Migraine is a neurological disorder characterize by recurrent, throbbing headaches that typically affect one side of the head. These headaches are often accompanie by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and, in some cases, visual disturbances known as aura. The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors is believe to contribute.
This can be triggere by various factors, including certain foods, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, stress, and environmental stimuli. The duration and severity of migraine attacks can vary, with some lasting a few hours and others persisting for several days.
Types of Migraine
Migraine without Aura:
- Symptoms include moderate to severe headache, often one-side, along with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Migraine with Aura:
- In addition to the typical migraine symptoms, individuals aura experience sensory disturbances before the headache phase.
- Aura symptoms can include visual changes (such as flashing lights or blind spots), sensory disturbances, and difficulty speaking.
Chronic Migraine:
- Define as experiencing migraines on 15 or more days per month for at least three months, with at least eight of those migraines being aura or responding to migraine-specific treatment.
- Chronic migraines can significantly impact daily life and often require specialize management.
Menstrual Migraine:
- Migraines that are closely link to a woman’s menstrual cycle.
- Typically occur in the days before, during, or after menstruation.
- Hormonal changes are believed to contribute to the increased susceptibility to migraines during this time.
Vestibular Migraine:
- Involves dizziness and problems with balance along with typical migraine symptoms.
- Individuals may experience vertigo (a spinning sensation), problems with coordination, and difficulty maintaining balance.
Migraine Symptoms
symptoms can vary from person to person, and individuals may experience different combinations of symptoms during an episode.
Without Aura
Headache: Typically, migraines involve a moderate to severe throbbing headache, often on one side of the head. However, the pain can shift from side to side and sometimes involve the entire head.
Nausea and Vomiting: thus, sufferers experience nausea, and some may vomit during an attack
Fatigue: They can leave individuals feeling exhauste and fatigue, even after the headache has subside.
With Aura
Visual Disturbances: Auras often involve visual symptoms, such as seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, or temporary vision loss.
Sensory Changes: Some individuals may experience tingling or numbness, typically starting in the face and spreading down the arms.
Speech and Language Problems: Difficulty speaking or forming coherent sentences may occur during an aura.