A ONE-SIDED HEADACHE

People often complain of headache, headache is a child of many parents, it could be a symptom of many things, and it could result from stress. A major characteristic of migraine headache is a pain at just one side of the head.

What is Migraine headache about?

Migraine headache is a disorder characterized by pains on either one or both sides of the head lasting from 48 to 72 hours. Migraine headache could be accompanied with an aura. Physical activities worsen the pain. An individual experiencing migraine headache often seeks for a quiet and dark room.

What causes Migraine Headache?
Migraine headache is often due to some physiological changes in the brain or an irregularities in the blood vessels and nerves. It is majorly caused by environmental and genetic factors. However, the main cause of migraine headache is not fully known. Migraine headaches sometimes are triggered by some factors which may include tiredness, smoking, alcohol, hunger, inadequate sleep, onset of menstrual period, stress and certain foods and drinks. It is more common among females after puberty and its chances decrease during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of Migraine Headache?

Some individuals get a warning symptom prior to the headache or even after the headache. Symptoms prior to the onset of the headache include altered mood, neck pains, sensitivity to light, smell or noise, constipation or diarrhoea, craving for somekinds of food. The headache is often accompanied with nausea, mood swing and irritability, sensitivity to light and sound.

How is Migraine headache diagnosed?
It is often required to note some important factors such as the onset, the triggers, duration of pain. Most diagnosis are based on signs and symptoms. According to the International Headache Society, diagnosis of migraine headache can be made using the ‘5,4,3,2,1 criteria’ which represents 5 or more attacks
4 hours to 3 days in duration
At least 2 days of unilateral location, pulsating
At least 1 additional symptom such as sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting

What are the factors that increase the risk of migraines?
FAMILY HISTORY
Migraine headache can been traced to a family history. About 90% of individuals suffering from migraine have a family history of migraines, with both parents being a better marker. GENDER Migraine headache is common among males before puberty and common among females after puberty. Its chances decrease as a woman goes into menopause.
AGE
According to Mayo Clinic, Migraine headache usually improves after age 30.

TYPES OF MIGRAINE

Migraine with aura
This involves migraine headache accompanied with aura, a subjective sensation experienced before the attack. This often serves as a warning preceding the headache.This happens to about 16-30% of migraine patients. The symptoms include flashing of light, blind spots, having difficulty in speaking, stiffness in the shoulder or neck.

Migraine without aura
This is by far the most common type with no usual warning preceding the headache. However, some individuals may experience aura without having the headache.

How is migraine headache managed?

It is often better to engage in preventive mechanism other than its correction. Several drugs have been administered in the management of migraine headache. Pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used for severe migraine headaches, other analgesics such as aspirin with caffeine can also help to stop the headache. Antiemetic drugs can be used to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Antidepressants are also administered to reduce migraine symptoms. Other classes of drugs used in the management of migraine headache include the ergotamines and triptans. However, frequent use of drugs may lead to severe and more frequent headache.

What are the preventive measures to be taken?

One of the heathiest ways of preventing illness is a healthy lifestyle. Other preventive measures include medications, nutritional supplements, and surgery. It is practically impossible to eliminate headache totally but the main aim is to reduce its frequency, duration and pain. Healthy lifestyles are but not limited to regular exercise, adequate drinking of water, sufficient sleep, avoid smoking and drinking of alcohol. Medications often use in the prevention of migraine headache include propranolol, metoprolol, gabapentin and pregabalin.


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