Migraines
What is a Migraine
A migraine is a moderate to severe headache, usually felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraines tend to be so bad, that people suffering from them also experience other negative physical symptoms.
Symptoms
Other than severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, symptoms that may accompany a migraine include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Food cravings
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Stiff neck
- Sweating
- Trouble concentrating
- Hot flashes or chills
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Causes
The exact cause of a migraine is unkown. Everyone is different, with their own family history, medical history, and unique triggers.
Some migraine triggers may include hormonal triggers, emotional triggers, and physical triggers.
Hormonal triggers can include:
- During a woman’s period
- Menopause
Emotional triggers can include:
- High amounts of stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Shock or traumatic experiences
Physical triggers can include:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Lack of sleep
- Poor posture
- Neck or shoulder tension
- Exercise (if not used to it)
Other migraine triggers can include:
- Missing meals
- Coffee
- Dehydration
- Loud noises
- Bright or flickering lights
- Weather changes
Treatment
Migraine treatment depends on the cause of the migraine, the severity and frequency, and the person experiencing them. Common treatment methods may include lifestyle changes, medication, regular doctor’s appointments and therapy; a combination of treatments is may be the best option. Keep in mind, it may take a few tries to find the treatment that works best for you. Speaking to a doctor can increase the chances of getting the most effective treatment for your needs.
When to See a Medical Doctor
Almost everyone gets a migraine at least once in their life, but if you experience them regularly, or are experiencing severe pain and other symptoms as a result, speak to a doctor.
It may take time to find the most effective treatment for you. A doctor can assess your migraine, rule our more serious health conditions, create a treatment plan tailored to you, and help guide you in finding the treatment that works best.