The Migraine headache is perhaps the best known special type of headache.  It is really called the migraine syndrome.  By syndrome we mean that a lot of things accompany the headache – all of them bad.  Symptoms include dizziness, visual problems, “spots” before the eyes, redness, swelling, tearing of the eyes, muscle contraction, irritability, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.  These symptoms often arise before the headache hits.  The headache itself may last for a few minutes to a few days, and the severity may range from minor discomfort to immobilizing agony.

The migraine pain is most common in the temple, but it may be experienced anywhere in the head, face and neck.

A variety of headache, closely related to the migraine, is the cluster headache.  Attacks come on abruptly with intense, throbbing pain arising high in the nostril and spreading to behind the eye on the same side.  Sometimes, the forehead is also affected.  The attacks tend to occur from once to several times daily in clusters lasting weeks, or even months.  Without apparent reason, the cluster subsides as quickly as it began.

So what puts the ache in headache?  The pain-sensitive structures of the head are the culprits.  These are the arteries of the brain and skull, the tissues surrounding the head veins, the dura mata covering over the brain, and certain nerves called cranial nerves.  When these parts are inflamed, stretched, pulled, or under pressure, any type of headache may be caused.

Migraine headaches can be classified into two types: classical and common.  The classical migraine is a headache that follows an aura or some type of spontaneous event such as numbness or tingling.  The aura may be flashes of light, squiggly lines, or a halo effect.  The common migraine does not have an aura associated with it.  Most people who suffer from migraines suffer from common migraines – usually at a 3:1 ratio.

Approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, and millions go without treatment.  Scientists once thought migraines were caused by abnormally dilated or enlarged blood vessels.  Now, new imaging devices have allowed them to watch brains during migraine attacks, and scientists are discovering that sufferers have abnormally excitable neurons or brain nerve cells.So call (423)587-0044 to schedule an appointment today.