Migraine

                        A migraine is a severe, painful headache that is often preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days.
Migraine headache result from a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels.

Causes
Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify triggers or factors that cause the headaches, but many cannot. Potential migraine triggers include :
● Anxiety
● Changes in wake-sleep pattern
● Bright lights, loud noises and certain odors or perfume
● Physical or emotional stress
● Hormonal changes in women
● Sensory stimuli
● Smoking or exposure to smoke

Sign & Symptoms 
Symptoms of migraine can occur a while before the headache, immediately before the headache, during the headache and after the headache. Although not all migraines are the same, typical symptoms include :
◙ Moderate to severe pain, usually confined to one side of the head, but switching in successive migraines
◙ Pulsing and throbbing head pain
◙ Increasing pain during physical activity
◙ Inability to perform regular activities due to pain
◙ Nausea
◙ Vomiting
◙ Increased sensitivity to light and sound.
◙ Lethargy (lack of energy)

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Diagnosis 
◙ History of the patient
◙ Electroencephalography (EEG)
◙ Computed tomography (CT)
◙ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
◙ Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture)
◙ Blood tests

Treatment 
Migraines can't be cured, but doctors will work with you to help you manage your condition.
A variety of medications have been specifically designed to treat migraines. In addition, some drugs commonly used to treat other conditions also may help relieve or prevent migraines. Medications used to combat migraines fall into two broad categories :

1. Pain-relieving medications : 
Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms that have already begun.
◉ Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen
◉ Triptans e.g. Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Almotriptan, Naratriptan, Zolmitriptan, Frovatriptan, Eletriptan
◉ Ergots e.g. Dihydroergotamine
◉ Anti-nausea medications e.g. Chlorpromazine, Metoclopramide
◉ Opioid medications e.g. Codeine
◉ Glucocorticoids e.g. Prednisone, Dexamethasone

2. Preventive medications :
These types of drugs are taken regularly, often on a daily basis, to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines.
◉ Cardiovascular drugs e.g. Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers
◉ Antidepressants e.g. Tricyclic antidepressants
◉ Anti-seizure drugs e.g. Valproate sodium, Topiramate
◉ OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
◉ Pain relievers e.g. Naproxen

Prevention 
➊ Avoid triggers
➋ Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent migraines.
➌ Reduce the effects of estrogen.

References 
1. http://www.migrainetrust.org/
2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache

Related Article :
-  Natural Therapy For Headaches
-  Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
-  Top 8 Most Painful Diseases