Signs of Migraines

Signs of a migraine vary according to the type of migraine. Symptoms also differ based on when they occur in the headache cycle. Migraine is a complex and long-lasting event, the symptoms of which can be equally complex. Research continues into migraine headaches.

Significance

It is necessary to determine if symptoms indicate onset of or the migraine itself. Untreated migraine headaches can cause serious related health problems. Even without further complications, untreated migraines are incredibly painful and last up to 72 hours. Further, if one can identify that one is experiencing a migraine, it is possible to properly treat, interrupt, or prevent the headache. Consult a neurologist who specializes in migraine headaches.

Function

A person must know that a migraine is approaching in order to interrupt it with appropriate treatment. Migraine symptoms can be the same as symptoms for other conditions such as brain tumors or stroke. It is imperative to consult a physician in order to receive adequate diagnosis and care to prevent a possible life-threatening event.

Types

Migraine headaches appear according to three general types, each with distinctive prodromal symptoms prior to onset. Classical migraine symptoms include visual, auditory or other physical disturbances. Complicated migraines have symptoms that originate in the affected regions of the brain. It is difficult to diagnose atypical migraine, since symptoms do not fit typical migraine patterns. Once a migraine occurs, sufferers experience similar symptoms. Speech may be slurred. One is hyper-sensitive to light and sound. As the migraine progresses, vomiting is common. Without appropriate medication, the pain increases until subsiding up to 72 hours later. Days before a migraine, one can experience symptoms that include irritability, elation, cravings for sweets and thirst. Memory issues can occur during and after an event.

Features

Visual and/or auditory auras, can precede classical migraine. Jagged lights, lights that "crawl" up the periphery of the side of the brain in which the migraine occurs are common to classical migraine onset symptoms. There may be a bright halo of light that impairs the field of vision. Lights can be colored. Auras can appear just prior to the onset of the actual headache or may occur simultaneously with the migraine.
Complicated migraine is attended by some kind of neurological dysfunction, related to the area of the brain from which the migraine originates. Symptoms of one form of of complicated migraine include dizziness, and blurred vision. More troubling symptoms of another type of complicated migraine are weakness or even paralysis on one side of the body, which resemble symptoms of a stroke.
Those who experience atypical migraine need tests to determine the cause of symptoms that do not normally occur with classical and complicated migraines. A physician must also determine if the symptoms are migraine symptoms.

Considerations

Migraine is not just another headaches. MAGNUM (see Additional Resources) is an resource for all aspects of migraine, including dangers and migraine as disability. Migraine is a serious health issue, for which there are no easy fixes. Migraine sufferers experience widely differing symptoms. Untreated migraine not only causes unbearable pain, but also can lead to stroke, coma and death. Find a neurologist who understands migraine. It still is all too common that people, including physicians, treat migraineurs without the attention they deserve. Such dismissive treatment is not merely annoying, it also is a threat to the sufferer's well-being.

Resources

• MAGNUM: The National Migraine Association
• The Migraine Headache Center
• The Mayo Clinic: Migraine Symptoms