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Migraine Headache: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a migraine headache?

migraine headache is a severe pain felt on one, and sometimes, both sides of the head. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or behind one eye or ear. Besides pain, you may have nausea and vomiting, and be very sensitive to light and sound. Migraine can occur any time of the day, though it often starts in the morning. The pain can last a few hours or up to one or two days. We don’t know what causes migraine headaches, but some things are more common in people who have them. ...
A migraine headache is a recurring, throbbing pain that usually affects one side of the head, but may affect both sides. Migraine sufferers describe the pain ranging from mild to searing, excruciating, stabbing and even debilitating. Typically, the pain begins in and around the eye or temple. A migraine attack is usually accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia), and sometimes vomiting. ...
Migraine headache is a type of headache that occurs 1 to 4 times per month in "episodes," and affects more women than men. The tendency toward migraine headache is inherited, and migraine seems to "run in families". Migraine headache is often one sided but can be experienced on both sides of the head. It is often described as throbbing in character, but it can also be steady and nonthrobbing. The table below shows its distinguishing characteristics. ...
A migraine headache is a severe pain felt on one, and sometimes, both sides of the head. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or behind one eye or ear. Besides pain, you may have nausea and vomiting, and be very sensitive to light and sound. Migraine can occur any time of the day, though it often starts in the morning. The pain can last a few hours or up to one or two days.
Migraine often begins with misalignment either restricting blood flow into your head or irritation of a spinal nerve. This nerve irritation upsets your autonomic nervous system, which controls unconscious functions like the narrowing and expansion of your blood vessels.

Is a migraine headache simply a severe headache?

There are other forms of headaches such as tension headaches, which may actually be as severe as some migraines. The following symptoms may accompany migraine headache: 1. Intense pain, frequently throbbing, and/or localized on one side of the head 2. Sensitivity to light (photophobia) 3. Sensitivity to noise 4. Nausea 5. Vomiting 6. Disturbed vision 7. Slurred speech Some of these symptoms may also be indicative of other more serious conditions. If you are not certain that you are a migraine sufferer consult your physician.

What is the cause of Migraine Headache?

Migraine is a genetic disorder which runs in families. It is caused due to the impairment of blood circulation to the brain and resulted inflamation (swelling) in the brain tissues.

How does migraine headache differ from tension headache?

Migraine headaches are usually characterized by throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head. The symptoms of migraine headache sometimes include sensitivity to light or sound, loss of vision and nausea. Tension headaches typically cause a dull, steady ache above the eyes or in the back of the head. They are usually accompanied by a feeling of tight head pressure and occasional nausea.
While migraine headaches affect millions of people, they are still less common than tension headaches. Tension headaches cause a more steady pain over the entire head rather than throbbing pain in one spot. Most of the time, migraine attacks happen once in awhile, but tension headaches can occur as often as every day. While fatigue and stress can bring on both tension and migraine headaches, migraines can be triggered by certain foods, changes in the body’s hormone levels, and even changes in the weather. ...
While migraine headaches affect millions of people, they are still less common than tension headaches. Tension headaches cause a more steady pain over the entire head rather than throbbing pain in one spot. Most of the time, migraine attacks happen once in awhile, but tension headaches can occur as often as every day. While fatigue and stress can bring on both tension and migraine headaches, migraine can be triggered by certain foods, changes in the body’s hormone levels, and even changes in the weather.
While migraine headaches affect millions of people, they are still less common than tension headaches. Tension headaches cause a more steady pain over the entire head rather than throbbing pain in one spot.
back to top While migraine headaches affect millions of people, they are still less common than tension headaches. Tension headaches cause a more steady pain over the entire head rather than throbbing pain in one spot. The frequency and duration have different patterns. While fatigue and stress can bring on both tension and migraine headaches, migraines can be triggered by certain foods, changes in the body's hormone levels, and even changes in the weather. ...

Can I prevent a migraine headache?

There are certain migraine triggers that if avoided may reduce your risk of headache. Dietary triggers include alcoholic beverages, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, chocolate, nuts, citrus, caffeine, dairy products and food additives such as nitrites, MSG or aspartame. Likely environmental triggers include bright light, perfumes, cigarette smoke, motion, and weather changes. Lifestyle factors include stress, fatigue, cigarette smoking, and irregular eating habits. ...

What does a migraine headache feel like?

The pain of a migraine headache can be intense. It can get in the way of things you want to do. Migraines don't feel the same in all people. Symptoms of migraines may include the following: >Throbbing or dull aching pain on one or both sides of your head >Not feeling hungry >Nausea, vomiting >Changes in how you see, including blind spots or flashing lights in your vision >Bothered by light or noise >Feeling cold or sweating >Feeling edgy >Cold hands or feet

Where can patients get more information on managing migraine headache pain?

There are many resources available, including the National Headache Foundation (1-800-843-2256), The American Council for Headache Education (1-800-255-ACHE), and the Excedrin Headache Resource Center™ (1-800-580-4455). OTC Medication

Is it true that the majority of migraine headache sufferers do not seek treatment from physicians?

Yes. Studies have shown that the majority of migraine patients—an estimated 17 million people—do not currently seek professional treatment.

How can I tell if I have a migraine or a sinus headache?

Many people confuse a sinus headache with a migraine because pain and pressure in the sinuses, nasal congestion, and watery eyes often occur with migraine. To find out if your headache is sinus or migraine, ask yourself these questions: In addition to my sinus symptoms, do I have: moderate-to-severe headache nausea sensitivity to light If you answer “yes” to two or three of these questions, then most likely you have migraine with sinus symptoms. A true sinus headache is rare and usually occurs due to sinus infection. ...

Why do I wake up at night with a migraine headache, especially early in the morning?

There is a connection with the sleep hormone, melatonin. Sometimes the consequences can be slow to appear. If there was an earlier disruption, or there is a depletion of a necessary nutrient, then the melatonin hormone is affected. Deficiencies of magnesium, or the B vitamins, or delayed response to ingested foods, or contaminants, or other hormone imbalances or stresses can cause a melatonin deficit.

Does Migrowin©®™ cause interaction problems with the migraine headache drugs I am taking or any other pharmaceutical products or drugs I am taking?

Migrowin©®™ is a blend of 10 different herbs. They are food based nutritional products that function on digestion and elimination. No other interactions were seen or reported among our patients and in our studies.

I’m 30 years old and have had migraine headache since I was in my teens. Now that I’m six weeks pregnant, how can I treat them?

In some studies, women with migraine headaches actually show a marked decrease (of about 80 percent) in their symptoms while pregnant. When migraine headaches do strike, try to identify a possible cause (certain foods, sleep deprivation, stress etc.). Lying down in a quiet, dark room and using an ice pack or cool facecloth may help reduce the pain. ...
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