By: Karen Pallarito
Nearly 30 million people in the United States have
migraines, and three times as many women as men have them.
Migraines are pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head. Physical activity may intensify the pain, but symptoms can vary from person to person and from one attack to the next.
"In patients who have migraines, we're going to treat all of their headaches as potential migraines," says Anne Calhoun, MD, partner and cofounder of the Carolina Headache Institute, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Here are ways to identify migraines.
Migraines are pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head. Physical activity may intensify the pain, but symptoms can vary from person to person and from one attack to the next.
"In patients who have migraines, we're going to treat all of their headaches as potential migraines," says Anne Calhoun, MD, partner and cofounder of the Carolina Headache Institute, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Here are ways to identify migraines.
Some people with a migraine experience aura.
AURA
The most common auras are visual, such as flickering lights, spots, or lines. "You may see a little jagged line...that will develop some cross hatches, and it might sort of move in a curved direction," Dr. Calhoun says. Auras typically last between five minutes and an hour, with a 60-minute "skip phase" before the headache pain sets in, she says. Some patients have auras without a migraine-type headache or any headache at all.
AURA
The most common auras are visual, such as flickering lights, spots, or lines. "You may see a little jagged line...that will develop some cross hatches, and it might sort of move in a curved direction," Dr. Calhoun says. Auras typically last between five minutes and an hour, with a 60-minute "skip phase" before the headache pain sets in, she says. Some patients have auras without a migraine-type headache or any headache at all.
DEPRESSION,
IRRITABILITY, OR EXCITEMENT
Mood changes can be a sign of migraines.
"Some patients will feel very depressed or suddenly down for no reason," Dr. Calhoun says. "Others will feel very high." Dutch researchers recently reported a possible genetic link between depression and migraines, especially migraines with aura.
Data presented at the American Academy of Neurology 2010 annual meeting suggests that moderate or severe depression increases the risk of episodic migraines becoming chronic.
"Some patients will feel very depressed or suddenly down for no reason," Dr. Calhoun says. "Others will feel very high." Dutch researchers recently reported a possible genetic link between depression and migraines, especially migraines with aura.
Data presented at the American Academy of Neurology 2010 annual meeting suggests that moderate or severe depression increases the risk of episodic migraines becoming chronic.
LACK OF RESTFUL
SLEEP
Waking up tired or having trouble falling asleep are
common problems in people with migraines.
Studies have shown an association between lack of restorative sleep and the frequency and intensity of migraines.
When migraines strike, it's tough to get a good night's sleep. "A lot of people will have insomnia as a result of their migraine," says Edmund Messina, MD, medical director of the Michigan Headache Clinic, in East Lansing. This inability to sleep can be the start of a vicious cycle, as research suggests that lack of sleep can also trigger migraines.
Studies have shown an association between lack of restorative sleep and the frequency and intensity of migraines.
When migraines strike, it's tough to get a good night's sleep. "A lot of people will have insomnia as a result of their migraine," says Edmund Messina, MD, medical director of the Michigan Headache Clinic, in East Lansing. This inability to sleep can be the start of a vicious cycle, as research suggests that lack of sleep can also trigger migraines.
STUFFY NOSE OR WATERY EYES
Some
people with migraines have sinus symptoms, such as stuffy nose, clear nasal
drainage, droopy eyelids, or tearing, Dr. Messina says.
One large study found that, among people who complained of sinus headaches, nearly 90% were having migraines. (The study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline, which makes migraine medicine.)
One large study found that, among people who complained of sinus headaches, nearly 90% were having migraines. (The study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline, which makes migraine medicine.)
CRAVINGS
Before a migraine attack occurs, some people crave
certain foods.
"A common craving is chocolate," Dr. Messina says.
"A common craving is chocolate," Dr. Messina says.
Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
Pulsating pain is a classic sign of migraines. The
throbbing is often felt on one side of the head.
In an online survey of patients with migraines, the National Headache Foundation found that 50% "always" have throbbing on one side, while 34% say they "frequently" have this symptom.
In an online survey of patients with migraines, the National Headache Foundation found that 50% "always" have throbbing on one side, while 34% say they "frequently" have this symptom.
EYE PAIN
Migraine pain often burrows behind the eye.
People will blame it on eye strain and many will get their eyes checked, but that won't make their headaches any better, Dr. Messina says.
People will blame it on eye strain and many will get their eyes checked, but that won't make their headaches any better, Dr. Messina says.
NECK PAIN
"A lot of people will say, 'My neck gets stiff and
then I get a headache.' Well, it's probably the early stage of the
migraine," Dr. Messina says. "Or after a migraine they'll get that
neck symptom or they'll have throbbing pain at the back of their neck."
In an online survey, the National Headache Foundation found 38% of migraine patients "always" have neck pain and 31% "frequently" have neck pain during migraine headaches. (The Foundation receives support from GlaxoSmithKline, maker of migraine medicine.)
In an online survey, the National Headache Foundation found 38% of migraine patients "always" have neck pain and 31% "frequently" have neck pain during migraine headaches. (The Foundation receives support from GlaxoSmithKline, maker of migraine medicine.)
FREQUENT URINATION
If you have to go a lot, it can mean a migraine is
coming.
It's one of the many symptoms people experience just before a migraine. These warning signs, also known as the prodome phase of a migraine, can arrive as little as an hour or as much as two days before the start of headache pain.
It's one of the many symptoms people experience just before a migraine. These warning signs, also known as the prodome phase of a migraine, can arrive as little as an hour or as much as two days before the start of headache pain.
THERE WILL BE MORE UPDATE ON: How to tell if you are having a migraine soon. Don't forget that health is wealth..
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