A migraine is a type of recurring headache. Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are moderate to severe. Typically, the headaches affect one-half of the head, are pulsating in nature, and last from two to 72 hours. Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. The pain is generally made worse by physical activity. Up to one-third of people have an aura: typically a short period of visual disturbance which signals that a headache will soon occur. Occasionally, an aura can occur with little or no headache following it. Migraines are believed to be due to a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. About two-thirds of cases run in families. Changing hormone levels may also play a role, as migraines affect slightly more boys than girls before puberty and two to three times more women than men. The risk of migraines usually decreases during pregnancy. The underlying mechanisms are not fully known. It is, however, believed to involve the nerves and blood vessels of the brain. Migraines have a tendency to be the worst kind of pain that can be experienced in the head region, but with proper care and treatment, it can be effectively relieved just like all the other kinds of pain so there is no need to be worrisome.
Symptoms of migraine
Symptoms of migraine are plethora, but in general, it is a sudden, new, severe headache that comes with:
- Weakness, dizziness, sudden loss of balance or falling, numbness or tingling, or can’t move your body
- Having trouble with speech, confusion, seizures, personality changes, or inappropriate behavior
- Hazy vision, double vision, or blind spots
- Fever, shortness of breath, a stiff neck, or rash
- Headache pain that wakes you up at night
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Headaches that happen after a head injury or accident
- A new type of headache that starts for the first time after age 55
- Have headaches that are triggered by coughing, bending, sexual activity or other intense physical activity
- Have a history of headaches but have noticed a recent change in your symptoms or pattern of attacks
These migraine or headache symptoms don’t need urgent care, but you should, however, let your doctor know if you:
- Experience three or more headaches per week
- Have headaches that keep worsening and won’t go away
- Need to take a pain reliever every day or almost every day for your headaches
- Need more than two to three doses of over-the-counter medications per week to feel better
- Have headaches that interfere with your family, work or social life.
If any, if these conditions are met you consulting a doctor, is highly recommended, if it is taken for granted it might get worse with time and that is going to hurt a lot. If however, you are unable to go see a doctor, for the time being, you could have pain meds, it might relieve the pain for a little while after its effect wears off go immediately check a doctor.