A migraine headache can cause intense throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area of the head and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
• Moderate to severe pain, usually confined to one side of the head during an attack, but can occur on either side of the head
• The pain is usually a severe, throbbing, pulsing pain
• Increasing pain during physical activity
• Inability to perform regular activities due to pain
• Feeling sick and physically being sick
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound, relieved by lying quietly in a darkened room
Some people experience other symptoms such as sweating, temperature changes, tummy ache and diarrhea.
Migraine can be difficult to diagnose, and there are no specific tests to confirm the diagnosis.
The International Headache Society recommends the "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 criteria" to diagnose migraines without aura.
This stands for:
5 or more attacks
4 hours to 3 days in duration
At least 2 of unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe pain, aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity
At least 1 additional symptom such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound.
• Blood tests. Your doctor may order blood tests to test for blood vessel problems, infections in your spinal cord or brain, and toxins in your system.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans: A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of your brain. This helps doctors diagnose tumors, infections, brain damage, bleeding in your brain and other possible medical problems that may be causing your headaches.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your brain and blood vessels.
MRI scans help doctors diagnose tumors, strokes, bleeding in your brain, infections, and other brain and nervous system (neurological) conditions.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): If your doctor suspects an underlying condition, such as infections or bleeding in your brain, he or she may recommend a spinal tap (lumbar puncture).
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:
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.
Preventive medications. These types of drugs are taken regularly, often on a daily basis, to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines.
Consult General Physician and Neurosurgeon at Aadil Hospital for medical treatment.
