Women's Health Information - Migraine Headaches2: What are the Beginning Signs and Symptoms of a Migraine Headache?



Migraine Headaches What are the Beginning Signs and Symptoms of a Migraine Headache? Join our health discussion groups - click here

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Classic Migraine A classic migraine is usually announced by some kind of warning or sign. This sign can show up any where between 10 minutes and an hour before the actual headache hits. This sign can come in various forms- suddenly becoming tired, losing your appetite, acute moodiness without an apparent reason, bright lights and/or loud sounds can herald the headache. The "aura" For about 20% of migraines sufferers an "aura" occurs before the migraine- the aura can come as any of the following- flashing or, zig- zag lights, stars or shimmering sheets or visual disturbances like visual blurring, blind spots, "floaters", or tunnel vision. The person can also become confused, have difficulties with speaking, suddenly feel tire, and experience some neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling in the face. These warning signs may make the person head straight for a dark room and wait for the oncoming headache; especially if they have experienced these warning signs before. The headache usually makes its full impact within 10-45 minutes later. Symptoms of a Migraine Headache: Severe, throbbing, blinding pain of your head- usually on one side of the head- located around the eye, the ear, the jaw and/or temple. Nausea and vomiting can accompany the headache. You can feel cold, and look pale Lasts anywhere from several hours to 2-3 days and after it is over you're exhausted. Can occur several times a week or only a few weeks, months or even years. In 1/3 of migraine cases people have this headache on both sides of their head. What causes a migraine headache? No one knows for absolutely sure what causes a migraine headache but there are some very good theories. A migraine event is generally classified as a brain disorder- it involves the narrowing and widening of the arteries in the head. These changes in blood flow produce the head pain. Experts agree that some unknown process triggers a migraine headache by changing the concentration of the various brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The change in the amounts of neurotransmitters cause the narrowing and widening cycle- and the pain. Migraine Headache: What Causes Them & How Can I Prevent Them?	Hormone Headache Headache Relief for Women more Headache Books more Personal Health Books HotFlash Meno Support more Personal Health Books HotFlash Meno Support I'm Not in the Mood : What Every Woman Should Know About Improving Her Libido by Judith Reichman, MD also see: Sexuality How many times have you turned to your hot in the pants hubby and said "Not tonight honey, I'm not in the mood" ?

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