DECODING THE PAIN: IS IT MIGRAINE OR A HEADACHE?
Did you know that forty-two million Americans are affected by migraines? June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of migraine and headache diseases – which are among the most common health conditions.
Migraines can be debilitating, affecting people’s health and well-being, and preventing them from performing daily activities. Luckily there are many ways to identify, manage and treat migraines.
What is a Migraine?
Many people associate migraines with severe headaches. However, migraines are actually a neurological disease that affect nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. These changes in brain activity can impact the blood vessels and tissues in the brain, leading to a range of symptoms beyond just head pain. Migraine sufferers may also experience nausea, heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, dizziness, and extreme fatigue.
Migraine episodes can occur in four different phases, though not everyone will experience all of them.
- The first phase, called prodrome, occurs hours or days before the migraine arrives and may include painless symptoms such as mood swings, food cravings, and neck stiffness.
- The aura phase is the second phase and refers to sensory disturbances that can occur before or during a migraine, affecting a person’s vision, touch, or speech.
- The headache phase is when the pain usually hits, ranging from mild to debilitating, and can be worsened by physical activity and exposure to light, sound, and smells.
- Finally, the postdrome phase is when the pain has subsided, and individuals may feel exhausted, confused, or generally unwell.
Even if you’ve never experienced a migraine before, it’s still possible to start having them. It’s not uncommon for people to develop migraines later in life, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms to be able to identify them when they occur.
If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing a migraine or a regular headache, begin to pay attention to your symptoms. Migraines can last for hours, or even days, and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue. Regular headaches, on the other hand, are usually less severe and may go away on their own or with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers.
Common Migraine Triggers
While the exact cause of migraines and headaches is not fully understood, research suggests that they are linked to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors. Triggers for migraines and headaches can include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, lack of sleep, and environmental factors such as bright lights and loud noises.
Get Support for Migraines
Remember, migraines can be a real pain, but they don’t have to control your life. By paying attention to your symptoms and seeking help when you need it, you can take control of your health and live life to the fullest. Whether you’ve been suffering for a while or think you may be experiencing migraines for the first time, the Trust Nurse Line is a great place to start.
Kaiser Permanente Plan Participants
The Consulting Nurse Helpline gives you direct access to trained registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, at no cost to you. Call (800) 297-6877.
Sources: nkch.org, pennmedicine.org