Migraines: Should You Worry?


Biking New research on migraines—and the possible risks associated with them—may seem alarming on the surface. But there are things you can do to help lower your risk of getting a migraine...and reduce the risks you may have heard about. Here's the scoop on what a migraine is, whether you should worry and how to talk to your doctor about your concerns.

 

What is a Migraine?
Migraine is a combination of neurological symptoms that range from annoying to debilitating, including loss of work and other activities, according to health care statistics. Currently it is believed that migraines occur when blood vessels enlarge, a condition known as vasodilation, and the nerve fibers around the vessels inflame, releasing a combination of chemicals.

 

However, there are a variety of theories as to what may cause different types of migraine, and the definition is becoming clearer as more researchers delve into this painful condition, and new methods of treating it. (See the links at the bottom of this article to get breaking information and news on migraine.)

 

Symptoms of Migraine
Symptoms almost always include pain, though not always; believe it or not, a lucky minority of migraine sufferers experience minimal pain during the event.

 

Most, however, have discomfort to the point of being disabled; shutting oneself up in a dark room to avoid the pain of light and sound, for example. Other symptoms may or may not include “aura” (the appearance of wavy lines, flashing lights and/or a “blind spot” in one or more areas of the eye or eyes), nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, feelings of disorientation and other neurological symptoms, including a “pins and needles” feeling in the hands or feet.

 

When to See Your Doctor
Everyone experiences migraine differently. If you believe you have had or are having migraine symptoms, (LINK: http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/frequently-asked-questions.html) see your doctor so he or she can diagnose this or another condition.

 

Because you may be worried or even panicked at the time of the doctor visit—or because the visit may occur after the migraine or the preceding aura have ended—make a list of your symptoms and bring it with you. This way your doctor will have a clear indication of what you have suffered and can more easily make her determination.

 

Are Migraines Dangerous?
The not-so-simple answer is: not usually, but potential risk exists for some individuals. A study from the British Medical Journal (BMJ) released in Oct. 2009 showed a doubled risk increase of a certain type of stroke in sufferers of migraine with aura (but not without the aura). This contradicts some earlier theories that stroke risk in general was not increased by a history of migraine and is causing a stir among migraine sufferers—and understandably so.

 

However, experts are quick to point out that the risk of stroke associated with migraine-with-aura episodes was already small, and therefore the overall risk is still minimal compared to the total amount of sufferers—a relative risk of 2.08% in female nonsmokers over the age of 45, and only 1.37% in otherwise healthy men (see link http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/711522).

 

New Advances May Provide New Hope
Newer migraine medications designed to attack the pain aim to keep productivity up as well, allowing the sufferer to return to work or school sooner, so ask your physician during your visit.

 

Migraine medications come with their own risks; be sure to ask the doctor for a thorough list of benefits and disadvantages of any migraine medications she may prescribe. Also be sure to tell your doctor any and all medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking.

 

In the future, some say, surgery may even be an option (LINK: http://www.healthjockey.com/2009/11/02/surgery-could-be-best-alternative-for-severe-migraine-headaches/) for longtime migraine patients. Meanwhile, diagnosis—which has often proved difficult in the past due to changing symptoms even in the same patient—is being honed in on, too.

 

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine says MRIs may provide concrete imaging of what happens to the body during a migraine (LINK: http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/News-imaging-unlocks-brain-mysteries-110209.aspx?xmlmenuid=51). And organizations like the Migraine Research Foundation (LINK: http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/frequently-asked-questions.html) are proving an invaluable resource for migraine sufferers who want to know the “why” behind their condition, as well as what may help.

 

Reducing Your Risk
Physicians have long recommended quitting smoking in order to reduce overall stroke risk; this is backed by the BMJ study above, which showed a stroke risk of greater than 9% of the migraine suffering population.

 

Migraine has also been linked to fluctuating hormones (which may offer one clue as to why women experience the condition more frequently than men). Knowing one's hormonal cycle and taking preventive medication, or having medication on hand in case of symptoms, can be a tremendous help.

 

Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding chocolate, caffeine and red wine may also have a preventative effect, according to experts.

 

For more information what's happening in the world of migraine research, as well as networking, symptom identification and more, see the following sites.


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