Migraine Headache
A migraine headache is an intense, throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head. A migraine can last for 30 minutes to several hours.
CAUSES
The exact cause of a migraine headache is not always known. However, a migraine may be caused when nerves in the brain become irritated and release chemicals that cause inflammation. This causes pain.
Certain things may also trigger migraines, such as:
Alcohol.
Smoking.
Stress.
Menstruation.
Aged cheeses.
Foods or drinks that contain nitrates, glutamate, aspartame, or tyramine.
Lack of sleep.
Chocolate.
Caffeine.
Hunger.
Physical exertion.
Fatigue.
Medicines used to treat chest pain (nitroglycerine), birth control pills, estrogen, and some blood pressure medicines.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Before you get a migraine, you may get warning signs that a migraine is coming (aura). An aura may include:
Pain on one or both sides of your head.
Pulsating or throbbing pain.
Severe pain that prevents daily activities.
Pain that is aggravated by any physical activity.
Nausea, vomiting, or both.
Dizziness.
Pain with exposure to bright lights, loud noises, or activity.
General sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, or smells.
Seeing flashing lights.
Seeing bright spots, halos, or zigzag lines.
Having tunnel vision or blurred vision.
Having feelings of numbness or tingling.
Having trouble talking.
Having muscle weakness.
DIAGNOSIS
A migraine headache is often diagnosed based on:
Symptoms.
Physical exam.
A CT scan or MRI of your head. These imaging tests cannot diagnose migraines, but they can help rule out other causes of headaches.
TREATMENT
Medicines may be given for pain and nausea. Medicines can also be given to help prevent recurrent migraines.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicines for pain or discomfort as directed by your health care provider. The use of long-term narcotics is not recommended.
Lie down in a dark, quiet room when you have a migraine.
Keep a journal to find out what may trigger your migraine headaches. For example, write down:
What you eat and drink.
How much sleep you get.
Any change to your diet or medicines.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Quit smoking if you smoke.
Get 7–9 hours of sleep, or as recommended by your health care provider.
Limit stress.
Keep lights dim if bright lights bother you and make your migraines worse.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
Your migraine becomes severe.
You have a fever.
You have a stiff neck.
You have vision loss.
You have muscular weakness or loss of muscle control.
You start losing your balance or have trouble walking.
You feel faint or pass out.
You have severe symptoms that are different from your first symptoms.
MAKE SURE YOU:
Understand these instructions.
Will watch your condition.
Will get help right away if you are not doing well or get worse.
Document Released: 12/18/2006 Document Revised: 5/4/2015 Document Reviewed: 8/25/2014
ExitCare® Patient Information ©2015 ExitCare, LLC.