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What is the difference between
a splitting headache and a severe attack of
migraine? Well if you have ever suffered from
both then you will have the answer to that. A
headache is normally a complaint that can be
eased with the help of a pain killer and
normally disappears in a short space of time.
An attack of migraine is more severe where it
can disable a
person from
doing their daily
chores.
Migraine headache is a
neurological disease affecting
approximately 28 million people in the
United States of America. Not many people
are aware but migraine is three times
more commonly found in women than in men.
Children are not exempt from suffering
from a migraine attack. Patients who
suffer from this condition say that the
pain is unbearable at times. A migraine
is a severe form of recurring headache.
The pain is generally concentrated on one
side of the head. Some folk hideaway from
bright lights and has to lie down in a
darkened room in hope that the pain will
ease. Some people find this works,
whereas others use different tactics in
easing symptoms that cause
agony.
Studies
show that the cause of an attack of
migraine is due to changes in the blood
flow within the brain. To help prevent or
avoid an attack of migraine coming on,
keep calm, because stress and anger can
trigger a bout. Certain types of smell
can also cause a flare up, smell from
fumes, tobacco smoke, light glare, and
weather change.
Not
enough or too much sleep can cause also
be held responsible for severe headaches
or migraine. Hunger and specific food or
beverages can also cause the
patient/sufferer problems. Ask your
doctor for a list containing what you
should do to help avoid bringing on a
migraine. Never take unfamiliar
medication from over the chemist counter
until you have spoken to your
doctor.
There are two
common types of migraine headache that we are
familiar with and that is the classic type and
common type. The classic migraine headache
begins with a prodrome stage characterized by
feelings of lethargy or irritability twenty
fours hours before the second stage kicks in
i.e. visual sensations of flashing, dots or
tunnel vision (referred to as an aura) ten to
thirty minutes prior to the headache All these
symptoms are normally referred to by a patient
as to having an attack of migraine. Other
preceding symptoms may include speech problems,
weak arm or leg sensations, confusion, and
tingling in the face or hands. It is always
best to talk to your doctor to eliminate any
health matters that some of these symptoms can
be confused with relating to other illnesses.
Classic migraine headaches can last up to 24 to
48 hours.
The second type is
the common migraine headaches which are not
preceded by an aura but may be associated with
prodromal symptoms of tiredness, fluid
retention, or mood alteration. More stressing
is that common migraine can last up to three to
four days, more than that of the classic type.
Other symptoms often associated with this are
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or the frequent
need to urinate.
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