Thirty million people are affected with migraines in the United States alone. Three times as many women as men get them. Migraines are pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head. Physical activity may intensify the pain, but symptoms can vary from person to person and from one attack to the next. If you get headaches but are not sure whether they are migraine or not, here are some ways to tell.
Aura
Sometimes, people with migraine experience flickering lights, spots, or lines called aura. Not everyone has them and auras typically last between five minutes and an hour, with a 60-minute “skip phase” before the headache pain sets in. Sometimes, patients who experience aura will have no headache pain at all. These are called silent migraines.
Depression, Irritability, or Excitement
Mood changes can be a sign of migraine. Some people report feeling down suddenly. Others report feeling excited. There may be a possible genetic link between depression and migraines, especially migraines with aura.
Lack of Sleep
Studies have shown an association between lack of restorative sleep and the frequency and intensity of migraines. However, when a person is going through a migraine experience, it may be difficult to get restorative sleep. Insomnia is reported by patients with migraine headache. This inability to sleep can be the start of a vicious cycle, as research suggests that lack of sleep can also trigger migraines.
Stuffy Nose or Watery Eyes
Did you know that some people with migraines have sinus symptoms? They can report such symptoms as stuffy nose, clear nasal drainage, droopy eyelids, or tearing. One large study found that, among people who complained of sinus headaches, nearly 90% were having migraines.
Cravings
A craving is a common sign of migraine. One of the most common cravings is chocolate.
Throbbing Pain on One or Both Sides of the Head
Pulsating pain is a classic sign of migraines and is often felt on one side of the head. One survey found that 50% “always” have throbbing on one side, while 34% say they “frequently” have this symptom.
Eye Pain
Migraines can give eye pain. Many people blame it on eye strain but having their eyes examined does not affect the eye pain.
Neck Pain
Some people report neck pain before a headache. This is most likely a sign of an up-coming migraine. A survey found 38% of migraine patients “always” have neck pain and 31% “frequently” have neck pain during migraine headaches.
There are other signs that may be signals for a migraine but these seem to be some of the most common. If you experience any of these before a headache, be aware that you may be having a migraine and not “just a headache.”
Tags: aura, headache, migraine stages, migraine treatment, Migraines, postdrome, prodrome, stages of migraines
Leave A Reply (No comments so far)
You must be logged in to post a comment.
No comments yet