Migraines can cause a pulsing sensation or severe throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. On most occasions, the pain is accompanied by extreme sensitivity to sound and light, and nausea. When one has migraine attacks, they can last for several hours and even days at times. Moreover, the pain can be very severe to the point that sufferers can’t be comfortable while going on with their daily activities.
Some people experience warning symptoms commonly known as aura, and it usually occurs with the headache or before it. An aura can come in the form of visual disturbance like blind spots or flashes of light or other disturbances like difficulty speaking, tingling sensation in a leg or arm, or your side of the face. The good news is that there is medication to help prevent migraines and reduce their pain. When you use the correct medicines with good self-help remedies and a few lifestyle changes, you will get the help you need to fight migraines.
Types of migraines
There are several types of migraines. The most prevalent one being migraine with an aura which is also known as classic migraine. Then there is the migraine without aura, which is also known as common migraine. Other types of migraine include;
- Silent migraine
- Abdominal migraine
- Menstrual migraine
- Vestibular migraine
- Ophthalmic migraine
- Ophthalmoplegic migraine
- Status migrainosus
- Hemiplegic migraine
If you experience migraines from time to time, it will help you understand some of the common warning signs that will give you migraine relief. Below are some of the hints that you are going to have a migraine.
Four signs that show you will have a migraine
Migraine aura
Most people suffering from migraines will often experience aura. The most common auras are visuals, like lines, spots, or flickering lights. You are likely to see a small jagged line that will have some crosshatches, and at times, it may seem to move in a curved direction. Auras tend to last between five minutes and at most an hour. This often happens before you begin experiencing headache pain. However, some people experience auras with no migraine headache or no headache at all.
Lack of restful sleep
Most people wake up feeling tired or, at times, have a hard time getting some sleep. These are some of the prevalent symptoms that people with migraines experience. Research has revealed a relationship between lack of restful sleep and the amount and intensity of migraines.
When suffering from a migraine, it’s not easy getting a good night’s sleep, with many people experiencing insomnia due to the pain. This can be the beginning of a vicious cycle. Research suggests that insomnia can be a sign one is about to experience a migraine.
Stuffy nose or watery eyes
Some people who experience migraines often have sinus symptoms like stuffy nose, droopy eyelids, tearing, or nasal drainage. One large study revealed that most people who had complaints of sinus headaches, almost 90% were suffering from migraines.
Neck pain
A majority of people will complain of stiff necks followed up by headaches. It’s usually the early stages of migraines setting. Some people experience neck stiffness after they suffer a migraine. At times, people complain of having a throbbing pain, mainly at the back of the neck.
Conclusion
Currently, there is no known cure for migraines. However, many drugs can result in migraine relief or help to treat them. Some of these treatments are;
- Triptans: These drugs help to balance chemicals in the brain. They usually come in pill form but are also available as nasal sprays or even injections.
- Nausea medicine: You can get a prescription from your doctor if you experience nausea during migraines.
- Preventive medicines: You can take these medicines when your migraines are severe. However, you must seek advice from the doctor before using them.
These are but some of the migraine treatments you can use. You can also try avoiding migraines by keeping track of your symptom patterns and avoiding the triggers.
