headache migraine symptoms

Read and learn more about headache migraine symptoms. For more, visit the Migraine Headache website MyBrainPain.com

Q: What are the most common Migraine Headache Symptoms?
I think I’ve been experiencing migraine headaches and I needed to know what are the more common migraine headache symptoms?

A: A majority of the migraine attacks are accompanied by headache, which is an intense, throbbing or pounding pain involving one temple. At times, the pain may be located in the forehead or around the eye or the back of the head. Usually, migraine attack reoccurs and is a chronic disability. The headache is generally on one side of the head, though it may rarely happen on both the sides. The unilateral headache changes sides alternatively, from one attack to another, which is, in fact, characteristic of migraine (otherwise it may be a more serious problem).

Daily routines like walking upstairs can aggravate a migraine headache. The most common and obvious symptoms of migraine are nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Some people experience warning symptoms called aura before the actual beginning of a headache. An aura is a group of symptoms, mainly a vision disturbance which foretells that a headache is coming. But, most of the people do not have such warning signs. In fact, migraine headaches are classified based on their symptoms such as migraine without aura, migraine with aura and mixed tension migraine.

Migraine without aura: The most common symptoms can be a throbbing pulsating headache, which is usually worse on the sides of the forehead, generally only on one side, that can be either severe or dull, lasting for six to forty eight hours. The other symptoms are dizziness, vertigo (a feeling that the room is moving), loss of appetite, fatigue and nausea. There may be symptoms after a migraine attack too. It can be dullness, neck pain and a need for more sleep. Such symptoms may be accompanied apart from headache.

Migraine with aura: Before the headache, the warning symptoms may occur anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours and the aura or vision changes happen in one or both the eyes. The symptoms may be one or more of the following; seeing zigzag lines, seeing flashing lights, temporary blind spots, sensitivity to bright light, visual hallucinations, blurred vision and eye pain. Accompanying the headache, there are other symptoms like loss of appetite, chills, increased urination, increased sweating, irritability and fatigue. The “pounding” headache starts on one side and spreads to the other side that typically starts as a dull ache and progressively worsens over several minutes to hours. So, the patients wish to rest in a quiet, dark room.

Mixed tension migraine: This migraine is a headache with features of both tension and migraine headache. The symptoms include headache on one or both sides and the person may feel dull, tight and the pain, which varies from mild to severe, may get worse with activity, lasting from 4 to 72 hours. Sensitivity to light or sound, depression, tingling, sluggishness, numbness, and weakness are other symptoms.

Unfortunately, migraine headache is a recurring chronic ailment, which may recur after 24 hours for some people. For more info visit http://migraine-headache-symptoms.blogspot.com

Q: How long was your longest migraine headache? What other symptoms did you have during it?
I am on Day 5 of a migraine? I did not know they could last this long? I even went to the hospital, they did a ct scan and said it was a migraine. Just worried?

A: We have treated 15 & 20 yrs Migrains.
There is no medicine for H/A OR MIGRAINE. Not only these but for almost all painful diseases. Hence they become chronic.
Acidity, excessive wind, cold , heat, sour food and sinusitis, constipation, intestinal inflammation;
Blockage in the flow of Vital Energy are their causes. None of them can be treated with medicine. Our 100% success in treating migraine &H/A confirms it.
Acupuncture is the best treatment. I can treat it with naturopathy and YOG, but how can you manage pl see.
Avoid late sleeping if possible;spicy, sour, stale bakery foods and alcohole.
Sweet foods, sweet fruits, milk with sugar at bed time preferably or meals, rice and good sleep will help you.
But you try one herbal remedy- two drops of drumstick leaves’ juice in opposite nostril if one side pains and both nostrils if full H/A will give you rescue. Betel leaf helps but it isvery strong.

Source(s):
SHREE SWASTHYAYOG TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
R.H. – 19, Jhulelal Society, Sector – 2/E, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, INDIA

Q: Migraine Headache symptoms?
i have migraines, but last night i had symptoms i don’t usually have. can anyone tell me if this is normal? after first becoming nauseated i got a dull headache on the right side of my head, then part of my face on the right went tingly/numb for a couple of minutes and throuhgout the night i felt really cold on the right side of my body. i still have a dull headache and chills on my right side.

A: I’ve had the same tingling happen, but never numbness. Migraines will change/alter in symptoms over time, but if you have numbness and chills it can be a sign for quite a few more dangerous illness’s. Please go see a doctor!

Q: headache and migraine symptoms help?
I had a huge headache/migraine(dunno which) and I felt very nauseated towards the end of the day. After waking up I don’t have a headache, but I still kinda feel a little nauseated(not as much). Is this normal?

A: I suffer from frequent migraines, which usually include a sensitivity to light and sound as well as nausea and/or vomiting.

I am unable to take the usual medications, so here’s what works for me (please, check with your own physician prior to taking any medications).

I take two extra-strength Tylenol and 600mg of ibuprofen with a large glass of water and then lay down with an ice pack in a dark, quiet room. For nausea, your doctor can prescribe an anti-emetic or you can simply try something like dramamine – which is an over the counter anti-emetic.

If these suggestions help your headache, great. But, if you continue to have them or they worsen, please see your physician.

Q: What are the symptoms of migraine/ serious headache?
Sometimes I feel my head is in deep pain. loss of balance.Can it also be a tumour? any suggestion to keep it in control.Is painkiller helps?

please give me simple info.Thank you

A: * Migraine headaches usually are described as an intense, throbbing or pounding pain that involves one temple. (Sometimes the pain is located in the forehead, around the eye, or at the back of the head).

* Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, facial pallor, cold hands, cold feet, and sensitivity to light and sound commonly accompany migraine headaches. As a result of this sensitivity to light and sound, migraine sufferers usually prefer to lie in a quiet, dark room during an attack. A typical attack lasts between 4 and 72 hours.

An estimated 40%-60% of migraine attacks are preceded by premonitory (warning) symptoms lasting hours to days. The symptoms may include:

* sleepiness,

* irritability,

* fatigue,

* depression or euphoria,

* yawning, and

* cravings for sweet or salty foods.

Q: Besides medications, what else can i do to help alleviate the symptoms of a Migraine / Tension Headache?
I have migraines and also tension headaches at times. I was wondering if there is anything I can do in addition taking medications to help with the pain and symptoms.

A: For general headaches, if you can hold down water without vomiting you should drink water to help with any dehydration, lay in a dark cool but not cold room and rest.

You can put either a cold or warm cloth on your eyes and face — some people are helped by cold and some by heat so you have to try to see which works for you.

For migraines there are quite a few foods that can be triggers, such as chocolate, red wine, aged cheeses, MSG, and many more that you should avoid. There are many lists on the web of such foods and you can pay attention to see which foods set you off. When you feel the beginning of one coming on you can drink some coffee or coca-cola. Migraine headaches are caused by the sudden widening of blood vessels, so drinking something caffeinated helps to constrict the vessels a bit, thereby lessening the pain. However, drinking too much caffeine can also trigger a migraine.

In the case of migraines, you should also lay in a dark, cool room [but not cold] and rest.

Q: what is the difference between a headache and a migraine (not the difference between symptoms)?
What causes a headache vs what causes a migraine? I heard it’s something to do with capillaries or something but I can’t find a good explanation anywhere?

A: The difference between a migraine headache and a tension headache is that while a tension headache involves the muscles and fascia of the scalp and neck tightening and causing pain, a migraine involves a large chemical change that affects the entire body. Blood vessels in the brain become wider, serotonin is lowered, and nerves misfire – causing severe pain – along with a host of other symptoms.

However this is not clear at this point that migraine is caused by serotonin deficiency.

The most frequent tension headache causes are stress, hunger, alcohol and sinus issues such as infection and allergies. Migraine headaches are much more severe than tension headaches. They also affect women more than men, and can sometimes accompany the menstrual cycle. Migraine headaches sometimes elicit other symptoms than just a throbbing head; such as sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines can last from hours to days, and can affect the sufferer’s ability to focus, concentrate, work and interact with family. They often cause nausea and force the person to lie down in a dark room, to try to sleep it off.

Q: What are the symptoms that usually distinguish a headache from a migraine?

A: Bonsoir ma belle ,

The difference between headaches and migraines,,,,,is the level of pain and…..the cause.

The following link will lead you to a page that lists possible Holistic cures for migraines.

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/headache.html

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most amazing cures for headaches and migraines. The trick is to take it at the onset of symptoms. Dosage: 2 TBLS of Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 oz of water, 2x day.

This simple and inexpensive thing can relieve the pain, sometimes within minutes. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. Make a “tent” with a bath towel over your head and breathe in the vapors, deeply and slowly. (If it makes you cough, cut back on the vinegar.) A few minutes of doing this will cure most headaches as well as pills or shots.”

The second link I have researched for you explains how to watch for “triggers” in an attempt to subdue migraines before they peak…

http://www.new-health.biz/articles/article25.htm

I sincerely hope they hold information that you can relate to… and maybe the other folk maybe inclined to take a look too… nothing to lose eh? It is a known fact though, that the brightness of a computer monitor will cause headaches…VDU operators are encouraged to take frequent breaks away from their work station and sit at an angle to the screen…. (its not just the brightness, its something else that is emitted from the monitor… cant recall the name, but…if you suffer from (eye) headaches, then this could be the reason…EYE STRAIN. Take things easy. The stiff neck that accompanies a migraine can also stem from bad use of ergonomics….eg: being sat motionless staring fixedly into your lappy…..

Having said all this, headaches can stem from changes in hormones, can also be a side effect of another medicine….so before you reach for another pill to combat your headache, check any other medication for side effects first. There maybe an alternative.!! God Bless. xx

Q: Are my symptoms a migraine or sinus headache?
My symptoms are left and right side headaches, but mostly on my left side, with pain and pressure with swelling in my frontal and cheek area. I would always go to a urgent care clinic and they would take x-ray and say I had sinus infection and gave me antibitoic and sometimes IV. I went to my medical doctor and she thought it was a sinus infection and gave me amoxicillin which helped and made the swelling go down, but comes right back after I stop taking the antibitoic. She also had me get a cat scan and to see a ENT doctor. My cat scan came back normal, but I don’t know if that’s because I was on the antibitoic and it cleared it up and I went ENT and he said I didn’t have sinus, because the cat scan was normal. I went back to my medical doctor and she said I must have migraine then and gave me ibuprofen. So I don’t know if it is just a migraine or sinus headaches or both.

A: I suffer with both sinus problems and migraines so I know the difference. What you are describing sounds like sinusitis. It’s different things that can inflame your sinuses. For me, it is smoke, stiff air, certain scents or too much cold. It recently got horrible where it felt like it was a combo of both sinus and migraine pain. I had started a new job in a night club and it was the fact that it was hot in there, extra smokey without ventilation and me stepping out into the night’s cool air with short dresses and open toe shoes that aggravated my sinuses. I haven’t been back in over a month and still I’ve been having problems but they’re slowly going away and getting better. The only things that help me are taking a hot shower where the whole bathroom is steamy which provides the moisture and warmth your sinuses need and medicine that has a combo of pseudoephedrine hci(can only get this over the counter now) and ibprophen. The pseudoephedrine is the only thing that really helps the sinus pain. Anything else is not worth getting. I almost forgot, Mucinex DM or the one that says it helps with the nasal congestion(I think it’s Extra Strength) really helps too. If it’s as bad as I think it is for you, take a Mucinex in the morning with a full glass of water and a dose of the medicine with the pseudo&ibprophen and then take another Mucinex 8-12 hours later. It works best when you take two daily. If by chance you are plus size like I am, don’t be afraid to take an extra pill of the sinus medicine. If you’re average size then don’t. I hope that helps and I hope you feel better! I know you’re pain but this really helps me…P.S-It may be something in your enviroment that has aggravated this problem if it just started not too long ago. Just think what have you done differently lately. It could be a scent, detergent, new area, anything. You never know what can affect you. Just think about it.

Q: How many have additional symptoms of migraine as you age?
I recently had a migraine headache and my temp dropped to 95.0 degrees. Has anyone else had a drop in temp from migraine or was it something else?

A: I’ve had migranes for 13 years now. My temperature has never dropped *that* much. I’m thinking that it had to have been from something else. My migranes still cause me to throw-up. The only change I have experienced with them is the main point of pain. That’s about it. Hope I helped!

Q: How do you know if your headache is a migraine?
I have been having bad headaches that I could attribute to the stress of grad school but I think they might be migraines because tylenol doesn’t always help. I just want to know from people who experience these headaches what symptoms to look for and which over the counter medicines work best for you?

A: where are the headaches…generally ones in the front of your head are tension headaches…migraines are usually characterized with severe pain, usually only on one side of the head…left, right, back, and sometimes incur nausea, and blurry vision….if you are getting what seems to be migraines..for me only prescription meds helped…..i got them often when i was school age, and my doc prescribed some mild narcotic medication, since back then things like imitrex were not available…luckily i grew out of them for the most part….the best over the counter stuff i use is aleve, but if that is not working, see your doctor to help diagnose the root of these headaches, and he can prescribe something that will help….if they are tension headaches, you can try to do some relaxation techniques that will help…sometimes for me, i can take an aleve, then get in the shower for about 20 minutes and get a lot of relief…seeing that you are a grad student, you may just need to try and relax, i can somewhat relate, as i am a full time 3rd year undergrad, and i work full time as well….good luck

Q: Can running in cold weather trigger a migraine like headache?
I know this sounds really stupid but I went to the track tonight and walked/jogged a mile. It’s the first time I’ve done any type of running in I don’t remember how long. I was dressed warm because it was about 20-25 degrees outside. When I finished and got back into my car my chest and ears started burning and my glasses fogged up. A few minutes later my head started hurting. On the drive home I had a little trouble breathing and the headache started getting worse. When I got home I crawled into a hot bath which seemed to help a little. Afterwards I just layed on the couch and read for a couple hours. As I laid there my headache kept getting worse and the other symptoms of a migraine start popping up (sensitivity to light, nausea, severe pain) and my chest started feeling tight again. I just wanted to know if this is normal. It’s been awhile since I’ve pushed myself like I did tonight (especially in cold weather) and I’m just wondering how to make it go away.

A: sounds to me like it is more a sinus issue. You were breathing mostly through your nose I am assuming. The cold air basically froze the mucus in your sinus cavities. The reason it got better in the hot bath was the steam. Try a very warm compress on your upper face, covering your eyes(will help with the light sensitivity) and let it rest until it starts to cool. You may have also started a problem with your ears from the cold too. If you continue to feel dizziness accompanied with nausea, then get some ear candles and follow the directions for them.

Q: As a result of an asthma attack, can you get a migraine headache?
I have asthma and get migraine headaches. I’ve realized that when I get a sudden asthma attack from running up the stairs or walking far without breathing deeply, I get a throbbing and pulsating migraine. Are these connected? Because I can’t take in enough air during an attack, are migraines a possible symptom because I can’t get enough air to my head? I may sound strange or unintelligent, but I was just wondering… Thanks!

A: Asthma and migraine are not related as such. But the triggering factors for migraine like stress could precipitate an attack of migraine. jus keep your asthma under control that should do it. and if you get migraine attack more than 4 times a year then it need medication.

Q: I’m in the Navy and I’ve had a headache for the past 2 days. It fits migraine symptoms.Should I go to medical?
It started yesterday morning and its been a constant throbbing and hasn’t ceased at all. I’m about to finish Apprentice Technical Training on friday assuming everything stays on schedule. I have heard that if I even go into medical saying I’ve had this headache they will diagnose me for migraines and medically separate me. But I have also heard that if I go they will do nothing but give me some drugs. Both of which aren’t to great in my opinion. Problem lies in the fact that I have a terrible time focusing since it started.
Do I go to medical and risk getting separated or just grit my teeth and keep going and hope it gets better rather than worse?

A: You need to go to medical. If it is a very serious medical condition, they will find and treat it. If it is no big deal, they will give you some Motrin. Either way, it is in your best interest. If it does turn out to be something serious, it will be best to catch it early. If your car was acting really funny, wouldn’t you take it to a mechanic?

Q: I was told that my TIA symptoms may be just a migraine headache, Is that Common ?
Symptoms- one day I went to my room and on the way I started falling to the left like iI was being pulled and was having trouble talking for about 3 minutes.

The next day i was sitting in a truck at work and I got a bad headache and the left side of my face and neck got numb and then my arm did to and it started to feel heavy,This lasted about an hour.
age 41 and on blood thinner and have had bypass surgery and three cardioversions for afib.

A: I would hope that your problems are caused by a migraine and not a TIA since these attacks are often a precursor to a full blown stroke or heart attack. Have you spoken with your cardiologist about this and what does he say? What testing has he suggested? Have you asked whether an MRI of your head might be helpful or not? I do not think anyone on YAs can give you a truly accurate answer but here are some web pages that might be helpful. good luck

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic604.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic230.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic219.htm