Migraine : What Is a Migraine Attack

Ray Lam

Unlike normal headaches that many of us suffer with, a migraine is often a hereditary complaint that starts when someone is still in childhood. Most suffers will go to bed as the headache (usually on one side) takes hold and which could last a matter of a few hours but if left without attention, could last for days. Almost all sufferers will complain of exhaustion and a feeling of weakness that takes some time to pass.

Some people are more fortunate than others and may only have a couple of attacks per year whilst others have one or more every month. Often other symptoms similar to those of flu may afflict the patient; for instance, light sensitivity and chills, along with a feeling of lightheadedness as well. Migraine attacks only seem to affect people within a certain age range, just before puberty and stop by the time the person has reached about 40; however, by the time someone reaches fifty, attacks almost never occur.

It is quite common for members of the same family group to suffer with migraine attacks; even though there may be a link, so far it has eluded medical science. There is a condition that causes an inflammation of blood vessels in the brain and it is possible that people who suffer have sensitivity in this area. Another area that still isn't fully understood is why these headaches are more prevalent in women with approximately three times as many women suffering than men; only one in twelve men will experience an attack in their lives.

Some sufferers have a strange feeling anything up to 30 minutes before an attack; called a migraine with aura and may say they feel they have an attack coming. The warning signs may include:

*Nausea is very common *Vision is affected *Strange sounds or smell *Lack of sensation in sufferers extremities

whilst there are many more symptoms, the list above contains those which are most prevalent. Some of these indications are symptoms felt by those who have the most common variant of the condition, migraines without aura; many early indications felt by those who have a warning are symptoms felt by those who have no warning but their condition can be made worse if they are in constant motion.

It is believed that conditions that cause the blood vessels in the brain to contract could be an explanation for migraine but this still hasn't been proved so the search for cause continues. It might be that it is the expansion of the blood vessels afterwards that causes the headache; most victims become unable to do anything for some time after the attack. There are many possible triggers for an attack some of which are shown below:

*Weather *Certain types of food *Being at great height *Drinks *Very bright internal lighting *Not enough food *Anxiety

It is therefore a good idea for the victim to see if there is a pattern to the attacks which could then make it easier to avoid them.

Migraine : What Is a Migraine Attack

Ray Lam

Unlike normal headaches that many of us suffer with, a migraine is often a hereditary complaint that starts when someone is still in childhood. Most suffers will go to bed as the headache (usually on one side) takes hold and which could last a matter of a few hours but if left without attention, could last for days. Almost all sufferers will complain of exhaustion and a feeling of weakness that takes some time to pass.

Some people are more fortunate than others and may only have a couple of attacks per year whilst others have one or more every month. Often other symptoms similar to those of flu may afflict the patient; for instance, light sensitivity and chills, along with a feeling of lightheadedness as well. Migraine attacks only seem to affect people within a certain age range, just before puberty and stop by the time the person has reached about 40; however, by the time someone reaches fifty, attacks almost never occur.

It is quite common for members of the same family group to suffer with migraine attacks; even though there may be a link, so far it has eluded medical science. There is a condition that causes an inflammation of blood vessels in the brain and it is possible that people who suffer have sensitivity in this area. Another area that still isn't fully understood is why these headaches are more prevalent in women with approximately three times as many women suffering than men; only one in twelve men will experience an attack in their lives.

Some sufferers have a strange feeling anything up to 30 minutes before an attack; called a migraine with aura and may say they feel they have an attack coming. The warning signs may include:

*Nausea is very common *Vision is affected *Strange sounds or smell *Lack of sensation in sufferers extremities

whilst there are many more symptoms, the list above contains those which are most prevalent. Some of these indications are symptoms felt by those who have the most common variant of the condition, migraines without aura; many early indications felt by those who have a warning are symptoms felt by those who have no warning but their condition can be made worse if they are in constant motion.

It is believed that conditions that cause the blood vessels in the brain to contract could be an explanation for migraine but this still hasn't been proved so the search for cause continues. It might be that it is the expansion of the blood vessels afterwards that causes the headache; most victims become unable to do anything for some time after the attack. There are many possible triggers for an attack some of which are shown below:

*Weather *Certain types of food *Being at great height *Drinks *Very bright internal lighting *Not enough food *Anxiety

It is therefore a good idea for the victim to see if there is a pattern to the attacks which could then make it easier to avoid them.

10 Tips to Prevent a Painful Headache

10 Tips to Prevent a Painful HeadacheSearch:

Home | Health | Headaches

10 Tips to Prevent a Painful HeadacheBy: Kim Archer

There's nothing like a throbbing headache to bring you down. Suffering with a headache can deplete your energy reserves, reduce your efficiency, and put a halt to everyday activities. Who needs the pain?

There are a number of types of headaches, such as tension, sinus and migraine. But as we learn more about this problem, it becomes evident that they are often avoidable.

As a substitute for the bottle of ibuprofen, consider using more preventative strategy to manage your pain. Here are 10 tips that are proven to help you head off your next headache.

1. If you're going to be outside in the sun, wear a hat. Too much sun (along with its accompanying heat) can cause vascular changes that can lead to a headache.

2. Avoid exhaust fumes. The toxic mixture of chemicals emitted by heavy machinery or a car's exhaust pipe can quickly trigger a headache.

3. Loosen up -- your hair, that is. If you bind your hair too tightly so that it causes tension on your scalp, you could help cause a headache. The same holds true if you wear heavy earrings or tight headbands, for example. Lighten up and loosen up for headache relief.

4. Take it easy. Stress is a known cause of tension headaches. If you're feeling stressed, take a break, take a walk, listen to music, or soak in a hot tub. Even a short nap can help forestall a headache if you feel one coming on.

5. Shut out the noise. A constant high level of noise is often at the root of a headache. And it's not just construction, sirens and honking horns that are to blame. Turn off the TV when you're not watching it. Lower the volume on your CD player. Get the kids out of the house into the backyard to play. If you can't escape the noise, get yourself some ear plugs.

6. Visit your dentist. The pain of a toothache can sometimes feel just like a headache, or it might set one in motion. If your troublesome tooth is in your upper jaw, there's an even greater risk of headache.

7. Sit up straight. Bad posture leads to headaches by cramping your neck and shoulder muscles. If you sit for most of your workday, make sure your chair and computer are positioned properly so you don't slouch. Consider purchasing a back support cushion.

8. Eat regular meals. If you skip meals, this means that your blood sugar is going to plummet, as will your energy level. This can trigger a headache and even a migraine, if you're prone to them.

9. Stay away from caffeine and monosodium glutamate, both of which can cause headaches.

10. Start a headache diary. Whenever you experience a headache, make note of the conditions. Did you eat something strange? What was the weather like? Were you unusually stressed, or maybe in PMS? After a while, your headache journal can help you identify a pattern to the cause of your headaches.

The above are just some ways you can pinpoint and eliminate, or at least reduce, headaches. If they continue, make sure you get your doctor's advice. It is often possible, though, to take care of headaches, as long as you know what you're doing, without having to resort to medications.

So put your new-found knowledge to use and starting heading off those headaches.

Article Source: http://www.onestoparticles.com

Kim Archer writes about women's wellness. She is publisher of The Internet Spa, where you'll find up-to-date information to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

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function producexml(id){ var a= document.article.baseurl.value; prompt ('Copy the RSS Feeder Link',a);}Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Headaches Articles Via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home | Health | Headaches To Get A Headache In A Million Ways - And Ways to Heal Them All - By : Christian Goodman
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To Get A Headache In A Million Ways - And Ways to Heal Them All

Christian Goodman

There are a million ways to get a headache these days. You could get one when you hit your head on something, or when you miss your caffeine fix, or when you eat ice cream too fast. You could also get a headache when you're overly stressed, when you're fatigued, or when you're sick - the list goes on and on.

In the United States alone, about one in every six people suffer from Chronic headaches and migraines. They suffer infrequently, but regularly. When this happens, it's hard for the rest of the body to do any kind of work when the head is suffering from great pain. Studies have shown that about $50 Billion is lost every year due to workers not being able to work because of chronic headaches.

Where does all that money go? Into the medical industry, I imagine.

Headache and migraine medicines, treatments, and therapies are making doctors and pharmaceutical companies rich these days. The problem is although these treatments and medicines are effective, they are only effective temporarily. You will experience the headaches and migraines again because the underlying cause is not being addressed.

And the real cause is oxygen deprivation. The doctors will not tell you that though.

Our body is composed of cells, and every single cell needs oxygen to function properly. Lack of oxygen in the cells in the head will make the veins inflamed and brush against the nerves of the brain, and this is what causes chronic headaches and migraines.

It doesn't help things that so many of us breathe too shallowly and practice bad body postures day after day. All these little things contribute to the lack of oxygen that causes chronic headaches and migraines.

If only the medical industry admitted and addressed this underlying cause, the American Economy will not be losing so much money and manpower.

And as usual, it's Christian Goodman to the rescue

My Migraine and Headache Relief Program directly addresses the real cause of the problem. The simple exercises and practices in my program will show you how to increase the amount of oxygen in your body and restore the body's natural balance.

Not only would you enjoy lasting freedom from your headaches and migraines, but you'll find yourself in much better shape than ever before. You'll be surprised at how much you were missing out of life.

Wouldn't you like to see just how much?

Warm Regards,

Christian Goodman

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