Are You Sure?

Sometimes you might feel as though you are 100% right about something just to discover in the end that you were dead wrong. Being wrong can be very difficult for some people in fact being wrong can have a weighty effect on some individuals. Being wrong about a problem such as chronic migraines can have an awkward effect on some individuals. Migraines are often mistaken for a sinus infection or even a tension headache, a misdiagnosis such as this can cause a migraine patient to suffer more then him or she should have to.

A migraine especially if felt on a reoccurring basis can be difficult to manage thus setting an individual back when it comes to work as well as their personal life. Knowing the difference between a migraine and a headache can help not only soothe the aching body but also help with appropriate treatment options as well as finding relief. Hopefully by the end of this article migraine prone individuals will have a better understanding of what a migraine looks like and he or she will know for certain if the pain being felt is indeed the result of a migraine attack or if the pain is due to something much more complex.

Know The Difference

Though both a headache and a migraine have some similarities, there are a few distinct characteristics of a headache that sets it apart from a migraine.  Pay close attention to the next few bullet points they should explain in more detail what a headache vs. a migraine looks like.

• A   headache attacks quickly and with no warning where as a migraine we  learned has preemptive warning signs.
• Migraines  can last up to three days headaches a few hours.
• A   headache though bothersome does not typically result in a loss of  productivity and the inability to function.
• Headaches  feel more like a pulsing feeling inside your head; migraines on the other  hand tend to be felt only on one side of the head.
• A  bout of irritability might occur with a headache but typically resides after some over the counter medicine has been taken, sadly those suffering with a migraine do not bounce back as quickly.
• Feelings  of nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound are all characters of  a migraine and will not be present with a headache.

Most headaches are often short lived with no cause for concern there are times when a headache causes severe tension in the facial muscles putting a strain on the neck, shoulders eyes these headaches are called tension headaches and can be treated with over the counter medication. Some forty million people suffer with headaches throughout a given year making headaches a very common complaint, the concern is not that a headache has occurred but the frequency of the headache as well as the length in which the headache last.

Treat From Home

Some have a misconception that treating a migraine must be complicated when in fact that are several treatments or steps an individual can do from home to help soothe or lessen migraine attacks.

• A set scheduled time for going to bed and waking each morning.
• Having a daily exercise regime – exercise has proven to help improve quality of life for individuals suffering from various conditions from diabetes to migraine headaches. Individuals who are not physically fit are more prone to migraine attacks.
• Avoid skipping meals and long bouts of fasting.
• Avoid stress (if possible) – exercise can help release negative endorphins and research has proven that daily exercise can help improve mood and improve clarity of thought.
• Refrain from overuse of caffeine do not consume more than two caffeinated beverages in a given day.
• Bright and flashing lights are often associated with migraines therefore keep protective eyewear on hand and avoid places with flashing lights.

Though there is no guarantee that the changes mentioned above if made would reduce or eliminate all migraine occurrences but studies have shown a significant improvement as a result of making these changes. Implementing an herbal supplement into one’s diet is another approach some can take with their migraine treatment. Finding a treatment that is both effective and safe might take some doing. Don’t get discouraged and throw in the towel keep searching for answers – and relief.

Tags: blurred vision, constipation, migraine attack, migraine headahces, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, nausea, vomiting