During National Migraine and Headache Awareness month, Summit Medical Group wants to educate and spread awareness around these common conditions. We also want to encourage people who experience migraines or chronic headaches to seek help and learn about the treatment options available. Our last blog focused on the different types of headaches and how to treat them. Today, we will discuss migraines and why they aren't just another type of headache.
What differentiates a migraine attack from a headache?
As we mentioned in our previous blog, a headache is just one symptom someone might
experience as a result of a migraine. Migraines are a chronic condition,
and typically the cause is unknown. Compared to headaches, migraines are severe
and often have other symptoms that go along with head pain. They tend only to
affect one side of the head, and the pain and throbbing can be so severe that
it can make performing everyday tasks exceedingly difficult. Other symptoms may
include:
- Nausea
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
- Temporary vision loss
- Seeing spots or flashing lights
- Dizziness
- Pain behind one ear or eye, or in the temples
- Extreme fatigue
Migraine is the third most common illness in the world, impacting 40 million people in the
United States alone and more than 1 billion people globally. Some of
the most common types of migraines include:
- Migraine without Aura ("Common"): Characterized by moderate to severe headache without
preceding sensory disturbances.
- Migraine with Aura ("Complicated"): Preceded by visual or sensory symptoms such as
flashing lights, blind spots, or tingling sensations.
- Chronic Migraines: Defined by having
headaches on 15 or more days per month, with at least 8 of those days
being migraines.
- Vestibular Migraines: Involve vertigo and
balance issues, in addition to typical migraine symptoms.
- Hemiplegic Migraines: Rare and not always
painful; symptoms mimic those of a stroke. Onset is sudden and severe,
causing weakness to one side of the body and can last from hours to weeks.
- Retinal Migraines: Causes temporary
vision loss; while symptoms may not last, it is important to see a
specialist if experiencing this type of migraine.
Migraine requires a diagnosis by a
physician. Currently, about 16 million people with migraine in the U.S.
are undiagnosed. While treatments are available for migraines, it can take
time to find one that works for you.
Over-the-counter
medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen may help alleviate
the symptoms we experience with mild migraines but may not be enough for
someone who experiences more moderate to severe migraines. Other medications
treat symptoms and prevent future migraines from happening may include:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections
There is no permanent cure for migraines, but with treatment, attacks can
be relieved, and the severity and frequency of symptoms can be decreased.
Your doctor can perform a
thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like CT or MRI scans, to
determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment option. For a list of
Summit offices near you, visit www.summitmedical.com/locations.