About Migraines
What Is A Migraine?
Migraine is more than just a headache. It is actually a neurological condition which is often associated with a family history so there is a strong genetic component. You are four times more likely to have a migraine condition if you have a parent or grandparent who has had them.
Migraine is one of the most disabling headaches, recurrent in nature. it often manifests in attacks lasting 4–72 hours. Typical characteristics of the headache are unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity, and associated with nausea/vomiting and/or light and noise sensitivity. These symptoms are caused by a sensitivity in the lower part of the brain called the Brainstem. The brainstem is the final region of the central nervous system where all nerves from the body travel through before they spread out through the rest of the brain. Hence, increased sensitivity in this region can have a significant impact on many distinct parts and functions of the body, mainly structures found in the head but migraine can impact on the whole body.
Migraines We Treat
Headache and Migraine conditions treated at this practice are NOT limited to the list above. Please contact our office for further information.
Migraine Diagnosis
How Do We Diagnose A Migraine?
The diagnosis considers the severity of the headache, as well as the impact on a person’s ability to function normally in life. Although the severity of the headache is usually very severe, the associated symptoms such as nausea or light sensitivity will cause a person to retreat to a dark quiet room as any sensory stimulation is irritating. This is why migraine is such a debilitating condition, leading to inability to work, study or be involved in social activities.
Migraine Symptoms
Fatigue
Feeling tired or weary
Difficulty with concentration
Yawning
Neck stiffness
Increased sensitivity
Sensitivity to light and sound
Dizziness
Blurred vision / diplopia
Nausea
Nausea and/or vomitting
Pallor
Paralysis
Migraines We Treat
More Information About Different Migraines
- Migraine With Aura
- Vestibular Migraine
- Menstrual Migraine
- Abdominal Migraine
- Hemiplegic Migraine
- Silent Migraine
- Post-traumatic Migraine
Migraine With Aura
The migraine is preceded by a change in their vision like wavy lines, tunnel vision, flashing lights etc.…the migraine starts 10-30 mins later.
Vestibular Migraine
This is a migraine headache presentation which often includes a false sense of motion, either self-movement (internally) or movement of your visual surrounds (externally) lasting from five minutes to 72 hours.
Menstrual Migraine
The migraine occurs during a specific time of a female’s monthly period.
Abdominal Migraine
A person regularly experiences nausea, abdominal pain and vomiiting for no apparant reason, and lasting more than one hour.
Hemiplegic Migraine
During an episode the person loses control of one side of their body, similar to experiencing a stroke.
Silent Migraine
Occurs when the associated symptoms predominate and there is no actual head pain.
Post-traumatic Migraine
Often arise after a head injury, and they can manifest with severe headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
Read More Headache & Migraine Blogs
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