A
throbbing and pulsating pain, mostly concentrated in one side of your head – is
this the scenario of your headache type? Well, the chances are that your
headache type is not just a simple tension type, but a migraine headache. Do
not worry or panic about it as you are not the only one to suffer from a
migraine headache. Migraines are quite common, but sadly, very few people seem
to know about it. In fact, many sufferers fear to accept the possibility that their
headache type can be migraine. But, if you have knowledge about the migraine headache symptoms, you will be
able to identify your pain type.
Importance of knowing migraine symptoms:
The
problem for most people that prohibits them from recognizing or identifying
their type of headache is the lack of knowledge regarding its symptoms. This
results in a delayed treatment or misdiagnosis and wrong treatment. In case of
migraine, this can be really difficult as the pain is almost always extremely
severe and difficult to cope with. Hence, to make sure that you do not delay
its treatment and see a doctor at once, you must have an idea of the headache
symptoms of migraine.
When you
are talking about these symptoms, there is a factor that you should understand.
The symptoms of migraine vary to quite an extent, from one stage to the other.
Here is
a brief discussion regarding those symptoms in different stages of this
headache.
Migraine headache symptoms during prodrome:
The
prodrome is the stage that occurs before a migraine attack. It can last for
about one or two days before an actual attack. The migraine symptoms at this
stage are –
- Craving for food
- Constipation
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Mood swings (sometimes you will feel depressed and sometimes euphoric,
suddenly)
- Stiffness in neck
- Frequent yawning
These
are very subtle changes or symptoms, but they indicate that a migraine attack
is ensuing.
Migraine symptoms during an attack:
The migraine headache symptoms during an
attack are –
- Throbbing or pulsating pain in one side of head
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound and strong smell
- Feeling lightheaded
- Blurred vision.
This
stage can last for about 4 hours to as long as 72 hours. How long it will continue,
cannot be predetermined. Even the frequency of a migraine attack varies from
person to person. One can have migraine attacks a number of times in a month
and others can get it once or twice a year.
Auras as migraine headache symptoms:
One of
the most significant aspects of migraine
headache symptoms is aura. Auras are nervous system disorders that can
disturb sensory, motor and verbal sensations. These are extremely debilitating
and disabling. These auras are not compulsory signs of migraine, but many
sufferers experience them. The common auras are –
- Temporary vision loss
- Temporary paralysis
- Temporary speech loss
- Prickling or piercing sensation in arms and legs
- Convulsions
- Hearing noises
- Weakness
- Seeing flashes of light, bright spot or various shapes in front
of eyes.
Usually
the auras last for about 20 to 60 minutes.
Migraine headache symptoms during postdrome:
The
symptoms of migraine at the last stage or postdrome, which is the stage after
an attack, range within –
- Moodiness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Extreme sensitivity to light or sound.
If you
too experience any of these migraine
headache symptoms, there are chances that your headache type is migraine.
In that case, it is a very good idea that you see a doctor at once. The doctor
will be able to diagnose your condition properly and prescribe the right
medicines. There are medicines that can help you cope with the pain and seek
the best treatment procedure. Just find the best doctor near you.
