Migraine Symptoms - How Classic And Common Migraine Headaches Differ

Migraine symptoms can be debilitating and the headache pain usually begins on one side although it may spread to both. The pain will typically begin as a dull ache and then develop into a constant, throbbing pain that is moderate to severe in intensity. People suffering from migraine headache will prefer to lay down in a quiet, dark room since light and sound often aggravate the pain. Migraines are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, sweating or chills.

Migraines are classified according to the symptoms they produce. The two most common types are migraine with an aura (Classic Migraine) and migraine without an aura (Common Migraine).

Migraine Headache Symptoms And Causes

Common and Classic Migraine Headaches share the following possible symptoms:

• Severe headache felt on one side or both sides of the head


• Nausea and vomiting


• Weakness


• Diarrhea


• Increased urination


• Visual disturbance


• Sensitivity to light


• Dizziness


• Sweating and chills

In the case of a Classic Migraine Headache an Aura may be experienced, which proceeds the headache and announces its arrival. An Aura has been described as having many different features including:

• Seeing Flashing lights


• Seeing zigzag lines or spots


• Temporary vision loss


• Difficulty with speech


• Tingling and weakness in the arm


• Tingling and weakness in the leg


• Tingling in the face


• Tingling in the hands


• Mental confusion

Though an aura is not typically present with a Common Migraine Headache, some individuals will experience early symptoms such as:

• Mental fogginess or fuzziness


• Mood changes


• Fatigue


• Fluid retention

Headaches can last 6 to 48 hours and symptoms may linger even after the migraine has passed. This is sometimes called a migraine "hangover" and includes feeling mentally dull and tired and may also include neck pain.

Migraines tend to first appear between the ages of 10 and 45. They are more common in women (the number of headaches may diminish when a woman is pregnant). Having a family history of migraine headaches is a significant risk factor for their development.

Migraine headaches are usually triggered by something. Trigger factors can include:

• Stress (physical or emotional)


• Changes in hormone levels (some women experience headaches during ovulation or just before menstruation or with the use of birth control pills)


• Rapid changes in blood sugar (glucose) levels which may occur in someone who is fasting, oversleeps, or skips meals


• Alcohol


• Certain odors or perfumes


• Certain foods such as avocado, bananas, chocolate, citrus juices, dairy products, marinated foods, nuts, onions, pickled foods, processed foods


• Certain food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), tyramine (found in red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans)


• Changes in barometric pressure


• Glaring sunlight or bright lights


• Exposure to smoke


• Allergies


• Loud noises

Migraine headaches are not typically caused by a brain tumor or other serious health issue. However, a consultation with a doctor is advisable to rule out serious medical conditions.

Migraine Headache Diagnosis And Treatment

A diagnosis can be made by a medical doctor based on the presence of the above mentioned symptoms and questions about your family history of migraines. A physical examination will be performed to help determine a cause for your headaches. There is no specific test to diagnose these headaches. However, your doctor may order an MRI or CT scan if you have unusual symptoms or other concerns are present.

There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. However, steps can be taken to identify and avoid triggers. To identify triggers, it may be helpful to keep a headache diary to record what happened or what you ate or drank prior to the onset of your headache.

When a migraine does occur, it is best to treat it immediately, which may help lessen symptoms. At the first sign of symptoms drink water to avoid dehydration, rest in a quiet and dark room and place a cool cloth on your forehead.

Migraines are commonly treated by medication. Speak with your doctor about the use of aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and/or caffeine. If used at the first signs of impending migraine, these over-the-counter medications can stop the headache or lessen symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend prescription medications to help stop migraine attacks such as:

• Triptans - almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig)


• Ergots such as dihydroergotamine or ergotamine with caffeine (Cafergot)


• Isometheptene (Midrin)

For frequent sufferers daily medication may be helpful in reducing the number of attacks. These medications may include:

• Antidepressants such as amitriptyline


• Blood pressure medicines such as beta blockers (propanolol) or calcium channel blockers (verapamil)


• Seizure medication such as valproic acid, gabapentin, and topiramate


• Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as venlafaxine


• Selective norepinephrine uptake inhibitor (SNRIs) such as duloxetine


• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections

If the attack is already in progress, medications may be used to treat the symptoms. These medications include:

• Nausea medicines such as prochlorperazine


• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)


• Sedatives such as butalbital


• Narcotic pain relievers such as meperidine


• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen

Every person will experience different symptoms and respond differently to treatment and medications. Speak with your doctor about your specific symptom profile and recommended treatment options.