CLASSIC MIGRAINE

A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.

Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, including vision disturbances that are a warning sign that a bad headache is coming.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

 A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which can be triggered by a number of factors. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear. Today, most medical experts believe the attack begins in the brain, and involves nerve pathways and chemicals. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues.

Alcohol, stress and anxiety, certain odors or perfumes, loud noises or bright lights, and smoking may trigger a migraine.

 Migraine attacks may also be triggered by:

·         Caffeine withdrawal

·         Changes in hormone levels during a woman's menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills

·         Changes in sleep patterns

·         Exercise or other physical stress

·         Missed meals

·         Smoking or exposure to smoke

Migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods. The most common are:

·         Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, as well as foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG)

·         Baked goods, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, and dairy products

·         Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans

·         Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)

·         Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)

·         Onions

This list may not include all triggers.

Symptoms

Vision disturbances, or aura, are considered a "warning sign" that a migraine is coming. The aura occurs in both eyes and may involve any or all of the following:

·         A temporary blind spot

·         Blurred vision

·         Eye pain

·         Seeing stars or zigzag lines

·         Tunnel vision

Other warning signs include yawning, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and trouble finding the right words.

Not every person with migraines has an aura. Those who do usually develop one about 10 - 15 minutes before the headache. However, an aura may occur just a few minutes to 24 hours beforehand. A headache may not always follow an aura.

Migraine headaches can be dull or severe. The pain may be felt behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. The headaches usually:

·         Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating

·         Are worse on one side of the head

·         Start as a dull ache and get worse within minutes to hours

·         Last 6 to 48 hours

Other symptoms that may occur with the headache include:

·         Chills

·         Increased urination

·         Fatigue

·         Loss of appetite

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Numbness, tingling, or weakness

·         Problems concentrating, trouble finding words

·         Sensitivity to light or sound

·         Sweating

Symptoms may linger even after the migraine has gone away. Patients with migraine sometimes call this a migraine "hangover." Symptoms can include:

·         Feeling mentally dull, like you’re thinking is not clear or sharp

·         Increased need for sleep

·         Neck pain

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You might wonder why I’m posting this article so here’s the story, (but Oh! I can’t even type write now- I’m experiencing “hangover” from previous attack) so this is quick. Though, I have visual impairment since grade school so I assumed that this throbbing, sometimes pulsating pain I’m experiencing for couple of years now is due to advance mild to severe vision loss. But the pain lasts only for 30 minutes for two to three times a week before then dwindles when I get enough sleep and new corrected lenses. But this year it caught my attention because the attacks were progressing, start as a typical dull headache and get worse within minutes to hours (6 hours), the pain is excruciating and piercing down to my ears and jaws “imagine that” and all the signs and symptoms mentioned above especially this “temporary blind spot” that last for about half an hour, a strange sensation and is pretty intense after extreme work out or simply climbing stairs.

Last Monday due to horrible pain they rush me to Emergency room and injected Diclofenac Sodium. The GP’s principal diagnosis is CLASSIC MIGRAINE.

Read this: People with classic migraines experience an aura before their headaches. Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights or jagged light images). Classic migraines are usually much more severe than common migraines. 

 Have you had your eyes checked lately or do you get migraines? Has anything different been going on? Stress can also do funny things to you or I might say serious things to you. I hope this helped you try and figure out what’s going on. If it doesn't clear up I would definitely go and see a doctor.

Pray for smooth recovery. God Bless us all <3