What is a Migraine Headache?

Medical workers will tell you that a migraine headache is neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily perceptions, severe headaches and nausea. Imbalances   in the brain chemicals including serotonin regulate pain in the nervous system. All of this causes changes in the trigeminal nerve which is the main pathway for pain.

This explanation leaves just about everyone wanting to know what is a migraine headache. It is a vascular headache. Migraines are not the same for all people. You may have a premonition several hours to a day before your headache starts. Premonitions are feelings you get to signal an event or moment. For a migraine these feelings can include intense energy, fatigue, food cravings, thirst, and mood changes.

Migraines are divided into two groups. The first group is the Classic migraine. Classic migraines start with a warning sign called aura. The aura is usually seeing flashing lights and colors in your eyes. Temporarily your vision becomes impaired.  At this time you get a strange prickly or burning sensation. There is muscle weakness on one side of your body. Feelings of depression, irritability and restlessness creep in. You may not be able to speak clearly. Auras will likely last fifteen to thirty minutes. The auras usually happen before the headache part of the migraine. However at times auras happen at   the end of the headache. On very rare occasions auras happens at the same time as the migraine headache.

Common migraines start more slowly than the classic, last longer and tend to interfere with daily activities.  Like Classic migraines the Common ones have pain on one side of the head, upper neck and shoulders. These are likely not to start with an aura.

All migraines last four to seventy-two hours from start to finish.

Prevention of migraines may be as simple as avoiding foods and beverages that trigger the headache for you. Secondly, get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Relax and take some time for yourself whether you take a nap, a leisure bath or just time to put your feet up.  Reduce stress in your life. Finally, establish scheduled regular exercise.