Headaches & Migraines
What is migraine?
Migraines can cause, intense, debilitating pain. This is usually described as a throbbing sensation on one side of the head. Light and sound sensitivity may accompany a migraine attack, along with nausea and vomiting.
Migraine symptoms:
A migraine will sometimes progress through four distinct stages, each with its own range of symptoms:
- Prodrome
- Aura
- Attack
- Post-drome
– PRODROME
You may notice the following 1-2 days before the onset of a migraine:
- Constipation
- Food cravings
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Mood swings
- Neck stiffness
- Frequent yawning
- Aura
Although most people experience migraines without an aura, it can occur before or during a migraine and is characterized by a visual disturbance. Other symptoms include:
- Weakness or numbness in a limb, face, or side of the body
- Seeing various shapes, flashes of light, spots
- Pins and needles in an arm or leg
- Uncontrollable jerking
- Hearing noises
- Difficulty speaking
- Vision loss
– HEADACHE
The duration of your migraine can vary widely, from anywhere between four hours to three days. The accompanying headaches also vary in intensity and frequency. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain on one side or both sides of your head
- Light-headedness and fainting
- Sensitivity to light and sounds
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
– POST-DROME
This is the final phase of a migraine attack and your mood may be anything from feeling elated to feeling completely drained. You may also feel:
- Confusion
- Moodiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
Migraine Treatment
If your frequent migraines have taken a toll on your overall quality of life, visit our Neurology Department for a tailor-made treatment plan that works for you.
