| Before I begin, I must state that this information | | | | of the aura can allow sufferers to attempt |
| should not be considered medical advice. It is simply | | | | preventative measures before the migraine occurs. |
| some basic information on migraine headaches. If | | | | Not all migraines are proceeded by auras, however, |
| you have any concerns whatsoever, consult the | | | | and indeed, some people may experience the aura |
| advice of your doctor so that the relevant physical | | | | without the actual headache. |
| and neurological checks can be made. Migraine | | | | Although the cause of migraine headaches is not |
| symptoms can be similar to many other conditions, | | | | known, several triggers have been identified. |
| so it is best to be sure. | | | | Alcohol, caffeine, fatigue, changes in weather, |
| A migraine headache is not just your typical | | | | certain medications, stress, and for women, hormonal |
| headache. It is characterised by throbbing and | | | | changes around menstruation, have all been |
| pulsing, and may last from a few minutes to a few | | | | suggested as potential triggers. It is often |
| hours, in rarer cases and forms of migraine, for days. | | | | recommended that sufferers keep a diary, to |
| Migraines are debilitating and in most cases will | | | | attempt to find links between various triggers and |
| prevent a person from taking part in activities they | | | | the onset of migraines. |
| normally would. | | | | In terms of prevention, regularity and general healthy |
| The cause of migraines is not fully understood. A | | | | living top the list. Exercise 20-30 minutes 5 times |
| number of reactions occur within the brain, and | | | | per week is recommended, getting enough sleep and |
| inflammation of blood vessels are thought to cause | | | | sticking to a regular routine and regular eating pattern |
| the pain. There is thought to be a hereditary | | | | is recommended. Some people are helped by |
| component, as migraines tend to run in families. | | | | biofeedback devices, and magnesium has been |
| There are various forms of migraine, the more | | | | suggested as a useful supplement to take. |
| common being migraine with aura, in which around 30 | | | | If left untreated, migraines can cause more serious |
| minutes before the onset of the migraine, an 'aura', | | | | problems, but by taking preventative steps, living a |
| or a visual disturbance (often flashing lights or blurry | | | | healthy lifestyle, and taking steps to avoid triggers, it |
| lines in the field of vision) is experienced. Not all | | | | is often possible for migraine sufferers to avoid the |
| auras are visual, some may be somatic, such as | | | | use of medication, and live normal and productive |
| tingling sensations or numbness. Proper recognition | | | | lives. |