What exactly is a migraine headache? It is sharp pain that seems to eminate from the brain. There is some conjecture if migraines are a severe form of tension headache (which are characterized by a dull ache). There are many purported causes of migraines and other types of headaches, from illness and strain to too much bright light. Those experiencing a migraine often have tense muscles in the neck and face, and will often have constricted blood vessels. It is still not known whether this contraction of blood vessels is a reaction to or part of the cause of a migraine headache. It is however, known that relaxing these blood vessels does contribute to relieving head pain. At this site we will look at different ways aleviate migraines and headaches. We will also investigate symptoms of the migraine some of which may indicate a serious problem requiring medical attention from a physician.
Although headaches are very painful, and in the case of migraine headaches often debilitating, they are rarely life threatening. However, migraine symptoms such as sudden intense pain felt in the head, visual distortions and loss of speech or limb use, should be taken very seriously and immediate medical attention should be sought.
Headaches are one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. Studies show that up to 45 million Americans have chronic, severe headaches that can be, at times, disabling. More than 8 million doctor visits a year are the result of headaches. 157 million sickdays at work are attributable to headache pain.1. There are various types of headaches and migraines all of which have been induced by one or many trigger factors. For example drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause a hangover-headache (classified as self-induced). Extremely high blood pressure can also bring on headaches or migraines which require emergency medical attention.
People are constantly trying to juggle busy life-styles, hectic work schedules, family issues, and the like, all of which can cause tremendous pressure on a person's body. All too frequently these 'life pressures' will induce a tension headache or even chronic migraine problems.
