MAIN Health Pain Migraines

Although a migraine does share a symptom of head pain (albeit more severe and prolonged) with common headaches, migraines are a neurological syndrome with their own specific causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Migraine symptoms

The first symptoms of an oncoming migraine, such as mood change, sleepiness, or even constipation can appear hours or even days before the actual migraine. For about one quarter of migraine sufferers, these first symptoms are followed by the aura phase, which can manifest as auditory, olfactory, or visual hallucinations.

The actual head pain of a migraine can either follow or accompany the aura phase, and usually lasts anywhere from four to seventy two hours. After the pain subsides, a variety of symptoms maybe be experienced and may include anything from being weak, tired, and depressed to feeling euphoric and refreshed.

Treating migraine headaches

The exact cause of migraines is still unknown, although there is a generally accepted theory that points to a brain neurotransmitter disorder that reacts to certain environmental or food triggers. Despite the mystery surrounding the exact cause of migraines, there is a great deal known about its treatment, and preventative measures that can be taken to ease the most debilitating symptoms.

Treating migraines can be difficult for some sufferers, and the best treatment method and the level of success will vary from person to person. Most treatments fall in to one of three categories: medication, avoiding migraine triggers, and controlling symptoms.

The best way to treat migraines is to stop them before they start. Keeping a journal, especially a food journal, can go a long way to identifying food triggers and other daily habits, and can be instrumental in designing a lifestyle that eliminates the causes of migraines.

If the symptoms of an oncoming migraine do start appearing, there are pain relievers that can be prescribed that will help to abort the migraine before it starts. Aspirin or ibuprofen are usually prescribed for mild migraines.

For more severe symptoms, prescription triptan drugs have been found to be very effective in relieving the pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound that are associated with migraines.

Natural supplements such as feverfew, coenzyme Q10, butterbur or magnesium supplements have also been shown to be at least moderately successful at preventing migraines.

More about migraine pain & treatment around the Web:

Migraine - MayoClinic.com - Complete guide to the condition including information on causes, symptoms and drug treatment including tips on prevention, lifestyle and home remedies and alternative remedies.

Migraine Headache - Ways to Deal with the Pain - Topic factsheet discussing the causes, various types of migraine symptoms and pain, a list of food triggers, treatment options including home care tips & advice.

National Headache Foundation - Migraine - Discussion on the causes and treatment of migraine including information on a variety of drug treatments & preventatives.

Natural Remedies for Migraine Relief - About.com guide with tips on vitamin, mineral and herbal remedies for migraine.

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