Articles Index
Using Birth Control Pills to Prevent Menstrual Migraine
A comprehensive article on factors that contribute to birth control use and migraines
Coping with Nausea From A Migraine
Outlines coping strategies for dealing with nausea symptoms induced by migraine.
Dealing With Migraine Related Depression
An article that gives advice on how to deal with migraines and associated depression
Is Working At My Computer Causing My Headaches?
An article that outlines some of the issues surrounding computer use and headache
Complications of Migraines
According to the International Headache Society’s classification of headaches, there are five separate complications of migraines: Chronic Migraine, Status Migrainosus, Persistent Aura without Infarction, Migrainous Infarction, and Migraine-triggered Seizures. Many times each of these causes worry and distress beyond the pain itself.
Persistent Aura without Infarction
There are a number of rare complications of migraines, and Persistent Aura without Infarction (PAWI) is one of them. As the name suggests, migraine aura is a necessary feature of PAWI. Not a lot is known about PAWI, but there are a few treatments that can be used.
Migraine Aura
Many time migraine headaches are preceded by some sort of visual disturbance known as migraine auras. They usually occur anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours before the pain of a migraine starts. These symptoms typically last for anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes. There are times when the aura occurs without actual pain, and in these cases it is known as a migraine equivalent.
Headache Treatments
There are many, many headache treatment, as evidenced by the abundance of advertisements on radio and television, in magazines, and on the internet. What works well for one person may or may not work well for another, so it is a good thing there are so many choices. Here is an overview of some of the treatments being used for headaches.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin Syndrome is an extremely dangerous condition that is usually caused by an adverse reaction to some medication. It can be the result of medication interactions, overdose, or even therapeutic use. There are numerous drugs used to treat headaches that can cause Serotonin Syndrome so headache sufferers would be wise to learn more about this potentially life-threatening condition.
FDA Medication Watch List
The Food and Drug Administration is now keeping a list of medications with questionable safety profiles: the FDA Medication Watch List. This list is updated quarterly and includes the trade name, generic name, and potentially problematic issues.
Coping with Migraines
I interviewed one of my patients with migraines and asked her about what she thought was important to share with others who may be suffering similarly. We talked for quite a while about how migraines have impacted her life and what she has done to cope. Having opportunities to share with others can be an important part of learning to deal with a frustrating, but manageable condition.
Head Pain
Head pain comes in countless varieties and it can be daunting to figure out what it all means. In fact, it is probably impossible to create a foolproof listing of what pain in each location means. When it comes to primary headaches it is possible to get a good, general idea of where that pain occurs.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are common, affecting nearly 30 million people a year. According to some statistics, about 25 percent of women and almost 10 percent of men experience debilitating migraines. With so many people being affected by migraines it is worth the time to understand a little bit more about them.
Status Migrainosus
The problem with status migrainosus is that it is one of the most painful and troublesome complications of migraine headaches. Status Migrainosus is a fancy way to say "a headache that just won’t quit." If you have a migraine that continues for more than 72 hours then you have status migrainosus. These migraines can be brought on by your typical triggers and can resemble your "typical" migraines, at least at first.
Chronic Migraines (Transformed Migraines)
As the name suggests, the problem with chronic migraines is that they continue over a long period of time. The name “transformed migraine” is also used since chronic migraines can evolve (or transform) from episodic to almost daily headaches. Symptoms may be mild, but migraines can occur in addition to the daily discomfort.
Unusual Conditions Linked to Migraines in Children
Not all types of migraines have headaches, and there are a few migraine variations that lead to migraines in children. Up to 10 percent of children and 20 percent of adolescents will experience a migraine at least once, and for some the major symptoms will not include head pain. Cyclical vomiting, abdominal migraines, and benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood are three migraine variations that often lead to classic migraines in children.
Treating Migraines in Teens
Migraines can affect people of all ages, from child to adult, but treating migraines in teens can require a different approach. After age 15, as many as 20 percent or more of teens will experience migraines. During adolescence girls are more commonly affected than boys.
Retinal Migraines
It is important to understand all about retinal migraines since the symptoms can be quite worrisome. In the past, some people have called them “ocular migraines,” but this is not an official headache type according to the International Headache Society. If you seem to develop visual problems with your migraines, be sure to discuss your symptoms with your health care provider to ensure you receive the help that you need.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders and Headaches
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and headaches are a common pairing. Head pain arising from TMJ disorders is another source of secondary headache and can be life altering. Treatments for TMJ disorders can differ from treatments for other headaches, so distinguishing headaches due to TMJ disorders from other headaches can be quite useful.
Temporal Arteritis and Headaches
Temporal arteritis and headaches go together quite commonly, but the two conditions are also very different. While headache can be a symptom of temporal arteritis, being able to distinguish between the two is very important in finding the most appropriate and effective treatments.
Cluster Headaches
It is worthwhile to understand about cluster headaches since they are one of the primary headache types. They can be so painful that cluster headaches are sometimes referred to as “suicide headaches.” Any head pain with a nickname that severe deserves our attention.
Headache Warning Signs
The American Headache Society has a handy mnemonic device for remembering headache warning signs—reasons to call your doctor right away. All you have to do is remember to “SNOOP.”
Tylenol Use in Headaches
Acetaminophen is likely the most commonly used pain reliever today. It has long been touted as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of pain, including headaches, whether you have migraines, tension headaches, or cluster headaches. Acetaminophen use comes with some risk, however, so understanding proper dosing and potential hazards is important. As always, discuss any medication uses or changes with your health care provider.
Alcohol and Headaches
Alcohol and headaches have gone together for as long as can be remembered. Headaches are usually associated with “hangovers” and the effects of heavy drinking the day before. There are also so-called “soon-after headaches” that can appear shortly after your first drink as well.
Concussions and Headaches
Concussions occur when there is minor injury to the brain. It is a short loss of brain function, usually following some sort of injury. Concussions are common in sports such as football, in which players are likely to be struck in the head. Headache is a common early symptom of a concussion, and should be considered along with other symptoms to determine the nature of an accident or trauma.