Migraine

Migraine is severe paroxysms of headache in one or both sides of the head, sometimes accompanied by visual and gastro-intestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, photophobia) and visual field defects, dizziness, rise in temperature and chills.

Migraine is divided into classical and normal.

In classic form, patients feel the aura 10-30 minutes before the attack. Aura includes temporary visual disturbances, the appearance of flashes or zigzags in front of the eyes, decreased vision. In classical migraine may also experience difficulty in speech, weakness in arms and legs, tremors facial muscles and hands, confused consciousness.

In the usual form of migraine patients do not experience an aura, but may have vagal symptoms, such as changes in behavior and apathy.

Both forms of migraine can occur at intervals of several times a week to once every few years. The duration can vary from several hours to several days.

Causes of migraine

The exact culprit of the disease is as yet unknown. However, available data suggest that the main reason lies in the functional disorders of cerebral blood flow as a result of the wide range of trigger factors.

Early symptoms of migraine accompanied by narrowing of the vessels of the brain, then there is their expansion, which leads to the release of prostaglandins and other biologically active substances that increase the swelling and inflammation of the brain. The headache is caused by stimulation of the receptors of biologically active substances are formed and expand blood vessels of the scalp.

Who is more likely to suffer from migraines?

Migraine affects both men and women, but the latter disease occurs in 4 times more frequently than men. Children also may suffer from migraine.

Cases marked with migraine and in families of people suffering from this disease, but the nature of the hereditary mechanism is still unclear. It is assumed that the whole point of genetic anomalies in the regulation of vascular tone.

Diagnosis of migraine

Specific tests for the diagnosis of migraine does not exist. Diagnosis is based at the medical examination and on the basis of medical history. The doctor asks questions about symptoms of illness, the frequency of migraine attacks, the localization of headache, duration and associated symptoms before and after the attack.

In this sense, the patient advisable to keep a diary, where he leads the characteristics of headaches, their relationship with lifestyle, diet, menstrual cycle and use of drugs.

Also, the doctor may check blood tests to detect thyroid disease, anemia or infectious processes that can lead to headaches.

In some cases, to avoid suspicion of brain diseases, using a computer or magnetic resonance imaging. If there is suspicion of a vascular aneurysm angiography was performed.

In general, diagnosis of migraine is complicated, especially when the symptoms are available do not allow to form a single clinical picture.

To measure the activity areas of the brain using an electroencephalogram. Unfortunately, with the help of EEG can record violations in the brain, but can not identify the cause of headaches.

In this regard, are more promising experimental developments in the field of thermography. Under this method, using infrared beams to register the temperature of the skin, converting the received data to a color picture (thermogram). Since the temperature of the skin depends on the intensity of blood flow, the zone having different temperatures, different degrees of staining. Studies have shown significant differences between the thermograms of people who regularly suffer from headaches, and those who have never suffered or not they have tested them very rarely.

The trigger factors of headache

The cause of migraines in some people may be following the so-called trigger factors:

* Changes in hormonal status (especially with the menstrual cycle and because of the use of oral contraceptives);
* Volatile weather conditions;
* Certain types of foods and food additives, especially preservatives, caffeine, chocolate, cheese and products made from corn;
* Strong smell, blinding light;
* Tobacco smoke;
* Lack of sleep, pouring.

Treatment of migraine

Ultimately, a cure migraine does not exist, but the disease can be controlled with medication in most patients.

Triptanov class of drugs used to treat acute migraine attacks, although they have some side effects. The drug is used in the beginning of attack.

By the same class of drugs include sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, frovatriptan and eletriptan. If intolerance of one of them should check the effect of several drugs and pick the one that best suits the patient.

Symptomatic treatment of migraine headaches include pain relief in acute migraine. However, before taking any of these drugs should consult with your doctor: drugs may be contraindicated in people suffering from certain diseases.

Analgesics. This group of drugs includes aspirin and Tylenol, which form the first line drugs for treatment of migraine attacks of low and medium intensity.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples of these drugs are naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, ketorolac and indomethacin. They are also shown in migraine attacks of low and medium intensity.

Derivatives of ergotamine. The most common medical treatment for migraine is ergotamine tartrate (vasoconstrictor). The product eliminates the vasodilatation and applied immediately after the occurrence of migraine headaches, as well as in combination with antiemetic means.

Narcotic analgesics. This class of drugs intended for treatment of severe migraine attacks. They are shown only short courses only in case of ineffectiveness of other drugs and canceled immediately after to reduce the intensity of migraine pain.

Prophylactic drugs. These products are used in cases where severe migraine attacks recur more often than 2-3 times a month, and their duration exceeds 48 hours.

Examples of such drugs are:

* Beta-blockers;
* Calcium channel blockers;
* Tricyclic antidepressants;
* Anticonvulsants.

Since many of these drugs have side effects, the decision on their appointment shall be adopted only as directed by your doctor.

Other ways to treat migraine attacks

As additional methods of treatment using the method of biofeedback and various relaxation techniques. When using the method of biofeedback, patients gain control over the reactions of the organism, which can reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks.

Also, diet is effective if installed products, causing migraine attacks. In this case, it is important to prevent the fall of blood glucose.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

These products are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Before their use should consult with your doctor, as medications may be unsafe if you have:

* Stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding;
* Liver disease or kidney disease or increased bleeding;
* The number of daily alcohol intake exceeding 90 g;
* High blood pressure or heart disease;
* High blood pressure, and you are taking drugs to lower blood pressure and aspirin to protect the heart or other anticoagulants.

You can not assign an aspirin to people younger than 20 years because of the risk of Raynaud's syndrome, also without consulting a doctor is forbidden to give children ibuprofen and naproxen.

Take care of yourself and you should carefully read the instructions that came with the medication.
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