What do you know about migraine headaches?
415037
It is a paroxysmal(on + off) headache. The symptom usually abating completely between attacks. Episodes vary in frequency. Sometimes preceeded by premonitary symptoms or aura.\nHow do i know?\nI'm a doctor. and i has this problem.
1071735
Here's a lot of helpful information about headaches: symptoms, when to worry, causes, etc.\nThe most common types of headaches usually are not serious but may occur again and again.\n\n--Tension headaches -- the most common type of headache and are episodes of constant aching, tightness, pressure, and pain around the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. Symptoms usually occur on both sides of the head rather than just one side. \nTension headaches usually do not stop a person from doing his or her regular activities. These headaches usually do not cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or noise. A tension headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days. Some people experience chronic tension headaches, which means they get a headache on 15 or more days a month.\nTension headaches are related to muscles tightening in the back of the neck or head because of stress, anxiety, fatigue, hunger, anger, poor posture, or overexertion.\nTreatment for tension headaches usually includes aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonprescription pain relievers. Aspirin should not be given to anyone age 20 years or younger because it has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious disease that most often affects children. Prescription medications, such as antidepressants, may be needed to treat tension headaches. Additional therapies, including stress management or biofeedback, may reduce or prevent tension headaches\n \n--Cluster headaches -- these are recurring headaches that occur in groups or cycles. The headaches appear suddenly and cause severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head, along with a watery eye and nasal congestion on the affected side of the head. The cause of cluster headaches is unknown. Although there is no cure for cluster headaches, medications can reduce the frequency and duration of the painful headaches.\n--Migraine headaches -- Approximately one-third of people who have migraine headaches first began having them as teenagers. are painful, sometimes disabling headaches that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, and smell. These throbbing headaches usually occur on only one side of the head, although the pain can shift from one side of the head to the other, or can occur on both sides at the same time. Migraines involve changes in chemicals and blood vessels in the brain, which trigger pain signals leading to headache and other symptoms.\nMigraine headaches tend to recur. A migraine headache typically lasts 4 to 24 hours but in some cases can last up to 3 days. Some people have symptoms, such as visual disturbances, that occur before a headache starts. These symptoms are called a migraine aura.\nSome people have several headaches per month; others have headaches much less often. Treatment usually includes medications to prevent a migraine from occurring or to stop a migraine once it begins. In some people, migraines may be triggered by certain foods or smells. Eliminating exposure to these triggers may stop the headaches.\n\nHere's a list of common causes of headaches include:\n\n--Alcohol, caffeine, or other drug use or withdrawal. \n--Changes in the levels of chemicals in the body (neurotransmitters). \n--Coughing or sneezing. \n--Dehydration. \n--Dental problems or procedures, such as pain from grinding the teeth or from a root canal. \n--Eating or drinking cold foods and fluids. \n--Emotional stress. \n--Exposure to smoke or fumes from chemicals, including carbon monoxide. \n--Eyestrain. \n--Fever. \n--High altitude. Lower oxygen levels at high altitudes can cause headaches. \n--Medical procedures, such as the aftereffects of a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). \n--Medications. Many medications can cause headaches. \n--Muscle strain in the neck, upper back, or shoulder muscles. \n--Upper respiratory infections. \n\nIf you have headaches, with these serious symptoms, definitely consult a doc!\nAlthough rare, a headache may be a sign of a
467910
You could be stressed out (tension). Best to see your physician in case it is something else (migraine)
130836
Recent studies indicate that headaches are caused by the release of chemicals into the brain called neuropeptides. These neuropeptides cause dilation of blood vessels in the brain which press against and irritate the nerves. While it is true that the brain as a whole is mostly pain receptor free, there are pain sensitive areas like the intracranial meninges. It is irritation of these areas by mechanical or chemical means that is thought to cause headaches. \n\nMechanical means could include, intercranial bleeding, hemorrages, tumors, swelling, concussion, diseases involving the ears, sinuses or teeth.\n\nChemical means can include neuropeptides, withdrawl simptoms from chemical dependence, hangover, etc.
1085005
See a doctor.  You will want to rule out any serious causes, and if you have recurring migraines, a doctor can prescribe various very effective medications according to the frequency and severeity that you get them.  \n\nA new kind of headache should never just be dismissed without being checked out by medical staff.  It may be a symptom to something chronic and/or serious.\n\nRecurring types of headaches should also be checked out, for the same reasons, and then to get treatment so that in the future you don't have to suffer so with them.
855557
I feel your pain... literally. I get the worst migraines. They started when I was in 5th grade, but they went away until i got into high school and were about 5x as intense. \n\nWhen I get a migraine I can't move. It really messes with my brain and I can't remember simple things like my home phone number or how to get house from school. I need complete silence and darkness. I usually spend the day lying on the cold bathroom floor (the cool tiles feel good on my hot head plus I usually spend most of the day throwing up, so it's pretty convenient).  When I started having migraines that lasted for 3 or more days they made me get a CT scan. It didn't show anything, and they still haven't found a medicine that works for me. \n\nSo sorry, I can't really offer any advice on how to make your migraines better, because I'm still having that problem myself. Well, I guess the best advice I can give is to talk to your doctor about different medicine's you could be taking. Once you find the right medicine, you can control your migraines and your life will get back to normal. At least, thats what I keep telling myself....
318750
Cut down on the caffeine and alcohol, drink more water, get regular sleep, eat a healthy balance of foods.  If absolutely necessary, do not exceed the recommended dose of an OTC pain killer such as Tylenol, asprin or Advil.\n\nFor migraines, what has helped me is taking magnesium supplements (a magnesium deficiency causes the same symptoms as those by a migraine) and seeing a chiropracter.
380777
She should go to the doctor and be diagnosed with migraine headaches before you do anything.  You will want to rule our potential emergency situations.  Once she has been told that her headches are actually migraines, then start to research alternatives.  Here is a bunch of ideas for you to consider.\n\nShe should make sure her blood sugars are normal, hypoglycemia can contribute to migraines.  Food allergies can be another culprit.  Watch out for lactose intolerance, excessive caffeine, salt and artificial sweeteners.  Foods containing tyramine can cause them too.  Migraines can be caused by a reaction to birth control pills or smoking.\n\nEssential oil of lavender is very help in calming the nervous sytem and helping to relax tight muscles.  You can make little eye pillows, rub it on the back of the neck or temple, or just smell it.\n\nVitamin B2 and B12 can be helpful.  People who have migraine tend to have lower levels of magnesium, so a magnesium supplement might be of help.  Coenzyme Q10 has shown promise in research trials, but you have to take it for a few months before you can determine if it will have any effect.\n\nThe herb feverfew is worth looking into. Ginger can help with the headache and also the nausea that can accompany the headache. Look into fish oil, melatonin and SAMe, too.  \n\nAcupuncture therapy is very helpful at reducing the severity and frequency of migraines.\n\nThere are so many things you could try, but don't try them all at once, because you won't know which things are working and which ones are a waste of time and money.
687017
headaches are almost always dehydration. unless you have chronic or migrane headaches then it could be something else.. but almost all normal headaches are caused by not enough water.
133944
The best thing to do is to determine the cause of the headache/migraine. As someone pointed out, dehydration can cause severe headaches. So can certain diseases, such as endometriosis, tumors, lupus, etc. It would be good to see a doctor to eliminate the more serious possibilities, and to make sure that your diet and exercise are healthy so that you don't have to over medicate yourself. There are also good homeopathic migraine treatments available in health stores.
1065959
The exact cause of Migraine is unknown. It is thought, however, that an attack may be triggered by events that affect certain areas of the brain. \n \nHigh levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain are believed to cause certain blood vessels to narrow (contract). This decrease in blood flow may be responsible for causing visual disturbances (auras). \n \nWhen the levels of serotonin fall again, the blood vessels widen (dilate) causing pain \n(or headache). Recovery follows as the blood vessels return to normal.\n \nTriggers of a Migraine include emotional factors, physical exertion, certain foods, and some medications. Migraine can also be hereditary. Some people find they have a Migraine attack during a restful period (eg, during the weekend) or following a busy period, and others may feel either full of energy - or lacking energy - before the headache appears.\n\nTry to avoid the following triggers to prevent frequest attacks:-\nStress\n \n Caffeine\n \n Tiredness\n \n Withdrawal of caffeine\n \n Anxiety\n \n Alcohol\n \n Tobacco smoke\n \n Cheese and other dairy products\n \n Weather changes\n\n Contraceptive pills\n \n Chocolate\n\n Menstruation\n \n Some food additives (eg, aspartame,sodium nitrate)\n \nAlso try using the following self help tips to prevent the frequect occurance of migraine attacks:\n\nResting or sleeping in a dark room, during or after an attack, may be beneficial for some people.\n \nReducing or avoiding chocolate, certain cheeses (high in tyramine), foods with yeast extracts, monosodium glutamate (present in many processed foods and Chinese cooking), and alcohol may provide relief for some people.  \n \nDrinking plenty of water and avoiding drinks with caffeine can also help. \n \nWearing approved UV protected sunglasses, using a polarizing filter for computer screens, and generally protecting the eyes with regular eye checks can help to avoid effects of visual disturbance.  \n  \nRegular meals, exercise, and leisure activities can all improve general health and well-being. Relaxation training, psychosocial behavior techniques, and stress management may also help.
875009
Headache is a pain in the head, scalp or neck. Headaches can be\ncaused by minor problems like eyestrain, lack of coffee or more\nserious reasons like head injury, brain tumors, encephalitis and\nmeningitis. Taking painkillers continuously can have harmful side \neffects, so it is better to modify your lifestyle. More information\navailable at http://tinyurl.com/q8696
59695
A few recent medical studies suggest migraine is associated with transient ischemic attacks (temporary restriction of brain blood flow) and may lead to stroke; hence it may be fatal. However, more studies are needed to establish this as fact since conventional medical wisdom asserts that migraine has no proven connection with stroke, and is not lethal.
262870
As soon as you get even the slightest hint that you are going to get a migraine, take a dose of aspirin.  When I do that, I don't get the full-blown migraine (or the accompanying pain).  However, I can still tell that I'd have one if I hadn't taken the aspirin.\n\nTry to figure out what is causing your migraines so that you can avoid them that way, too.  It can be different for each person.  For me, it was monthly hormonal changes (so I had a pretty good clue when to expect them).  For others, it can be certain foods.  I had a friend once who got a migraine every time she ate anything cold, like ice cream or frozen yogurt.  See if you can track down the cause and then avoid whatever causes them.\n\nIf you already have the migraine and it is a relatively mild one, sometimes they can be warded off by either taking a hot shower or soaking your feet in hot water.  It has something to do with blood flow.  The hot shower worked for me several times.\n\nAlso, and I know this is really gross so bear with me, when a migraine becomes bad enough, you will become nauseous and then throw up.  And then, voile!, the migraine will disappear.  (At least this has been true for me and for others I've spoken with.)  So, if all else fails and you're in the middle of a terrible migraine and you just want it to STOP, I suggest working on the computer or reading a book.  For me, this speeds up the process to reaching nausea and then blessed relief.  And, no, throwing up isn't pleasant.  But sometimes it is better than the alternative of feeling like your head is going to explode.
941381
To go and have too much fun is RIGHT up my alley! I like a little girlfriend action myself.. then Im having LOTS of fun! As far as your headache goes, take two excedrin for migraines and you'll feel better in 20 mins.
1022232
The pathophysiology of migraine headaches is not clearly understood. Growing evidence supports the role of neurogenic peptides, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the brain. These vasoactive neuropeptides stimulate an inflammatory cascade with the release of endothelial cells, mast cells, and platelets. This inflammation causes vasodilation and a perivascular reaction (local inflamation around the blood vessel). The vasodilation may promote this perivascular reaction, in the sense that when vessels dialate they become "leaky" allowing a greater amount of inflamatory mediators to escape. The blood brain barrier is higly sensative to inflamation and can be disrupted. You must also consider, that the brain is very sensative to any for of irritation.
882554
Mayo Clinic:\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120\nThis one is really good, too:\nhttp://headaches.about.com/About_Headaches_Migraines.htm