Although migraines are less common than tension-type headaches, they pose a greater health risk. About 1 in 5 North American females and 1 out 15 males experience migraine attacks with varying severity and frequency. Chronic migraines are those that last more than 15 days per month.
Headaches
Migraines are characterized by intense headaches, but they can also be caused by other conditions. A migraine attack can be divided into five phases. Although migraine victims may not experience all phases, they will experience the same phases every time. The prodrome phase, which affects more than half the migraine victims, precedes the headache phase by several days or hours.
The prodrome phase can cause a dramatic mood change, heightened sensitivity to light and fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, or any other significant change in your normal well-being. Each migraine sufferer, or migraineur, will experience different symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms of prodrome is a way to get early treatment. About 20% of migraineurs experience the aura phase. These symptoms can be very frightening and neurological. They usually last for less than an hour and develop slowly over a period of 5 to 20 minutes.
Auras
The most common type is a disturbance in vision. This is the aura phase. Flashing lights, blurred, cloudy, shimmering vision, tunnel vision, or a zone of visual impairment may all be symptoms. Other symptoms include a tingling sensation that moves from one hand up to the arm, vertigo and difficulty communicating.
Classic migraines are those with an aura, while common migraines are those without an aura. The headache or pain phase usually starts within an hour after the aura phase ends. Migraines can cause severe headaches, which can be more severe than tension-type headaches. It usually affects one side of the head, and is a throbbing type of pain. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and an abnormally distressing sensitivity of light, sounds, smells, and touch.Some people may feel nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trembling or cold sweats. The pain phase lasts anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days.
Physical activity
Migraines can be made worse by physical activity. Many sufferers are so sickened by migraine attacks that they have to stay in bed for the pain phase. The resolution phase is when the headache gradually subsides over several hours. The postdrome phase is also known as the migraine hangover phase. It can last for a few hours to several days. The migraine victim may feel tired, irritable, sick, unable to concentrate, and possibly sore muscles. These symptoms will eventually disappear as the body fully recovers.
Aromatherapy
It is a safe and effective complementary therapy. Aromatherapy is not recommended for migraineurs who are sensitive to smells and touch. However, many people have found that it can provide significant pain relief and nausea relief. There are many essential oils that can be used to reduce headache pain, but peppermint oil (menthepiperita) is the best. Clinical studies have shown that it has an analgesic effect comparable to acetaminophen. It can also be used with prescribed medications to relieve nausea.
Use a few drops peppermint oil mixed with carrier oil like Jojoba or Almond to rub into your temples, forehead, and back of your neck. You can also inhale the peppermint oil by using a diffuser, a personal inhaler, or simply by placing a few drops of the oil on a tissue. Lavender and Rosemary are also worth considering. Ginger essential oil has been shown to reduce nausea and can be used to treat migraine attacks. Migraines can be a serious condition that can severely disrupt your life. Always consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.