7 migraine symptoms you need to know about

Usually referred to as migraineMigraine. Symptoms and Causes / Mayo Clinic excruciating headache that lasts for hours. But this is not entirely correct definition. The disease refersWhat Is Migraine? / American Migraine Foundation (AMF) to neurological disorders, and a splitting head is far from the only symptom.

How to tell if you have a migraine

She has seven characteristic features. Not all will necessarily be present. However, if a person has at least 2-3 symptoms, they are more likely to have migraines. In this case, to soften new attacks and learn how to deal with pain, would need specialist help.

1. Headache on one side only

The word migraine goes backMigraine / Etymological Online Dictionary of the Russian Language by Max Vasmer to the Greek hemicrania - "headache, covering half of the head." Indeed: in this condition, severe throbbing pain is most often manifestedMigraine. Symptoms / NHS only on one side.

Only in rare cases does a migraine cover the entire head. Also, painful sensations can occur in the face and neck.

2. You will know about an impending attack of pain in 1-2 days.

Doctors call this periodMigraine. Symptoms and Causes / Mayo Clinic prodromal period (from the Greek. prodromos - "running ahead").

Harbingers of an approaching migraine are:

• a sharp increase in appetite;
• constipation;
• increased urination;
• fluid retention;
• frequent yawning;
• mood swings, from tearfulness and melancholy to euphoria;
• strange sensation in the neck, as if it becomes clumsy.

3. Strange sensations occur just before or during an attack

About one in three people with migraines faceMigraine. Symptoms / NHS with unusual physical consequences - the so-called aura.

Most often, she makes herself known with visual impairments. So, a person sees flashes of light, bright blinking points, sparks, zigzag patterns. But other symptoms are also possible:

• numbness or tingling, this sensation usually begins with the fingers of one hand and then gradually rises and may affect the face, lips, tongue;
• dizzinessbalance problems;
• tinnitus;
• Somewhat difficult speech, it may seem as if the tongue is braided.

In rare cases, a person may even lose consciousness before the onset of a migraine.

These sensations usually last from 5 minutes to an hour. Some people are lucky, and a distinct aura is not followed by a migraine, but only a slight headache, or the discomfort disappears completely without a trace. In this case, the doctors sayMigraine Headaches / Cleveland Clinic about "quiet" (it is - acephalgic) migraine.

4. The headache lasts at least a few hours

If the migraine is left untreated, the attacks usually continue.Migraine. Symptoms and Causes / Mayo Clinic from 4 hours to three days.

5. Sensitivity to external stimuli increases

Bright lights, loud sounds, and harsh aromas of flowers, perfume, and food increase migraine pain. Therefore, in this state, a person tries to hide in a quiet and dark room in order to get rid of external stimuli.

6. The pain is accompanied by nausea or even vomiting

With migraine, a feeling often arises, which is denoted by the word "stiff". Strong odors or bright light can cause nausea and vomiting.

7. After a long headache comes a "hangover"

This is the so-called postdromal phase. After the seizure is over, the person feelsMigraine Headaches / Cleveland Clinic emptiness, weakness, loss of concentration. Often all this is accompanied by depressed symptoms, although some people experience euphoria.

The hangover usually lasts a day or two, but can sometimes lastMigraine. Symptoms / NHS up to a week.

When a severe headache is not associated with a migraine

Acute persistent headache may be 1. Migraine. Symptoms and Causes / Mayo Clinic
2. Migraine. Symptoms / NHS a sign of a stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, or inflammation of brain tissue. Call 103 or 112 urgently if you have at least one of the following symptoms:

• Sharp, severe headache, like a thunderclap.
• The pain is accompanied by a temperature above 38 ° C, stiffness of the neck muscles, double vision, confusion, convulsions.
• Numbness, severe weakness, or paralysis of one or two arms or one side of the face appear.
• Speech suddenly became slurred or severely distorted.
• The excruciating headache not only does not subside after 10–20 minutes, but also gets worse with every sudden movement, coughing or just muscle tension.
• A sharp headache occurred after a recent trauma heads.

Another warning sign is if you are over 50 years old and this is the first time you have a severe headache. In this case, it is not necessary to call an ambulance (unless, of course, there are other threatening symptoms), but the visit to the therapist cannot be postponed. It could beS. P. Mollan, K. Paemeleire, J. Versijpt, R. Luqmani & A. J. Sinclair. European Headache Federation recommendations for neurologists managing giant cell arteritis / The Journal of Headache and Pain a sign of giant cell arteritis, a disease that affects the arteries of the neck and head.

Ekaterina Komissarova