Posts Tagged ‘Migraine’
Wednesday, April 17th, 2013
Walk-in clinics are starting to replace urgent care and ER, and for good reason. Many now treat chronic illnesses like migraines, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and asthma, only without charging exorbitant prices or making you wait for hours. Here are some pros and cons to visiting a walk-in clinic for chronic migraine.
Reasons to go to a walk-in for migraines
- Guaranteed admission in case of emergency migraine attack
- Many locations in most cities
- Twenty-four hour service, seven days per week
- Option to walk in or schedule appointment
- Most walk-in clinics provide quick service
- Clear, menu-style pricing
- Option to pay with cash or insurance benefits
- Walk-in clinics accept most insurance plans
- Cheaper than ER or urgent care clinics
- Migraine medication history and other health records are accessible from all retail clinic locations
- Practical for people without health insurance or Medicare
- Retail clinics usually practice evidence-based medicine, including for migraine therapies
- Many convenient care clinics diagnose and treat chronic illnesses
- Registered nurse or medical assistant is always on hand
- Migraine medicine prescriptions can be ordered on line and picked up at the store’s pharmacy
- Website features full disclosed information on what types of services they provide for migraine patients
Reasons not to go to a walk-in for migraines
- Hasty consultations may not allow time for much discussion about migraine history or symptoms
- Walk-in clinics don’t have a doctor on the premises
- In exchange for convenience, you lose out on the opportunity to build a rapport with a primary care doctor
- Not all retail clinics treat chronic illness or pain, and treatments offered may be limited
- Walk-in clinics don’t follow up with patients on migraine medications
- Quality of care may vary according to the state regulations
Your turn!
What has been your experience with retail clinics like Walgreens for migraine attacks?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, twitter, or Facebook.
Like this? Read more:
OTC Painkillers- How do they Work, What are the Risks?
Top 25 Natural Migraine Treatments: Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs
Social Security Disability for Migraine- 5 Tips for Filing
Sources:
10 things walk-in clinics won’t tell you
Retail Clinics: What’s in Store for Health Care
Image courtesy of Steve Snodgrass/Flickr
Tags: Migraine, Migraine care, Migraine clinic, migraine medications, Walk-in clinics
Posted in Migraine Medication | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 20th, 2013
Migraine patients suffer many headache triggers, including extreme allergic-like reactions to fragrances and pollutants- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MSC). Though controversial, awareness of the migraine-inducing effects of toxic chemical exposure is starting to gain publicity.
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
Although it’s not classified as a real illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) causes debilitating side effects in its sufferers, many of which are migraine headache patients.
- Other names for MCS include chemical AIDS, chemical injury, multiple allergy, or environmental illness.
- MCS causes severe headache, nausea, and muscular pain, even after minimal, low-level exposure to chemicals such as perfumes, smoke, diesel, and other fumes.
- Scientists aren’t certain exactly what causes MCS, nor are they in agreement that it is a real “illness.”
- Theories for the cause of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity include immune system damage and neurological disorder.
- Elements that provoke chemical hypersensitivity often include trace amounts of chemical fragrances, smoke, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and Volatile Organic Compounds. (VOCs)
6 Migraine-Friendly Air Fresheners for the Home
What MCS means for migraine patients
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) list several case studies on MCS, which is one of the strongest obstacles for migraine patients in the workplace.
Most people can tolerate exposure to a number of chemicals and allergens in the workplace or at home.
People who have hypersensitivity to chemicals, particularly migraine patients, suffer excruciatingly debilitating headache, nausea, and other painful symptoms that make it difficult- almost impossible- to concentrate on work, resulting in impaired performance and missed days from work spent recuperating.
Migraines at Work- Can my Employers Fire me from my Job?
If MCS is caused by a neurological disorder, as some scientists believe, then it further contributes to the strong correlation between chronic migraines and hypersensitivity to fragrances, dust, and noxious fumes, and may result in increased awareness and acceptance of the need for migraine-centric reforms in the workplace.
What are the symptoms of MCS?
Symptoms associated with MCS often mimic the start of a migraine attack, and may include:
- Intense headaches, including migraine headaches
- Stiff joints
- Muscle pain
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Dizziness, vertigo
- Disorientation
- Extreme sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises
- Burning, teary eyes
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
How do I know if I have MCS?
MCS follows certain patterns that make it easy to identify; they include:
- Severe migraine headaches that consistently result from constant exposure to the same chemicals
- Chronic headaches, nausea, and debilitating symptoms
- Symptoms occur after exposure to trace elements of chemicals that non-migraineurs wouldn’t notice
- Migraine or MCS patient is sensitive to many seemingly-unrelated triggers, like pet dander, laundry detergents, and second-hand smoke, as opposed to being sensitive to only one or two allergens.
- In an allergen-free zone, MCS patient is finally able to find relief from chronic headaches and other pain symptoms.
Your turn!
Do you suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity with migraines? If so, how do you manage in the workplace?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Migraine-ous Fragrances at Work: 20 Civil Tactics and Coping Strategies
34 Migraine-Inducing, Stomach-Turning Toxic Chemicals in Perfume
Enter to win a free bottle of Migravent!
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Submit your entry!
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Sources:
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity? (MCS)
Safety and Health Topics- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (osha.gov)
Image(s) courtesy of twobee/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: Chemical AIDS, Environmental Illness, MCS, Migraine, migraine headache triggers, migraine headaches, migraine symptoms, Multiple Allergy, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Posted in Migraine Triggers | No Comments »
Thursday, December 27th, 2012
Looking for an online migraine diary? There’s an app for that. Today’s iPad has great services for migraineurs and other people suffering from chronic headaches. From keeping track of migraine medications to remembering important doctor appointment, here are 10 iPad apps that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Why iPad?
It’s a fact- 488 million Facebook users connect via mobile phone app, and about half of all Twitter followers use their mobile phones to chat. If you’re a migraine sufferer, that can add up to intense headaches and eye pain caused by hours spent glaring at a tiny screen.
That doesn’t mean you should give up on all the great benefits the modern iPhone age has to offer. Migraineurs can benefit greatly from apps like “My Migraine Triggers,” “Drug Interactions,” and an assortment of other programs designed to help you watch your diet, practice relaxation, and schedule appointments with your headache specialist.
Manage your Migraines from your iPad or iPhone- Five Useful Tips
Best advice- keep using your smartphone for talking or texting; to prevent headaches and eye soreness, upgrade to the large-screen iPad for on-the-go internet surfing.
Don’t have an iPad yet?
Enter to win an iPad 2 by joining the Migravent iPad 2 Giveaway on Facebook. Increase your odds of winning by inviting friends to enter- share your “lucky URL” for extra ballot entries.
10 iPad apps for migraine patients
1- My Migraine Triggers- Using a migraine diary is an excellent way to identify possible migraine triggers. Keep track of important data like diet, migraine medications, stress levels, sleep schedules, and bits of information that influence migraine attacks.
2- Drug and Prescription Medication Reference Guide – More than 15,000 pharmaceuticals and 1,200 drug manufacturers are included in this handy medical resource.
3- Drug Interactions- Easily look up which migraine meds carry drug interaction warnings, from a list covering over 200 million possible generic or brand name drug interactions.
4- All-in Yoga- Stress is one of the most common migraine headache triggers. Learn how to relax your body and mind by practicing these essential yoga moves.
5- Awareness- Keeping a positive attitude is half the struggle when you suffer from chronic pain. The Awareness app sends you inspirational messages to help you through your hectic schedule.
6- HealthTap- Want to ask a healthcare professional a question about migraine symptoms or natural headache supplements? Members of HealthTap get quick, real-time access to a comprehensive database of US-licensed practitioners.
7- ZocDoc- Find the nearest doctor or dentist wherever you are, and schedule an appointment with one tap! This is a great backup plan for when migraines strike while traveling.
8- Cook IT Allergy Free- If you’re following a migraine-friendly diet, this is the app for you. Gain access to an exclusive collection of recipes, all categorized by allergen avoidance, ranging from gluten-free, nondairy, nut-less, and eggless.
9- iSleep Easy App- Insomnia is a major cause of fatigue, stress, and headaches. Get help falling asleep and waking up refreshed by using the guided meditations included in this app.
10- Cozi- Brain fog, fatigue, and memory problems are standard symptoms when you suffer from any kind of chronic pain- migraines, fibromyalgia, or gastritis. Don’t rely on your own memory for important dates like doctor’s appointments, work meetings, or the like. Keep track of all the important events of your life with the Cozi calendar app.
Please tell us…
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
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Like this? Read more:
Thoughtful Gifts for Migraine Sufferers- 20 They will Love
Image courtesy of Rego – d4u.hu/flickr
HGTV Sweepstakes
Tags: headache, Migraine, Migraine medicine, migraineur, prevention
Posted in Migraine Prevention | No Comments »
Friday, September 7th, 2012
Migraines cause a variety of neurological disorders that differ for each individual. It helps to understand migraine terms used to describe symptoms that attack your muscles, vision, speech, and reaction to pain. Below are some useful migraine terms that apply to sufferers of migraines with aura, and without.
Aura
Migraine attacks include several phases, the prodrome (earliest) stage, aura, migraine headache, and postdrome (aftereffect) stage. Not all migraine patients necessarily experience all of these stages, though. Migraines that don’t include the aura stage are called, simply, migraines without aura. Likewise, migraine attacks that regularly follow an aura are called migraines with aura, or MA.
Scientists bother to make the distinction in migraine terms for several reason; first, it helps in finding the right migraine treatment to relieve symptoms associated with migraine aura; second, and most importantly, is that patients of migraines with aura are a high risk category for heart disease. If you experience an aura before your migraine, then you are twice as likely to suffer heart attack or stroke as others who don’t get migraine with aura.
Symptoms of aura may include:
- Muscle weakness
- Partial paralysis
- Hallucinatory scents
- Visual disturbances
- Speech slurring
- Disorientation
- Vertigo
Silent migraine
Some people get migraine attacks that cause fatigue, nausea, and strange aura symptoms, but without getting headaches. Migraine attacks that don’t cause headaches are called “silent migraines.”
Basilar-type migraine
“Basilar” is a migraine term used to describe migraines with aura. With basilar-type migraines, neurological symptoms occur either at the base of the brain stem, or from both sides (hemispheres) at once.
For more on basilar-type migraines, read this- Understanding and Treating Basilar-Type Migraine (BTM)- Part I
Familial hemiplegic migraine
Migraine terms for hemiplegic migraines are migraine auras that cause stroke-like symptom. If hemiplegic migraines are hereditary, then they are referred to as familial hemiplegic migraines. To a casual observer, somebody in the throes of a hemiplegic migraine may seem to be having an attack of epilepsy or stroke.
Diplopia
Diplopia (double vision) refers to one of several visual disorders that may occur during the migraine aura phase. Of people who get basilar-type migraines, almost half of them experience diplopia.
Scotoma
Scotoma, in migraine terms, refers to strange, shifting lights that occur in your field of vision, such as oscillating crescent shapes, shimmering arcs, or zigzagging lines.
Migraine trigger
A migraine trigger is anything that increases your chances for a migraine attack. This is an often misunderstood migraine term, as people may think it implies cause. Migraine triggers don’t cause migraines. Rather, the more triggers you are exposed to on a daily basis, the likelier you are to have a migraine headache in the near future.
Migraine triggers differ for each person, but most include certain foods (wine, cheese, and cured meat), scents, weather patterns (humidity or cold), or hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, menstruation).
Hyperosmia
If scents trigger migraines, then you have hyperosmia. People with hyperosmia react strongly to mostly chemical scents, such as those found in lotions, candles, and air fresheners, but some may also be sensitive to fresh flowers or cut grass.
Photophobia
If artificial lighting triggers migraines, then you are among a large number of sufferers who experience photophobia. Exposure to bright fluorescent lights or even intense sunshine can induce eye pain and migraine attacks. Also, stark white backgrounds and severe black and white striped images (such as those seen in bar codes or optical illusions) are painful to the eyes.
Please tell us…
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Migraine Headache Frequently Asked Questions- the Top Ten List
Migraine Pop Quiz: How Well do you Understand your Headaches?
References:
10 Terms Every Migraine Sufferer Should Know
Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: Hemiplegic migraine, Migraine, Migraine terms, migraine with aura, Migraines
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
“I feel a killer of a migraine coming up,” you say offhandedly, but consistent research suggests that if you get frequent migraines with aura, your mortality rate might be higher than non-migraineurs. Find out why migraine headache sufferers are more likely to suffer from stroke or heart attack, and what you can do about it.
December 1993- woman dies of migraine symptoms
Amanda Livingstone, age 25, went to two different doctors, complaining of severe headache, uncontrolled vomiting, and visual distortions. Both times, doctors diagnosed her with migraine headaches and instructed her to take painkillers. After one week of debilitating headaches, Amanda went into a coma and died of brain hemorrhage. Had doctors ordered a brain scan, she might be alive today.
October 2011- woman dies of migraine symptoms
In Malaga, Spain, prosecutors are investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman who had been receiving treatments for migraines and hypertension for the past year. On October 13, after numerous visits to the hospital and referrals to migraine specialists, she died of brain hemorrhage. Had doctors ordered a brain scan, she might also be alive today.
Studies confirm high mortality rate among migraine sufferers
According to numerous scientific studies, there is a high correlation between migraine with aura and increased risk for stroke and heart disease.
University of Iceland study, 2010
The following study on migraine with aura included over 18,000 men and women from Reykjavik, Iceland, and followed them for a 40-year period.
- Scientists categorized headache symptoms into three groups- migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and non-migraine headaches.
- By the end of the study, over 10,000 participants had died.
- Out of the 10,000 fatalities, approximately 4,000 resulted from cardiovascular illness.
- Compared with non-headache sufferers, patients of migraine with aura have a higher mortality rate, and are more likely to die of heart attack or stroke, say researchers.
- Sufferers of migraines without aura and non-migraine headaches are no more likely to die of stroke or heart disease than individuals who don’t get chronic headaches at all.
- Scientists concluded that migraine auras are the most common risk factor among headache sufferers.
Harvard University study, 2011
This more recent study on migraines and mortality determined that people who suffer migraines with aura have a higher mortality risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). The same researcher, Dr. Tobias Kurth, also determined in his study on Migraine and stroke that women who suffer active migraine with aura are twice as likely to suffer hemorrhagic stroke as women who get migraine headaches without the prodrome phase that includes aura.
What are the symptoms of stroke and heart attack?
If you suffer from chronic migraine headaches, then health experts recommend you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of stroke and heart attack, so that you may recognize the beginning stages head-on and seek emergency care immediately.
To determine if somebody is suffering from a stroke, think FAST:
- Face: Ask the person in question to smile- is one side of the face looks droopier than the other side, that person might be having a stroke. Numbness may occur on one side of the body in the face, arms, and legs.
- Arms: Ask her to hold up both arms, and note if one arm drifts downward. Loss of coordination, dizziness, and difficulty walking are symptoms of stroke.
- Speech: Is his speech garbled, nonsensical, or incomprehensible? Stroke victims may have difficulty understanding what people are saying and communicating with them. (Note- speech difficulties are also a symptom of migraine aura.)
- Time: Take note of the time when first symptoms occurred, and call 911 emergency services right away. An FDA-approved medication may prevent long-term damage, but only if a doctor is available to administer it during the first three hours of symptoms.
Prevent Suffering a Stroke- Follow these 5 Simple Rules
Heart attack symptoms:
- Chest pain that may also spread to the rest of the upper body, including face, shoulders, back, and arms
- Stomach pain that mimics heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
If you suspect you might be suffering a heart attack, but don’t have all of the symptoms described, call 911 anyways. Not all heart attack sufferers experience all the symptoms at the same level of severity.
Prevention
The best way to prevent suffering heart disease or stroke is by lowering your risks. If you smoke, then quit. Exercise regularly, even for just 30 minutes each day, and at a comfortable pace. If you’re significantly overweight, then try to control your weight by following a sensible diet. Keep checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, then seek treatment; not only will you feel better, but the decreased stress will also lower your mortality rate.
Read more about migraine symptoms:
When Migraine Aura with Aphasia leaves you Lost for Words
Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere
Wear a Medical Emergency ID- Save your Breath and your Sanity
Sources:
Migraine and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis- PubMed- NCBI
Migraine with aura and risk of cardiovascular and all cause mortality in men and women: prospective cohort study- PubMed- NCBI
Migraine and stroke: a complex association with clinical implications- PubMed- NCBI
Woman died after migraine diagnosis
Probe into death of woman diagnosed with migraine
Migraine With Aura Linked to Increased Mortality From Stroke and Heart Disease
National Stroke Association: Stroke Symptoms
Heart attack symptoms: Know what’s a medical emergency
Image credits
Deborah Leigh (Migraine Chick), quinn.anya
Tags: chronic headaches, Migraine, migraine headache, migraine heart attack, migraine mortality, migraine stroke, migraine symptoms, migraine with aura, Migraines hypertension, migraines with aura, Prodome
Posted in Migraine Headache Symptoms | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Complex migraine with aura, like the basilar migraine, causes stroke-like symptoms that literally take your words away- aphasia is one of several disturbing symptoms of migraine aura. Learn all about aphasic migraine causes and treatments.
A migraine attack is not just a headache
Millions of people suffer debilitating migraine headaches, but few non-migraineurs understand that the throbbing headache, as disabling as it is, is one of many migraine symptoms. When migraine attacks strike, they often cause stomach-clenching nausea, uncontrolled vomiting, diarrhea, sharp sensitivity to lights, sounds, and scents, fatigue, and irritability. So debilitating is migraine illness that many long-time chronic migraine sufferers have difficulty keeping a job, performing daily chores, and making appointments. Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities of migraine illness.
Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Migraine aura- an assault on the senses
Migraines are split into two general categories- migraines with aura (MA), and migraines without aura. An aura happens in the prodrome phase of a migraine attack- the minutes leading up to a migraine. Auras serve as a warning to the patient of the impending migraine, and usually occur about fifteen minutes before the migraine strikes. Migraine auras can cause visual hallucinations, usually described as bright flickering lights, glowing crescent-shaped forms, and rainbow zigzag images. Other migraine aura symptoms are vertigo (dizziness), olfactory hallucinations (imagined burnt scents), temporary partial paralysis, and aphasia.
Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland
Aphasia- what is it?
Aphasia is defined as a communication disorder that impairs one’s ability to process language, both in written and spoken words. People with aphasia have trouble putting words together to speak or write, understanding what others are saying, and comprehending what they read. When they try to speak, words come out garbled and unintelligible. This does not mean they are unintelligent- aphasia usually results from damage to the left hemisphere of the brain. Many stroke victims suffer aphasia causing partial or complete loss of speech.
Strange but True: Migraines can Give You a British Accent
Aphasic migraines
Migraines that cause aura with aphasia are usually complex basilar migraines caused by a disorder of a major artery at the brainstem or base of the brain. TV reporter Serene Branson suffered a complex migraine (also called a complicated migraine) with aura on the air while covering the Grammys. Spectators believed her to be having a stroke, so common are the symptoms of migraine aura aphasia. Other names for basilar migraines are:
- Basilar artery migraines
- Basilar migraine headache
- Basilar-type migraine
- Bickerstaff syndrome
- Brainstem migraine
- Vertebro-basilar migraine
Complex Migraine Behind CBS Reporter’s On-Air Health Scare
Symptoms of complex migraine often include pounding headache, blurred vision, temporary partial blindness, temporary partial paralysis on one side, loss of muscular strength, difficulty walking in a straight line, and garbled speech.
Aphasia treatments
If you suffer any of the symptoms of aphasia- difficulty talking clearly or understanding what others are saying- contact emergency services immediately so that a stroke may be ruled out. If migraines are the cause of aphasia, then a headache specialist might prescribe preventative or abortive migraine treatments to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Additionally, natural nutrients for migraines may significantly improve neurological health. Some excellent sources of natural migraine nutrients include coenzyme Q10, butterbur, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and magnesium.
Read more about migraine with aura:
Migraine Headaches and Dizziness- Stop the Ride, I want to get off!
Migraine Aura Video Simulations: You Tube’s Top 10
Migraine Aura and Hot Flashes- Treat that Hot Head ASAP
What’s that Smell? Migraine Sensitivity and Olfactory Auras
Sources:
Basilar Artery Migraines: Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments
Aphasia
Aphasia symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment on MedicineNet.com
Aphasia and Migraine- In the Fringes
Migraine Chapter, Migraine With Aura, B.Todd Troost
Image:
stockimages
Tags: Aphasia, Aphasia migraine, Aphasic, Aphasic aura, Aphasic migraine, Basilar migraine, chronic migraines, complex migraine, Complicated migraine, Migraine, Migraine aura aphasia, migraine headache, migraine headache relief, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, migraine relief, migraine remedies, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Migraines, Natural migraine relief, Natural remedies for migraines, what is a migraine, What is aphasia
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
If you suffer from frequent headaches, then you need to see a doctor for migraines right away- You might have migraine headaches, or another form of chronic headaches. Knowing which kind of doctor to see for migraines depends on your migraine headache symptoms, and specific needs for migraine treatment.
What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines?
Part I: Primary Care Physicians
Most chronic headache sufferers begin migraine headache treatment by visiting their primary care physician, or family doctor. This is because they have established a patient history with them, and because they feel comfortable visiting a doctor whose advice they already trust. If your primary care doctor is unable to treat you for migraine headaches, then he will refer you to a specialist.
Even if your family doctor has not received training in migraine illness, he does have a basic set of principles to refer to in diagnosing your condition. These 12 principles for migraine management in primary care are as follows:
- Most headaches are benign, and can be treated by any competent physician.
- By supplying a questionnaire, you can determine to what extent chronic headaches have affected the patient’s quality of life (daily activities, work, etc.). This information is crucial for diagnosing illness and prescribing treatment.
- A physician-patient bond is necessary for providing migraine management.
- Migraine management should be specific to the patient, and tailored to meet his/her needs. Patient should be able to manage migraine treatments self-sufficiently.
 Physicians should routinely check up on their patient by reviewing a migraine diary in which the patient records migraine triggers, headache symptoms, foods eaten, and other relevant everyday headache information.
- Schedule re-evaluation check-ups, with special attention given to frequency of migraine drug use, and relative success in providing migraine headache relief.
- Migraine treatment should be adapted continuously to meet the changing needs of the migraine headache patient.
- Urge patients to use prescribed acute migraine medications responsibly, as indicated.
- Prescribe a pain reliever or other rescue treatment as a backup for when standard migraine treatments fail.
- For patients who don’t respond well to migraine medications, or who suffer more than four migraine attacks in one month, prescribe preventative migraine medications, in addition to suggesting certain lifestyle changes that are conducive to better migraine management.
- When prescribing preventative migraine treatments, take into account any comorbid conditions the patient might have.
- Develop a healthy professional relationship with your patient based on trust, mutual agreement, and consideration for the patient’s lifestyle.
When is it time to switch headache doctors?
If you feel that your primary care physician is not meeting your needs, then it might be time to shop around for a doctor that specializes in the field of migraine headaches.
Parts II and III discuss headaches specialists and neurologists.
Read more about migraine treatment:
How to make your own Emergency Migraine Attack Survival Pack
Top 20 Simple Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Migraines
Improve your Memory while taking Topamax for Migraines
20 Best Blog Sites for Migraine Information and Inspiration
Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Sources:
Which Doctors Provide Migraine Treatment?
Establishing principles for migraine management in primary care- PubMed NCBI
Image credits, from top:
Ambro, cohdra, photostock, scottchan
Tags: chronic headaches, constant headaches, Frequent headaches, headache relief, Headaches, Headaches everyday, Migraine, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, migraine medications, migraine relief, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Primary care physicians, what kind of doctor to see for migraines
Posted in Migraine Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, November 14th, 2011
Migraine aura can cause strange migraine headache symptoms like visual distortions, speech slurring, nausea…and hot flashes. With or without throbbing headaches, migraine with aura can be disconcerting. Learn about what causes migraines with aura, and how you can find headache relief.
Migraine headache symptoms
Migraine headaches strike millions of Americans, but overwhelming majorities of migraine sufferers are women, about three to one. Migraine symptoms include throbbing headaches on one side, in addition to other symptoms like sharp eye pain, neck and shoulder pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, and vertigo. Comorbid conditions of migraine illness are depression, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Also, read What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms
Migraine aura- with or without headache symptoms
A migraine aura happens about fifteen minutes before a migraine attack. Migraines with aura may or may not result in severe headache, but they are still migraines. Migraine aura symptoms include sudden distorted speech patterns (talking gibberish), distorted sense of spatial awareness, visual hallucinations, temporary partial blindness, olfactory hallucinations, temporary partial paralysis, muscular feebleness, loss of consciousness, dizziness, and nausea. Migraine aura symptoms are often confused with epileptic seizure or stroke.
Migraine auras separate from the migraine prodrome phase, which occurs a few days before a migraine attack. For more info on migraine phases, read The Four Phases of Migraine Headache Attacks
Hot flashes and migraine aura- studies confirm a link
Another migraine aura symptom that sometimes shocks many migraine patients is sudden hot flashes, similar to those experienced during menopause. Migraine “vasomotor” symptoms are hot face, including cheeks, nose, and ears, sweating from the face, and red, flushed cheeks. The vasomotor reaction to migraines is part of migraine aura.
- In 2009, a German study focusing on vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura found a higher incidence of vasomotor changes among migraine with aura (MA) patients than those who did not experience aura with their migraines.
- In 2008, a study conducted by an Italian university focused on increased cerebral vasomotor reactivity and cerebral blood flow among migraine with aura patients. Scientists noted a significant alteration of cerebral autoregulation, including vasomotor reaction, among migraine with aura sufferers
What to do about migraine aura hot flashes:
Women, determine that your hot flashes are not menopausal, or perimenopausal. If your hot headedness is part of migraine aura symptoms, then your best bet is to respond immediately with migraine medication, in addition to natural migraine ingredients , such as magnesium, and butterbur, and riboflavin.
Read more about migraines with aura:
Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland
Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Sources:
Changes in functional vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura- PubMed NCBI
Increased cerebral vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura: an autoregulation disorder? A transcranial Doppler and near-infrared spectroscopy study- PubMed NCBI
Migraine with aura- Mayo Clinic
Photo credits, from top:
justDONQUE.images, cohdra
Tags: Causes of migraines, chronic headaches, Complex migraine symptoms, constant headaches, Frequent headaches, Headache back of head, headache causes, headache relief, Headaches everyday, Hot flashes, Migrain, Migraine, migraine aura, migraine headache, migraine headache symptoms, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, Migraine headaches symptoms, migraine medications, migraine relief, migraine treatment, migraine triggers, migraine with aura, migranes, Natural Headache Remedies, prodrome, severe headache, stress headaches, Throbbing headache, Vasomotor, What causes migraines
Posted in Migraine Headache Symptoms | No Comments »
Monday, November 7th, 2011
Migraines cause throbbing headaches, in addition to nausea and vomiting. Some assume that cyclical vomiting and nausea is caused by migraine headaches, but that is not the case. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) that occurs with abdominal migraines is a separate condition that shares comorbidity with migraine symptoms.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition that involves repetitive vomiting and nausea over a long period. A person suffering from cyclic vomiting will experience spells of extreme queasiness, stomach cramps, heaving, and vomiting that alternate with “breaks” without symptoms. This can go on for hours, or days. Physicians used to believe that CVS was strictly a pediatric disease, but current research indicates that CVS can strike people of all age groups.
 Migraines with CVS
Researchers are unsure as to why CVS occurs with migraine attacks, but they acknowledge that a high percentage of migraine sufferers experience nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting that is typical of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Abdominal migraines cause throbbing head pain, in addition to stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Migraine triggers such as stress and anxiety are also common triggers of CVS.
Abdominal migraines- who gets them?
Although CVS can strike anybody, abdominal migraines in children is most common. Adolescent migraine patients usually complain of stomachaches in place of headaches, sometimes causing cyclical vomiting and/or migraine with aura. As they get older, their abdominal migraine symptoms switch to typical classic migraine symptoms- sharp head pain, neck pain, sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds, and migraines with or without aura. (Read What are Abdominal Migraines?)
Anti- nausea drugs for migraines
Some migraine medications are effective at treating all migraine symptoms at once, including nausea and vomiting. However, prescribed migraine remedies don’t always work as efficiently as they should. If cyclical vomiting is keeping you from digesting your migraine medications, then your headache doctor might prescribe anti-nausea drugs to soothe your stomach and put an end to vomiting.
Note that many of the following anti-nausea drugs come with side effects such as dizziness and fatigue:
- Phenergan
- Thorazine
- Compazine
- Tigan
- Reglan
Natural migraine ingredients
Many natural migraine ingredients provide nutritional support to migraine sufferers that improve neurological functioning, without causing side effects associated with other over-the-counter (OTC) products. For sour stomach, many people recommend ginger, peppermint, or chamomile teas. Also, supplementing with magnesium and butterbur has resulted in overwhelmingly positive results for many people who have suffered with chronic migraines for years.
Read more about migraine ingredients:
Migraine Nausea and Vomiting- 10 Natural Home Remedies
The Painkilling Power of Ginger: Migraines and Beyond
7 Healing Headache Relief Treatments for Children
Sources:
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome – National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Nausea Drugs for Migraines and Headaches
Migraine- Health- Patient UK
Comorbidity of headache and gastrointestinal complaints. The Head-HUNT Study- PubMed NCBI
Image credits, from top:
QuinnDombrowski, Spencer E Holtaway, suzyq212, Chris Morriss
Tags: Abdominal migraine, Classic migraine, Common migraine, headache, Headaches, Migraine, migraine attacks, migraine headache, migraine nausea, migraine symptoms, migraine with aura, Migraine without aura, Migraines and diarrhea, Migraines in children, Nausea drugs migraines, nausea vomiting, Stomach migraines
Posted in Migraine Medication | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
When you suffer from chronic migraines, your first thought is usually, “How long will my migraine headache last?” Migraine duration depends on the type of migraine symptoms you are experiencing. Use this handy chart to identify types of migraines, and predict how long they will last.
Retinal migraine
- Retinal migraines involve temporary loss of vision in one eye, which can be partial or complete, in addition to a dull aching that begins behind the eye and spreads to the rest of the head.
How long will my migraine headache last? Symptoms of retinal migraine, such as visual distortions and other impairments, typically last from a few minutes to one hour.
Headaches can Cause Blindness- 4 Facts about Ocular Migraines
Basilar artery migraine
- Basilar artery migraine symptoms include dizziness, disorientation, loss of balance, and pain in the back of the head. Basilar artery migraines are typically caused by hormonal fluctuations in young women.
How long will my migraine headache last? Basilar artery migraines are debilitating, and may last for 72 hours.
Basilar Migraines: Do You Have These Symptoms?
Status migrainosus
- Status migrainosus is a very rare kind of migraine that does not go away on its own. If you suffer from a status migrainosus, then you will require hospitalization until your migraine goes away.
- Causes of status migrainosus may include drug interactions or withdrawal.
How long will my migraine headache last? Status migrainosus may last for at least 72 hours.
7 Headache Symptoms you definitely shouldn’t ignore
Hemiplegic migraine
- Hemiplegic migraine symptoms range from muscular weakness to temporary partial paralysis on one side of the body. Hospitalization is required to rule out stroke.
How long will my migraine headache last? Weakness and head pain from a hemiplegic migraine may last for a few days.
To ER or not to ER? 8 Migraine Signals that call for Emergency Care
Ophthalmoplegic migraine
- Ophthalmoplegic migraine symptoms are sharp pain and numbness behind one eye, eye droopiness, and blurred or double vision.
- If muscle paralysis is a factor, then hospitalization is required to rule out a nerve injury or a brain aneurysm.
How long will my migraine headache last? Ophthalmoplegic migraine is rare, but the symptoms may last for two months.
What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms
Cluster headache
- Cluster headaches are not migraines, but they are excruciatingly painful.
- Cluster headache cycles (cluster periods) may happen once or twice per year, although it is possible to be “cluster headache-free” for several years.
- A cluster period can last for one week or a few months.
- Cluster headache symptoms are burning pain on one side of the head that progresses from your temple region to your eye, congestion on one side of the head, excessive nasal discharge, and eye droopiness.
How long will my migraine headache last? Cluster headache pain advances quickly, about 10 minutes from the earliest symptoms, and may last for at least 30 minutes.
Is it a Cluster Headache or a Migraine?
Read more about types of migraines:
Sources:
Image credits, from top:
gagilas, SashaW
Tags: Basilar artery migraine, chronic migraines, Cluster headache, Hemiplegic migraine, How long will my migraine headache last, Migraine, Migraine duration, migraine headache, migraine headaches, Migraine length, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Ophthalmoplegic migraine, Pain in the back of the head, Retinal migraine, Status migrainosus, Types of Migraines
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
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