A Guide To Understanding Common Types Of Migraines And The Issues They Are Associated With
It is easy for people who have never had migraines to write them off as just a really bad headache, but if you are a migraine sufferer, you are undoubtedly aware of the debilitating impact they can have on your quality of life. However, you may not know that there are multiple types of migraines and many different treatment options to choose from. Therefore, it is a good idea to discuss your symptoms with a neurologist to form a care plan that may be able to prevent migraines from occurring and to aggressively treat them to minimize the pain and discomfort they are associated with.
Understanding Migraines
Whether you have recently experienced your first migraine or you have suffered from them for years, you are not alone in your suffering. It has been recently reported that approximately 12% of the population have migraines and migraine disorders are the one of the most common diseases in the world. While many treatment options exist and it is often possible to prevent migraines from occurring or minimizing the symptoms during a flare-up, there is not yet a cure.
Your neurologist will usually provide a complete physical, medical history and a variety of tests to evaluate your symptoms. This is particularly important because roughly six out of ten men and seven out of ten men are diagnosed with the wrong type of migraine, this allowing for increased pain and ineffective treatment. Accurate information makes it easier to diagnose the type of migraine you are plagued with and to create a treatment plan that will be tailored to your precise needs.
Understanding Migraines Without Aura
For years, migraines without auras were known as common migraines. Their symptoms include pulsing pain that is often limited to one side of your head, nausea, and sensitivity to light. They are known to manifest without any warning and can last up to three days.
Women are more prone to this type of migraine and in some instances, it can be associated with a woman's hormonal changes throughout the month. Up to 80% of migraine sufferers have migraines without aura.
It is important to be aware that you can suffer from more than one type of migraine, which means that there can be a big difference in your symptoms from one flare-up to the next.
Identifying Migraines With Aura
Migraines with aura may also be known as an ocular migraine and can present with frightening visual anomalies. For instance, zig-zags, flashing lights, and even the loss of some or all of your vision have been reported. An aura can be described as a glowing light or series of lights that appear randomly around persons or objects.
Migraines with auras represent about one out of every four migraines and is therefore the most common example of this type of headache. Sufferers will frequently have the aura occur up to an hour before the pain sets in and it is possible to have this problem without the overwhelming pain associated with migraines. Numbness, weak muscles and other stroke-like symptoms are often associated with a migraine with aura.
In conclusion, migraine headaches impact millions of people each year, resulting in lost wages, missed school, and a reduced quality of life. As a migraine sufferer, it is imperative for you to speak with your neurologist about determining the type of migraine that you experience and forming a care plan that will prevent, minimize, or treat your symptoms. Contact a company like Billings Clinic to learn more.