http://akathekid.freechipz.com/ Lose Weight simply and safely! en http://akathekid.freechipz.com/2009/03/23/is-it-migraine-or-just-a-headache.html   All of us have had days when our head aches so badly that it becomes difficult to see straight! While a headache is usually not a life-threatening condition, the excruciating pain experienced during a migraine attack can become unbearable. It can incapacitate you to an extent that you may have to put your life on hold till the migraine demon decides to release you from his vise-like grip.   I had 3-4 e mail requests from my blog visitors, who wanted to know whether the head aches they experienced were actually a migraine or just a regular headache? While an estimated all patients with a severe new headache fear that they might have a brain tumor or other neurological disorder, these serious difficulties are extremely rare   I have had my share of headaches as well as thus, know on behalf of sure that when headaches strike, they at all times appear to be severe. However, to be able to reduce the incidence of these headaches, it is important to know the difference between a regular headache as well as a migraine headache?   The an estimated all common types of headache range from a tension headache, a caffeine withdrawal headache, a hunger headache, a menstrual headache, an alcoholic hangover headache, a headache that is caused by eyestrain, a sinus headache, an “ice cream headache”, or a temporal mandibular headache, also known as a TMJ headache. Many headaches are due to fatigue or lack of sleep. Emotional stress as well as symptoms of depression can also cause headaches, while even certain types of foods have found to be potential contributing factor.   Categories of headaches-   Headaches generally drop into two basic categories: tension headaches as well as migraine headaches. A tension headache manifests itself as a band of pain around the head. The pain can spread to the neck as well as back. These headaches are caused by the contraction of neck as well as facial muscles as well as are aggravated by dental problems, bad posture as well as eye strain. A migraine is an intense throbbing pain that often begins on one side of the head as well as then spreads throughout the face as well as head. In severe cases, a migraine can last on behalf of several days as well as is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or a blocked nose.   Headaches Vs Migraine While only your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis as well as suggest a treatment, there are some important distinctions between migraines as well as headaches.      Migraines:    Headaches: Pain is moderate to severe as well as can be strong sufficient to interfere with daily activities Pain tends to feel stabbing/throbbing as well as is usually located in one part of the head Pain lasts from 4 – 72 hours Pain is often accompanied by secondary symptoms, such as: Sensitivity to light, sound, or motion Nausea Vomiting Pain does not respond well to over-the-counter treatments like aspirin or ibuprofen Pain is mild to moderate Pain is all over the head Pain is short lived There are no secondary symptoms (such as vomiting, auras, or sensitivity to motion) Pain responds well to over –the–counter treatments like aspirin or ibuprofen   In addition to these symptoms, migraines (and sometimes tension headaches) can also cause a sensitivity to light (which is referred to as photophobia) and/or sensitivity to sounds or loud noises (which is referred to as phonophobia.) Migraines as well as other types of headaches can also be so bad that just standing up out of a chair as well as slowly walking across a room can manufacture the throbbing pain much, much worse. What are the causes of a migraine? Doctors have been not in a position to pinpoint the exact cause on behalf of migraines. Ø      Some of them trust that migraines can be triggered by changes in hormonal levels. This would probably explain why migraines occur more frequently in women before, during as well as at the end of menstruation. Birth control pills have also been known to increase the severity of migraines in women who tend to suffer from these headaches. Ø      Some people link the incidence of their migraine attacks to particular drugs, food or additives. Ø      Other substances that have been identified as causing migraines are: chocolate, excessive caffeine, citrus fruits, nitrates in cold cuts as well as hot dogs, as well as monosodium glutamate (MSG) used an estimated all often in Chinese food. Ø      Stress has been linked to the occurrence of migraines, but it is not a direct cause-effect relationship because of the fact that some people get migraines more often on vacations as well as weekends. However, anxiety is definitely a factor on behalf of people who have migraine attacks more than twice a week. Tips to overcome the pain- A person who is prone to getting migraines can take a few steps to alleviate his pain. ·        If you feel a migraine coming on, you should lie down in a quiet, darkened room as well as endeavour to take a short nap. ·        Try to avoid stressful situations as well as learn to relax. ·        Maintain regular sleeping habits. ·        Avoid foods as well as other substances in your diet if you know that they cause migraines. ·        Maintain a stable blood sugar level by eating meals at regular tinimings as well as at proper intervals. While there a few measures you can take to pre-empt the onset of a migraine or to alleviate the pain of a migraine attack, they may not at all times be effective. Unfortunately, on behalf of people prone to migraines, often the only thing to do is to bear it. Also, it’s advisable to seek help if the headache is associated with any modification in your neurological function, such as any paralysis, numbness, slurred speech, or loss of sight. Your physician can best determine the type of headache you are experiencing as well as may then be able to prescribe an effective treatment to combat the pain. Posted in General Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:33:09 -0400 akathekid