Contrary to what many people think, a migraine is not just a bad headache. There is no way that an over-the-counter pain medication can combat the pain and other symptoms brought on by a migraine.

Though every individual has a slightly different experience, there are certain symptoms that most migraine attacks include. These symptoms last from several hours to several days. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Feeling cold in the body and extremities while the head is hot
  
• Pain always in the same location, usually confined to one side of the head
  
• Extreme pain, which may be pulsating, throbbing, or pounding.

Many people experience warning signals that a migraine is impending. These warning signs are referred to as auras and are usually visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, blind spots, or restriction of vision. Others experience a sudden stab of migraine pain that then recedes, only to return in a short time as a full blown migraine.

Though there has been a great deal of migraine research, the medical community is stil uncertain as to the exact cause of migraines. The current theory is that migraine attacks begin in the brain and involve chemicals and nerve pathways in the brain. For unknown reasons women are more often afflicted with migraine than men.

Evidence gathered from patients diagnosed with migraine clearly indicates that migraines appear to be triggered by factors outside or internal to the patient. There is no clear, single trigger for all migraines; different people report different environmental. emotional, or physical triggering events. Anyone who suffers from migraines will be able to relate the triggers that they have experienced.

Here are a few triggers that are commonly reported by migraine sufferers:

• Bright lights
  
• Perfume
  
• Strong odors
  
• Changes in sleep patterns
  
• Missing meals
  
• Exposure to cigarette or cigar smoke
  
• Consuming alcoholic beverages
  
• Emotional stress
  
• Physical stress
  
• Food additives such as MSG or nitrates
  
• Eating particular foods (which vary with the individual)
  
• Hormonal changes

It is interesting, however, that the very things that trigger a migraine one day may be perfectly innocuous another day, having no effect. It appears likely that at certain times, when certain conditions exist in the brain chemistry, the person is more susceptible to those triggers that affect him or her and result in a migraine.

This appears to be particularly true for those of us who suffer from cluster migraines. There may be a period of several days during which cluster migraine sufferers are subject to multiple attacks. During this time one feels "under the weather," and dull, with an inability to think clearly or rapidly.

Migraine sufferers usually need to sleep or rest to recover completely, even when prescription medication relieves the symptoms. When all migraine symptoms have resolved many people report a sense of exhilaration and extraordinary well-being, while some experience lingering feelings of fatigue and lack of energy.

The best way to determine if your headaches are migraines is to consult your doctor. A doctor will want to know about your symptoms, the frequency of your headaches, and whether anyone else in your family has been diagnosed with migraines. Your doctor may perform tests to rule out other causes, such as sinus problems.

To assist your doctor's diagnosis it is a good idea to keep a record or diary of your migraines, including frequency and duration. This also may assist you in identifying your triggers if you include what you did, what you ate, how much sleep you had, etc. in the twenty-four hours preceding the attack.

If you are diagnosed with migraine your doctor will discuss the treatment options that best fit your particular migraines and your physical condition. Some medications and herbal alternatives may have adverse affects on people with particular health conditions, so it is important to seek your medical practitioner's approval before using any medication, whether it is a prescription medication or a natural or herbal alternative. Also, you should be aware that herbal remedies are not regulated and may not contain exactly what you think they do. In addition to your doctor, you should consult a trained herbalist, whom you trust, if you wish to try herbal remedies.

Some of the newer migraine medications come in easy to use forms such as nasal sprays. This is good news for anyone who has swallowed a pill and spent the next half hour fighting nausea and hoping to keep it down.

Medications that are available as nasal spray, pills, or self-injectibles include Triptans like Imitrex (sumatriptan,) Maxalt rizatriptan,) Axert (almotriptan,) Frova (frovatriptan,) and Zomig (zolmitriptan.)

Other medications include, but are not limited to, Cafergot (Ergot,) Midrin (Isomethptene,) and narcotic pain relievers, like Demerol.

While it may not be possible to prevent migraines (except with certain prescription medications,) there are some things you can do and avoid that may help you to decrease the number or severity of migraine attacks. Here are a few suggestions:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule and get enough sleep each night
  
• Eat meals at regular intervals; do not skip meals
  
• Exercise regularly
  
• Avoid your known triggers (e.g., perfume counters in dept. stores)
  
• Do not smoke and avoid being around smoke
  
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages
  
• Reduce contact with stress producers in your life
  
• Learn to minimize your reaction to stress

If your doctor has prescribed medication it is usually best to take it when you first experience migraine symptoms, rather than waiting. Follow your doctor's advice on this issue.

If you are experiencing migraine symptoms:

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while you are experiencing symptoms.
  
  
• Lie down in a darkened, quiet room.
  
  
• Drink clear liquids (water is best) to keep your body hydrated, especially if you are vomiting.
  
  
• Treat your symptoms: keep your body warm, if you are cold, and place a cool cloth or ice bag on your head if that helps.

When to Call your Doctor or Emergency Room:

• Call your doctor if you experience new or unusual symptoms, your migraines increase in severity, or your headache becomes worse when you lie down.
  
  
• Call your doctor or emergency assitance if you cannot maintain your balance, you have difficulty moving an arm or leg, or you have difficulty talking or seeing.

Remember, your medical health care professional is your best source of advice for migraine treatment. This article is for information only. I am not a doctor, and this article is not intended to replace or contradict the advice of your doctor or other health practitioner.