How to tell if it’s a migraine and how to treat it
Whether it’s a throbbing pain in your neck or a dull ache above your eyes, a headache can range from annoying to debilitating. When the pain gets extreme, how do you tell if the headache you have is normal or if it’s something more serious like a migraine?
Migraines are extremely painful head-aches thought to be caused by abnormalities in certain areas of the brain. More than 28 million Americans suer from migraines. Some have chronic migraines, which occur 15 or more days per month. Chronic head-aches (which also occur 15-plus days per month) are dierent from chronic migraines because they are caused by medication overuse or a secondary condition like head trauma or disease.
SYMPTOMS While they share many of the same symp-toms of headaches, there are some telltale signs that what you’re feeling is a migraine.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry or reduced eyesight
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain that is often confined to one side of the head and is concentrated around the eyes and temples
- A headache lasting from four hours to three days Four out of five suerers have a family history of migraines.
Women make up 70 percent of migraine suerers, and many report experiencing hormonal migraines, related to their menstrual cycle.
TREATMENT
Migraine treatment often includes making changes in your diet, exercise and sleep habits.
Other common treatments include:
- Prescription medication
- Relaxation exercises
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback, massage and herbal remedies
- Botox
If you think you may suffer from migraines, see your doctor for a diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.