Migraines and their Symptoms

Migraine headaches are an extremely frequently benign headaches syndrome; they are sometimes called vascular headaches. Migraines can cause intense pain and other symptoms. They are often presages by phenomenon known as an aura.

Causes

The causes of migraines are unknown; however, there seems to be some hereditary connection, as a family history of the conditions is not uncommon.

There do appear to be triggers for certain individuals. Some patients develop a headache related to physical exertion-fro example while lifting weights or during sexual climax. Certain drugs and substances in food and drink may also play a role for some individuals.

Symptoms

Not all migraines are preceded by preliminarily symptoms, or auras, but if they are, they symptoms associated with an impending migraine usually involve some kind of vision disturbance such as

• Bright or dark sport (sometimes resembling champagne bubbles)
• Tunnel vision
• Zigzag lines ( called fortification spectra)

The aura is followed by an intense crescendo of a Headache, frequently behind one eye or on one side of the head. the pain may be pounding, throbbing, viselike, or stabbing; frequently it feels like the head is going to explode from pressure. Other symptoms that can accompany the headache of a migraine include. 

• sensitivity to light
• nausea
• vomiting

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of migraine can usually be make from the symptoms and a physical examination that reveals no neurologic problems. Although many individuals experience the head pain predominantly on one side, if they have not had at least one instance involving the opposite side, there may be cause for concern. In cases of unilateral headache or those related to exertion, magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography may be indicated to rule out other possibilities.

Prevention

Prevention of migraines involves two approaches. The first is avoidance of potential triggers. Strategies include

• Regularizing intake of caffeine so as not to induce symptoms from caffeine withdrawal.
• Avoiding food containing tyramine such as chocolate, ripe cheese, yogurt, nuts, sour cream, and onions.
• Avoiding foods high in nitrates such as processed meats.
• Avoiding certain food additives such as monosodium glutamate and aspartame.
• Limiting or elimination alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, champagne, and beer.
• Avoiding overuse of pain-killing medication.

The second prevention approach involves the use of medication to head off migraines. Medications used for prevention include Propranolol, antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline or imipramine, verapamil Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and divalproex.