The Truth About Migraines

You may have heard of someone that wakes up early in the morning with extreme pain behind one of their eyes. The individual then tries to perform their normal daily activities, but can't because of the pain and difficulty focusing. The person feels hungry but doesn't feel like eating breakfast. The person avoids the kitchen all together because the smell of food makes them nauseous. The individual seeks solitude and tries to avoid any kind of sounds. This is a common daily occurrence for a person with a migraine headache.

Migraines may be minor for some people but extremely debilitating for others. Migraines can prevent one from working or performing their normal daily tasks at home. They often cause one to feel restless or have extreme anxiety. They can disrupt one's sleep and cause fatigue. They can cause one to lose their appetite.

Some people with migraine headaches may have a warning sign come on before the headache. This is called an aura. The aura often begins approximately 30 minutes before the headache comes on. Those experiencing an aura often describe it as spots, wavy lines or flashing lights.

The typical time frame for migraine headaches ranges from four to 72 hours if untreated. The frequency and time frame is different from person to person. The symptom of a migraine is often described as throbbing and is usually located on one side of the head. Some migraine sufferers may experience the headache on both sides. The pain is usually worsened by physical activity. Nausea and vomiting may also occur with the headache. Migraine sufferers are often sensitive to light, noise and smell.

Prodromes are also common with migraine headaches. These usually occur one or two days before the headache comes on. These are subtle symptoms that can signal a migraine will be coming. These subtle symptoms might include constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, depression or neck pain. Postdromes may also occur after a migraine is over. This is considered the final phase and the typical symptom is exhaustion or feeling euphoric.

If you are experiencing migraines, it is a good idea to record the frequency of attacks and characteristics of the attack. If the headaches persist, it is a good idea to seek professional help. The traditional method for dealing with migraines is medication. Because of the harmful side effects of medication, many people are seeking out other natural safe alternatives to help. Many find chiropractic as a safe, effective treatment method that has lasting results.