are not time-limited: they can occur once a week, once a year, or at any other interval. Two to four migraines per month are the most usual frequency.

How Common are Migraine Headaches?

Nearly half of adults suffer from headaches, and 12% of Americans suffer from migraines. Around three in every four women experience migraine headaches.