People with migraines

Just thought I would share some info on migraines. Got this from "The National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain".

People with Migraines
Twenty-five percent of women and 8% of men suffer from migraine headaches. Some migraines are moderate, some are severe. Some occur at every menstrual cycle, some occur twice a month. Some are brought on by stress, smoking, fatigue, and certain foods. Some disable people for days, and all take people away from their jobs, their friends and families, and their livelihoods every time these migraines strike them.

Among these migraine sufferers, only half know that these headaches are migraines, and the other half are misdiagnosed or not receiving any treatment at all. Most people who do know that they suffer from migraine headaches have gone through a long line of doctors to receive the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

As scientists begin to understand the origins of migraine headaches, more treatments are becoming available to ease the pain. While there’s no cure yet, the medicine that is available is more effective than ever before.


Table 2. Characteristics of Migraine Headaches created by the International Headache Society
Migraine without aura (common migraine)

At least five attacks per year that last 4 — 72 hours
At least two of the following symptoms:
Pain on one side of the head only
Pulsing pain
Moderate-to-severe intensity that inhibits or prohibits one’s ability to function
Aggravating pain caused by physical activity, such as climbing stairs
At least one of the following symptoms:
Nausea and/or vomiting
Light sensitivity or sound sensitivity
No evidence of any other diseases that may cause these symptoms

Migraine with aura (classic migraine)
At least two attacks per year
At least three of the following symptoms:
One or more aura symptoms that later subside. Aura symptoms include: alterations in vision; numbness or tingling in the face, arm, or hand on one side of the body; muscular weakness or mild paralysis on one side of the body; and/or difficulty speaking or loss of speech.
Gradual development of at least one aura symptom over more than four minutes or two or more symptoms that occur at the same time
Aura symptoms that last no more than 60 minutes
Headache that occurs simultaneously with aura symptoms or follows aura within 60 minutes

No evidence of any other diseases that may cause these symptoms

Non-Drug Prevention
Researchers have found that trigger factors often provoke migraine attacks. These trigger factors could be a reaction to certain foods or beverages or a reaction to lifestyle or environmental factors. Studies have shown that avoiding these trigger factors could reduce the frequency of migraine attacks by half. Additionally, individuals should exercise, get plenty of sleep, form regular sleeping habits, avoid missing meals, and discontinue smoking. Individuals may also find that relaxation, and stress management help to prevent migraines.