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Migraine disease is far more
than a headache, infinitely more complex, and will have much more impact on life
in general.
Migraine is actually a genetic neurological disease. The headache itself is one phase of a an attack of the disorder. If a parent has migraine, a child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. For many years, the predominant theory was that migraine attacks were caused by the dilation and constricting of blood vessels in the brain. While scientists still accept that theory as the cause of the headache pain, it is no longer the predominant theory of the cause of the actual migraine attack. Advances in imaging technology now allow scientists to observe the brain during a migraine attack. This technology has led to the discovery that migraine sufferers have unusually excitable brain nerve cells (neurons). When a migraine is triggered, those neurons suddenly fire electrical pulses that ripple from the back of the brain, across the top, then back down to the brainstem where vital pain centers are located. This "wave" causes blood flow to increase drastically, then quickly drop off again. The pain of migraine is caused by the blood vessels inflamed by the swings in blood flow, brainstem stimulation, or both.
The Phases and
Symptoms of a Migraine Attack:
Migraine attacks can have up to four
phases. Not everyone experiences all of the phases, and even those who do may
not experience all of them with every attack.
- The prodrome
can begin up to two days before any headache pain begins. Only 30 - 40% of
migraineurs experience prodrome. For those who do, it can serve as a kind of
"yellow light," a warning that an attack has begun. For some,
taking abortive medications at this point, can sometimes prevent the
headache phase. Symptoms of prodrome can include:
- food cravings
- constipation or diarrhea
- mood changes - depression, irritability, etc.
- muscle stiffness, especially in the neck
- fatigue
- increased frequency of urination
- The aura
phase is experienced by only 10 - 15% of children with migraine. The aura
generally begins very quickly. It usually lasts from 10 to 60 minutes. The
visual aura symptoms are most common, and can be very frightening. Again,
for those who do experience it, it can serve as a warning, and an
opportunity to take medications and possibly avoid the headache phase. Aura
can manifest itself in several different ways:
- visual: flashing lights, wavy lines, spots, partial loss of sight, blurry vision
- olfactory hallucinations - smelling odors that aren't there
- tingling or numbness of the face or extremities
- difficult finding words and/or speaking
- confusion
- vertigo[/link]
- partial paralysis
- auditory hallucinations
- decrease in or loss of hearing
- reduced sensation
- hypersensitivity to feel and touch
- The pain of the headache
phase of a migraine attack may be moderate, but it can be very extreme and
frightening to both the child and the parents. In adults, it is more common
for the pain to be on one side of the head, but with children, it is very
common for the pain to be in the forehead. It is seldom in the back of the
head. Other common symptoms and characteristics of the headache phase
include:
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light and sound
- sensitivity to strong odors
- dizziness
- This phase usually lasts from one to 72 hours. In less common cases where it lasts longer than 72 hours, it is termed status migrainosus, and medical attention should be sought.
- The pain is worsened by any physical activity.
- diarrhea or constipation
- nasal congestion and/or runny nose
- depression, severe anxiety
- hot flashes and chills
- confusion
- The child will probably want only to find a quiet, dark place and sleep
The Postdrome
Once the headache is over, the migraine episode is still not over. The postdrome (sometimes called postheadache) follows immediately afterward and may last up to two days. In cases where prodrome and/or aura are experienced without the headache phase, the postdrome may still occur. During this stage, the child will probably be listless and perhaps lack his or her usual level of concentration.
Abdominal
Migraine
Although unusual, a small percentage of children with migraine don't
experience the headache pain, but have abdominal pain and more vomiting than is
usual with migraine. This has been termed abdominal migraine. Children with
abdominal migraine generally develop more traditional migraine as adults.
>> Please click the link below to continue to page 3: Migraine Triggers and Treatment.<<
