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Migraine Headache - Who Suffers From Them,
And What Are The Symptoms?...
Migraines
are throbbing headaches that are vascular in nature. This
means that they involve the brain's blood vessels. These
vessels may dilate or contract in an excessive manner. And
this causes pain. A body chemical called serotonin may play
a role in this as one of it's aspects is that when levels of
it are high our blood vessels shrink and when the levels are
low our blood vessels dilate.
When an individual describes his or her headache as a
migraine it is possible that the symptoms may differ from
someone else's. To better understand why this may be so, it
is important to know that there are different
classifications of migraines. There is however, two most
usual types.
First, there is the 'common migraine'. This is a throbbing
headache that may start slowly and can last anywhere from
two to seventy-two hours. The pain can manifest itself by
beginning at the back of the head and spreading over one
side of the head. But it can also occur in the center of the
temple or behind an ear.
 Since
the word 'migraine' is derived from the Greek work
hemikrania - which means half a skull - it aptly describes a
typical aspect of this headache in that it is usually
localized on one side. As well, common migraines can include
blurry vision, nausea and perhaps vomiting, and sometimes a
tingling or even numb feeling in the limbs. There is also an
increased sensitivity to lights and sounds.
Secondly, there is the 'classic migraine'. This follows the
same pattern as a common migraine, however, it begins to
manifest itself by a collection of symptoms that are called
an aura. This aura, as described by many sufferers, can
include an appearance of flashes, spark-like lights, or
bright stars. Vision typically becomes unclear.
This can be accompanied by the individual having difficulty
in speaking, detecting strange smells and experiencing
weakness. These auras can last between 15 to 30 minutes
before the headache starts. Sometimes they can overlap and
at times the aura may occur but a headache doesn't. Keep in
mind that any migraine will be as unique as the person
suffering from it and that these symptoms will vary from one
individual to the next.
Migraines can affect anyone but studies indicate that
approximately three times as many women will get them as
men. They're often found to run in families and the pattern
of how often they may occur is as varied as there are
people. Whereas someone may only experience it once or twice
a year - others are facing it on a weekly basis. The
reasoning behind the fact that more women seem to be
affected is that some are caused by hormonal fluctuations.
As many women can attest to - their monthly period usually
heralds the start of one of these headaches. Doctors feel
that this is due to the low estrogen levels at this time.
Children can get migraines too but the pain may manifest
itself in conjunction with a pain that is diffused more than
localized. And it can be accompanied by vomiting and
dizziness. Migraines do seem to occur mostly between the
ages of twenty to thirty-five and seem to diminish with age.
In recent years the incidence of migraines has increased
dramatically, across the board, in all groups.
Click here to learn more about
Migraine Headache Symptoms.
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