Characteristics of a migraine
What are the 3 types of migraines?
The most common are migraine with aura (also known as a classic migraine) and migraine without aura (or common migraine). Other types include: Menstrual migraine.
What are the four stages of a migraine?
Migraines, which often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. Not everyone who has migraines goes through all stages.
How do people act when they have a migraine?
Migraine Warning Signs
They may become more excitable or irritable or depressed. Others may detect a sensation, such as a funny smell or taste. They may feel more fatigued, yawn frequently, or experience muscle tension.
What defines a migraine as different from a headache?
Headaches cause pain in the head, face, or upper neck, and can vary in frequency and intensity. A migraine is an extremely painful primary headache disorder. Migraines usually produce symptoms that are more intense and debilitating than headaches. Some types of migraines do not cause head pain, however.
How long will a migraine last?
An entire migraine attack—including prodrome, aura, headache and postdrome—may last anywhere from a bit more than one day to slightly more than a week at its very longest, though this is not typical. Most typically, a migraine attack will last for one to two days.
What happens in brain during a migraine?
One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells. These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells.
What triggers migraine pain?
These things are migraine triggers for some people: Foods that have tyramine in them, such as aged cheeses (like blue cheese or Parmesan), soy, smoked fish, and Chianti wine. Alcohol, especially red wine. Caffeine, which is in coffee, chocolate, tea, colas, and other sodas.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a migraine?
Try these tips and get to feeling better fast.
- Try a Cold Pack. If you have a migraine, place a cold pack on your forehead. …
- Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress. …
- Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head. …
- Dim the Lights. …
- Try Not to Chew. …
- Hydrate. …
- Get Some Caffeine.
When should I be worried about a migraine?
Headaches that get steadily worse. Changes in personality or mental function. Headaches that are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.
What is a Stage 3 migraine?
Stage 3: Headache. The classic throbbing pain of a migraine headache is the headache stage. This can last hours to days. The average length is about 4 hours.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a migraine?
Try these tips and get to feeling better fast.
- Try a Cold Pack. If you have a migraine, place a cold pack on your forehead. …
- Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress. …
- Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head. …
- Dim the Lights. …
- Try Not to Chew. …
- Hydrate. …
- Get Some Caffeine.
When should you go to the hospital for a migraine?
Go to the ER if you are experiencing severe migraine symptoms, or symptoms such as confusion, fever and vision changes, neck stiffness, trouble speaking or numbness or weakness, even if other symptoms of migraine are present (e.g. light sensitivity, nausea).
When should I be worried about a migraine?
Headaches that get steadily worse. Changes in personality or mental function. Headaches that are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.
What triggers migraine pain?
Stress at work or home can cause migraines. Sensory stimuli. Bright or flashing lights can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells — such as perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and others — trigger migraines in some people.