Migraine Detection – What to Look For

Headaches are a part of life, especially in times of physically stressful events or emotional upheavals. There are many types of headaches, too. There is the tension headache which can be annoying, a headache caused by eye strain, and headaches caused by various environmental situations. And then, there is the migraine headache. Close to 30 million people experience this headache with women being three times as likely to get them as men. How can you tell if you are having a migraine headache? Here are some ways that can help you identify this headache from all the rest.

Aura

Aura is usually visual (although sensory auras can occur) and is a sign of migraine headache. It can be flickering lights, spots, or lines with cross hatches that move in a curving manner. Auras can last from five minutes to one hour. They normally precede the migraine pain but some migraine patients report no pain from their migraine. This type of migraine is called a silent migraine.

Depression, Excitement, or Irritability

Mood changes can be other symptoms of migraine headache. Some patients can feel down or depressed for no reason. Others report feeling very high. Dutch researchers have stated that there may be a possible genetic link between depression and migraine, especially those with aura. Also, having moderate or severe depression may increase the change from episodic migraines to chronic migraines.

Lack of Restful Sleep

Restful sleep is important for a healthy body. Research has linked the lack of restorative sleep with the frequency and intensity of migraine headache. Of course, when migraines hit, it is difficult to get a good night’s sleep. This can start a vicious cycle, however, since research has shown that lack of sleep can also trigger migraines.

Stuffy Nose or Watery Eyes

Some people with migraines complain of stuffy noses, clear sinus drainage, and tearing eyes. Of one large study, 90 percent of patients who complained of sinus headaches were actually having migraines.

Cravings

Before a migraine attack, some people experience cravings. The most common craving is for chocolate.

Throbbing Pain

Pulsating pain is a classic sign of migraine. Often, it is on one side of the head. In one survey, 50% of the people surveyed said that they always have this symptom. Thirty-five percent said they frequently have the symptom.

Eye Pain

Migraine headaches often burrow behind the eyes. Patients will blame the headache on eye strain and will even get their eyes examined, but that does not deter the headaches.

Neck Pain

Many people report that they get a stiff neck and then they have the migraine. Neck pain can precede a migraine, come after a migraine is over, or be a throbbing pain at the bottom of the neck as part of the migraine. According to a survey, 38% of those surveyed say that they always have neck pain during a migraine and 31% say they frequently have neck pain during migraines.

Frequent Urination

If you have to urinate a lot, a migraine may be on its way. This is one of the many prodrome or warning symptoms that people experience before the actual migraine occurs. These symptoms may come one hour or up to two days before the migraine hits.

Yawning

Yawning is another warning that a migraine may happen. Unlike the “I’m tired” type of yawn, this yawning is excessive and occurs every few minutes. In the survey, 36% of migraine sufferers reported that yawning was a symptom that preceded a migraine headache.

Numbness and Tingling

Some people with migraine headaches have what is called sensory aura. This can be a pins-and-needles feeling that is predominantly on one side of the body, moving from the fingertips, through the arm, and across the face.

Nausea and Vomiting

In a study of more than 3,700 people who suffer from migraines, 73% experience nausea, and 29% have vomiting. Those who experience these symptoms have a harder time finding relief from migraine than those who do not have these symptoms.

Lights, Noises, or Smells

During a migraine, most individuals seek out a dark, quiet place to recover. Bright lights and noises can make a migraine worse. Smells can also worsen or even trigger a migraine.

Trouble Speaking

Speech difficulties can be another symptom that a migraine is on its way. Those with this symptom should be checked out, however, to make sure that this is not a symptom of another more serious condition such as a stroke.

Vertigo or Double Vision

There is one type of migraine that can cause dizziness, double vision, or loss of vision. It is a called a basilar-type migraine. Some people with migraines may also suffer a loss of balance. In a recent study, researchers discovered a link between dizziness or vertigo and intensity of migraine. The more intense the headache, the more likely this symptom is experienced.

There are many symptoms for migraine headaches. Not all people experience all the symptoms and many sufferers report that symptoms vary from migraine to migraine. But one thing is clear; migraine headaches are debilitating and can really affect someone’s lifestyle.

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