Migraine headaches are difficult to understand if they have not been diagnosed as such. In fact, people who experience migraines seem to be frequently misunderstood because they often lack visible symptoms. Migraine headaches, however, are very real and present serious problems for those who are afflicted by them.
It is important to know the difference between a migraine and a sinus headache because the overwhelming majority of migraine headaches are actually treated as sinus headaches. The reason for this is that most physicians are trained to think of migraine pain as being on one side of the head only. In truth, it is not uncommon for a migraine to cause pain on both sides of the head (i.e., forehead or cheek).
So, is it a migraine or sinus headache? Here are the symptoms for the two types of headaches.
Sinus Symptoms
Migraine Symptoms
Weather changes can trigger migraines in many people. Approximately 70 percent of migraine sufferers will experience a migraine as the barometric pressure falls, right before it rains. There are other factors that can trigger a migraine; for example, the can be associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Many times patients who do not see a doctor will assume it is a sinus headache, based on what they have learned from TV and other media sources. The patient may call their doctor and describe their pain as being in the face with a stuffy nose or runny nose, and both will assume that it is a sinus headache. The doctor will usually put them on an antibiotic and the headache will subside in a day or two. In realty, the patient may actually be suffering from a migraine.
Taking an over-the-counter sinus medication that will relieve a headache by shrinking the swollen blood vessels involved in migraine headaches. Therefore, they are really treating a migraine incorrectly, but it works to a degree, so they remain confused about the different type of headache.
Is it a migraine or sinus headache? This might help you tell the difference. With a migraine headache, there is a clear nasal discharge that is not accompanied by a fever. A sinus headache on the other hand, can make a person really sick. They can develop a fever, and a green or yellow nasal discharge is present.
Another difference is that a migraine will go away on its own in 4-72 hours, but a sinus headache will not go away quickly. If left untreated, a sinus headache can turn into a sinus infection.
The best practice is not to describe your symptoms over the phone, but rather go to see your physician in person. If a headache is recurring, it is most likely caused by migraines.
Migraine headache information, symptoms and prevention tips here, http://www.MigraineHeadacheInformation.org.
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Migraines are by far the worst type of headaches and people who suffer from them will try just about anything to get relief. Symptoms are not always recognized, so it is important that you know how to recognize a migraine.
Millions of people suffer from recurring migraines which can incapacitate the person and last for 2-72 hours. This can seem like a lifetime when you are in such intense pain. It is unfortunate that many people who experience migraines never realize what it is because they do not seek medical help.
While it is not well understood the exact cause of a migraine, it is believed that low levels of serotonin cause the brain stem to release neurochemicals that act upon the cerebral blood vessels, causing them to expand. The blood vessels leak tiny amounts of blood plasma, stimulating inflammation in the brain’s tissue. This inflammation, which lasts even after the blood vessels return to their normal size, is the cause of the actual headache pain.
Migraines usually take days to peak and then eventually fade. There are three recognizable phases: pre-headache phase, the headache phase, and the post-headache phase. Not everyone experiences all three phases, but most do. The pre-headache phase is the most critical phase to recognize because it may allow you to head off the headache, or at the very least, to lessen its effects.
In the pre-headache phase, also called Prodrome, you may experience a rapid mood swing, food cravings, or anorexia, or auras. Auras cause one or more of the senses to become hypersensitive. There could be flashes of light, partial loss of vision, or tunnel vision, inability to speak, partial numbness, ringing in the ears and sensitivity to smells and sounds. Once the pre-headache symptoms have begun, a full throbbing or stabbing pain will occur within about an hour.
The headache phase involves excruciating pain on either or both sides of the head and generally causes sensitivity to light. During this phase, even the dimmest light can be difficult to bear. The person may want to lie down in a completely dark and cool room until the pain subsides. It may be hours or even days before the migraine fades and the sufferer passes into the post-headache phase.
During the post-headache phase, the person may feel physically exhausted for 24 hours or longer. Some irritability, as well as an inability to concentrate may occur. Once you know how to recognize a migraine, you will need to form a plan of action for treatment that will lead to a quick recovery. Talk to your doctor and keep a headache diary of all your symptoms.
Learn your specific migraine triggers and how to avoid them. There are two types of medications – one that is taken at the onset of migraine symptoms – in the pre-headache phase, and one that is taken daily to prevent migraines altogether. Your doctor can inform you about natural remedies such as herbal supplements, exercises and relaxation techniques. Don’t suffer in silence and simply endure a migraine. Pay close attention to your triggers and symptoms; soon you will know how to recognize a migraine headache.
Migraine headache information, remedies and prevention advice: http://www.migraineheadacheinformation.org
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Migraine sufferers know first-hand how awful and painful a migraine headache can be. Those same people will do just about anything to prevent another headache from occurring. It is possible for some people to prevent migraines. Prescription medications are available from your doctor and should be discussed if you are a migraine sufferer. These medications usually treat the migraine after it has occurred. The best solution is to prevent a migraine in the first place.
Are there ways to prevent migraines naturally? Thankfully, yes.
The first step is to eliminate possible lifestyle-related causes. For example, if you drink too much coffee (caffeine) or smoke too many cigarettes, or drink too many alcoholic drinks, you may notice that you develop a migraine shortly thereafter. At the very least, reduce these causes to see if the migraines disappear.
Hormonal changes can cause migraines in women, usually before or during menstruation. Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can increase the headaches. Talk to your doctor if you suspect this is a cause. Relaxation techniques and Yoga stretches are ways to prevent migraines naturally.
If you suffer from depression, you may experience more intense migraine headaches during periods when your depression is at its worst. Get out of the house and go for a walk. Find a hobby that you enjoy and work on that when you are feeling down. Breathe deeply and expand your lungs to take in healing, refreshing breaths.
There are many different types of migraine triggers. Know what yours are and find ways to reduce those triggers in your life. If you notice that you almost always get a migraine headache if you have to drive a long distance, find a way to break up the trip. Make frequent stops along the way and stretch during your breaks. If sitting at your desk for long periods of time cause muscle strain and tension, be sure to take a break and walk around a bit. Stress is one of the biggest migraine triggers.
Other ways to prevent migraines naturally are with herbal supplements. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and magnesium are natural remedies that have been used to prevent migraines. One other herb is Feverfew. Talk to your doctor before using any supplements if you are also taking medications. You do not want natural remedies interfering with medication functions.
Talk to your doctor, chiropractor, or pharmacist for other recommendations and ways to prevent migraines naturally. They will be glad to help.
Migraine headache information and prevention advice, http://www.migraineheadacheinformation.org.
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