What is migraine? Should you go to a doctor?

Posted by Ankush Trivedi on July 1st, 2016

Headaches! The thought itself gives headaches, isn’t that? And if you are a sufferer then pain knows no bounds. Even in this oh-so-common painful problem, there are different categories that people tend to ignore. One such major type is a migraine. 

What is migraine? 

It is an extremely painful headache that ultimately leads to sensitivity to smell, lights, vision and sound. You would see women commonly experiencing migraines more than men. 

The fact is researchers are still searching for the exact cause of its occurrence. However, so far it is accepted that because of certain abnormalities in the brain that causes nerve signals to alter temporarily, migraines occur. 

The attack of migraine: Symptoms

Unlike most other headaches, migraine attacks can be severe as well as frightening. While it varies with individuals, patients often lie still for several hours. The attack in general lasts from 4 hours to 72 hours. And this whole thing is going to have a serious impact on your personal, social and family life. 

Now, the vital part – check the symptoms to detect what is migraine and if you are a sufferer. 

• Starting from one side of head with moderate to severe pain, gradually moving to the other side 

• Vomiting and nausea are two very common symptoms

• Lack of energy is another indicator

• While doing physical activity, you may feel an increased pain

• Sweating, tummy ache, and temperature changes are also felt

• Even diarrhea is experienced by some people

However, these are for your general information. Only an experienced doctor can perform the correct diagnosis using certain techniques. Based on his overall analysis, he will proceed with right treatment method. To locate a migraine specialist in your nearby area, you can click on this link http://www.mewithoutmigraine.com/locate-a-doctor/

Do you know, migraine has its sub categories too? 

While you come across what is migraine and its symptoms, the next thing you must know is what are the various types of migraine. Yes, this again has its sub categories too, and they are – 

a. Migraine with aura 

b. Migraine without aura

c. Migraine with brainstem aura 

d. Chronic migraine 

e. Hemiplegic migraine

f.Cyclical vomiting syndrome

g. Menstrual migraine 

h.Abdominal migraine 

i. Hemiplegic migraine 

Note: Not everybody experiences typical symptoms of a migraine. So, it is important that you understand the types in details. 

And hence, it’s always better not to self medicate, and instead, visit the doctor at the earliest. Only he can detect the actual problem and recommend correct treatment.

Maintaining a diary: 

For migraine patients, it is an essential task like any other regular activity to maintain a dairy. You must record the time of the attack, duration, triggers, symptoms, and everything else related to the attack. This helps you and your doctor to understand your problem in detail. The medication and treatment will vary accordingly. 

So, now if anybody asks you what is migraine, the answer would certainly not be “It’s just a headache” as it’s not. Migraine is something more serious that obviously needs an expert attention.