All Migraines are Not the Same

manta

All Migraines are Not the Same

All migraines do not include all of these phases, and even people who experience one or more of these phases may not be subjected to them all the time. Still, it's important to recognize that these distinct sets of symptoms can occur before, during and after a migraine attack. You'll begin to recognize these symptoms as warning signs that should be acted upon immediately so you can stop the migraine roller-coaster before it gets started.

One way to do that is with a class of migraine medication known as triptans. Studies show these drugs may actually calm the stimulated brainstem where the migraine originates before the attack reaches its full force.

There are many preventative strategies available which can reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks, and they should be considered an important component of your treatment regimen, too. Taking steps to avoid triggers like stress, foods or others factors can help. But it's also important to consider the variety of medications that can be taken when a migraine is anticipated. These preventive medicines can stop the headache process and halt the symptoms of the attack. Although breakthrough migraines can still occur, these treatments can make a big difference in the long run.

The bottom line is that migraines don't have to control your life. Learning about the symptoms and taking action will give you a sense of control. It will also ensure you get the most effective treatment to stop the attack in its tracks.

Monitor your symptoms with a headache diary, and talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing. Armed with the right information, you'll soon be able to manage this disabling disease instead of letting it control you.

Math Is Hard

I don't understand why you chose the title "hospital phobia" for this thread.

manta

I don't think that my way og naming it is so important. The important one is the method in which I could help her !

Math Is Hard

Help who?

somasimple

Hi,

When you recognize the incoming symptoms (warning messages / yellow flags) you have some chance to stop the migraine.

It works fine for tension headaches (common migraines).

Many migraineurs are focussed on pain and related responses but unaware of the incoming stimuli.

larkspur

I don't always get the migraine prodrome. In fact, I rarely do. Usually, if I do get the scintillating scotoma then I don't get much of a headache. Most of the time the only way I can tell if it is a migraine or a tension headache is that Tylenol or NSAIDS get rid of the tension headache. There is no over the counter drug that has any effect on a migraine for me. Thank God for Zomig! My migraines are totally hormonally related. I get one a month that lasts about 24 hours.

Evo

I've had 3 ophthalmic (painless) migraines. They are strange not only because they are painless, but because of the unmistakeable glowing crescent with geometric shapes that are seen during the event.

The first time I had one I was so mesmerized by what I was seeing that (in a way) I didn't want it to stop.

I do not get the normal migraines.

Pythagorean

is this in any way related to what happens when you're on hallucinogens like LSD, street acid, or psiolcybin?

larkspur

I have never tried any of those but I found a good picture of what mine look like except mine make a complete oval instead of just half of the visual field.

Evo

This is what mine looked like, except the crescent was thin, perfectly formed, no rough edges and the geometric shapes inside would spin while the crescent glowed and pulsed.

It's not like psychedilcs that alter your entire field of vision, it is a single image within your eye.

http://www.eyeguys.net/ocularmigraine.html

Mk

I've never had a headache except from dehydration a few times.

Mk

Oh yes, and rapid consumption of frozen dairy treats.

Math Is Hard

I wonder if a migraine feels like "brain freeze"?

larkspur

Mine don't! The best way to describe my migraines is this:

Put on a baseball cap as tight as it will go. So tight you have to force it on. Now, go out in the hot sun on a 90* day and stay out there without sunglasses and squint all day long. Then, imagine you cannot remove the hat that is squeezing your head so much that it throbs and hurts to smile. Take a Tylenol or Advil and wait for it to do absolutely nothing........

That is what my headaches were like until I found Zomig.

Pythagorean

normal headaches throb too, though right? Like it feels like you're tensing a muscle in your head, but you have no control over it?

Evo

I get severe sinus headaches. The pressure inside feels like your head is going to explode. The pain is excruciating.

larkspur

Normal headaches can throb too but migraines usually end up on one side. Mine start out all over and after about six hours it ends up in the left frontal/temporal lobe area.