Explaining a Migraine Headache
A migraine headache is one of the most painful types of headaches you can get and they are usually the result of some sort of condition that results in their appearance. In all honesty the exact causes and origins of the migraine headache are not known and medical researchers can only guess as to what causes a migraine headache.
However at the same time there have been very successful treatments developed for migraine headaches that have been able to help patients live their lives as normally as possible. Some treatments for the migraine headache are only done on a per headache basis while others are continual treatments for what could normally be a crippling condition.
As mentioned earlier no one really knows what causes a migraine headache but what we do know is where the pain comes from and some of the potential triggers that can set off a migraine headache. A migraine headache is thought to occur when there is a chemical imbalance in the blood stream and the blood vessels around the skull begin to expand or contract causing severe discomfort. The brain itself is not affected by pain or the sensation of pain so this condition concerns the skull and its elements only.
When the blood vessels around the skull begin to expand or contract then the surrounding muscles and nerve endings begin to react and pain occurs. With a migraine headache traditionally only one side of the head is affected but the pain is some of the most intense pain people experience. It is a pulsating pain that can go on for a very long time if not treated.
Two Different Kinds of Treatment
Migraines need to be diagnosed as soon as possible and for all we do not know about them your doctor still has the ability to diagnose and treat a migraine. One type of treatment deals with each individual occurrence and your doctor will usually prescribe pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the effects of an attack.
You need to take these medications right when you feel the effects of the migraine coming on and the medications work best if you give them 30 minutes to work while you are in a relaxed state. If it is at all possible to lie down while waiting for the medications to take effect then this can also help.
The other type of treatment is ongoing and preventive treatment. If your doctor has diagnosed you with recurring migraines then life can become difficult. Several times a month or, in some cases, several times a week you are crippled with horrible migraine pain. In order to help patients try to avoid the recurring migraine effects as much as possible doctors will prescribe a regular drug treatment that, while not guaranteeing complete relief, can help reduce the effects a great deal.