Mary Betz asked:


Why do migraine headache symptoms last so long? That’s a good question, one that I hear often, and the reason I started this article out that way. So many times a patient will come to me with that question, wondering why do headaches last 2 days, 3 weeks, or even months without letting up?

Generally, migraine headache symptoms last 4-72 hours, and many times a simple dose of an anti-inflammatory and a good nights sleep will stop a headache. But if you are one of the chronic sufferers, then you know that a migraine can last..well…..forever.

Migraines are often labeled with different terms such as common migraine, classic migraine, vascular headache, stress headache, tension headache, aura, migraineur, status migrainosus, Raeder syndrome, histamine cephalalgia, histamine headache, sphenopalatine neuralgia, eye pain headache, severe headache, Horton’s neuralgia, and estrogen-withdrawal headache

A true migraine is accompanied by light sensitivity, noise sensitivity and even sensitivity to smells. This is due to the “central sensitization” in the brain. In other words, the nerves in your brain are overly sensitive. It may have nausea and vomiting but other symptoms of migraine can occur. You may feel hunger or lack of it. You might be irritable (gee..think so?) and even feel confused. Your friends and family will say that you look confused and might be slurring your speech.

You may also feel like your hands and feet are cold and can feel like they are tingling. A stuffy nose leads many to believe that they have a sinus headache. Not true! The same nerve that causes blood vessels to dilate and pound and throb also ends near nasal tissue…hello stuffy nose!

Most female migraineurs also have headaches during their menstrual cycle, which is a common migraine trigger. If your headache is during your menstrual cycle then you are having what is known as menstrual migraine. Additional triggers for migraine include food items and of course, prolonged unrelieved stress! Another trigger for migraine that many people have trouble grasping is depression and other mood disorders. Depression is strongly linked to migraine.

If your headache has gone beyond three days, and you cannot break the pain with your normal migraine headache treatments, you are now in status migrainosus. Unfortunately, at this point oral triptans, such as Imitrex may or may not work. You might possibly benefit from a one week course of steroids (low dose) called a Medrol Dose pak, or you may need IV medications. Before sitting in an emergency room for hours (headaches go the end of the line, right?) try an acute care center. They might not be as busy, and they can still treat you.

Treatment of migraine involves utilizing many venues. If you believe that a pill will cure migraines, then you may have difficulty with your headaches and they will not improve. Migraines improve from a combination of lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and medications.

Migraine

Jo Mark asked:


Are you looking out a cure for migraine headache pain? Do you suffer from excruciating migraine headaches, painful sinus headaches, or throbbing cluster headaches? Do you get headaches more often than once a week? Do your headaches bring on any of the following symptoms?

Nausea
Throbbing pain
Sensitivity to light, noise, or odors
Blurry vision
Upset stomach
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Feeling terribly warm or cold
Tiredness
Dizziness
Bright flashing dots, lights, or zig-zag lines

Sadly, you aren’t alone if you answered yes to any of the questions above. Worldwide, about ninety percent of the world’s population suffers from headaches. Many folks use standard over-the counter remedies like aspirin and ibuprofen to relieve headache pain. But these painkillers have a downside. If taken on a constant basis over long periods of time, they could lead to significant health conditions, including internal bleeding and serious kidney illness. So, what’s the cure for migraine headache symptoms? The 1st line of defense in looking for a cure for migraine headache pain is to drink lots of water. This may not absolutely eliminate your headache, but it’ll reduce the severity of the symptoms. If you suffer from even mild dehydration, it can worsen your migraine symptoms and prolong the duration.

Many of us have found a cure for migraine headache agony by taking a nice warm bath. If feasible, lower the lights in your bathroom or use soft candle light. This may also reduce some of the negative visible effects that you may be experiencing. Another cure for migraine headache agony is to use a cool wet compress on your head where the pain is most serious. This method is best applied in a quiet darkened room. This could reduce light or noise sensitivity and may alleviate the nausea too. As the compress warms, re-wet it to cool it off, then re-apply it.

Many folks claim that a gentle face massage is a good cure for migraine headache agony. Employing a round about motion, gradually massage the area just under your cheek bones. This relieves sinus discomfort and stimulates blood circulation [ which is an important factor in any cure for migraine headache agony ]. Another massage cure for migraine headache pain is focused on your temples. To apply this method, sit in a quiet room and make the lighting really dim. Close your eyes and try and relax. If possible, get your other half to perform the massage. Using a round about motion, delicately massage the area surrounding your temples.

Migraine