A migraine headache is one of several forms of a vascular headache. Migraine headaches are caused by the enlargement of blood vessels, or vasodilation. The enlargement of these blood vessels causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of brain. When these blood vessels enlarge, they stretch the nerves that coil around them and cause the nerves to release chemicals. These chemicals that are released are what causes the inflammation, pain, and then further enlargement of the artery. When the arteries continue to enlarge, it makes the pain that is experienced by migraine headache sufferers much worse.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Migraine headaches can also activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain and the fight or flight response. When this is activated, it is thought to cause many of the symptoms that are associated with migraine headaches. Sympathetic activity can delay the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine, which means that oral medications are unable to be absorbed by the intestine. This is why migraine headache sufferers commonly find oral medications ineffective. It is also thought that sympathetic activity contributes to the sensitivity to light and sound and blurred vision.
Migraine headaches are thought to affect around 28 million Americans. Research also indicates that females more frequently suffer from migraine headache than males. Migraine headaches still remain largely under diagnosed and undertreated. Studies suggest that less than half of migraine headache sufferers are diagnosed and treated by their doctors.
Migraine headaches are diagnosed by their classic symptoms. These symptoms include throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head. They commonly also include nausea or vomiting. A classic symptom of migraine headaches is also sensory sensitivities. These sensitivities include sensitivity to light and sound.
Many times migraine headaches are treated with over-the-counter medications such as Excedrin Migraine. These medications are hybrid-type, where they include caffeine, Tylenol and sometimes aspirin. Some migraine headache sufferers need a stronger prescription medication that is taken at the onset of an attack. Other sufferers require a preventative medication that must be taken on a daily basis.
Tags: migraine headaches, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, migraine triggers, Migraines, natural treatment, symptoms of migraines
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