Migraine is the condition characterized by the severe throbbing pain mostly on a single side of the head that’s commonly accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can progress through four stages; prodrome, aura, headache and post-drome although the affected individual may not experience all the stages. The prodrome is the initial stage that can occur few days before a migraine that includes subtle changes such as constipation or mood changes. Aura presents the visual disturbances such as flashes of light and the migraine headache can typically last from 4 to 72 hours. The post drome is the final phase occurring after the migraine attack that can present signs such as confusion or weakness. There are two major types of migraines; migraines with aura and migraine without aura. The warning sign of a migraine is known as the aura which can occur before or with a headache. Migraine without aura is one of the common forms of migraine that affects around 70-90% of the migraine cases.
Causes
A migraine can develop as the result of abnormal brain activity that can be triggered by a number of causes such as stress, genetic and environmental factors. Although the exact cause is not identified, it is believed to involve the nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. These changes affect the normal blood flow in the brain. Some of the migraine triggers include hormonal changes in women with the drop in estrogen, the use of certain medications, changes in the environment such as change of weather and physical factors like intense physical exertion.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of migraine without aura include the attack that typically lasts between 4 and 72 hours if left untreated. This presents a headache usually on one side which can be throbbing or pulsating affecting normal activities of the day. In addition, the affected individual can also experience diarrhea, sickness, vomiting, sensitivity to sound and light. The frequency of attacks varies among the affected cases and can range from once a year to several times a week.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing any form of a migraine can be challenging as it presents a wide range of symptoms. However, the diagnosis is based on the medical history of the affected individual, the symptoms evident and with a physical and neurological examination. A journal recording the migraine episodes, duration and the symptoms can prove to be helpful with the diagnosis of this condition. The physician may also recommend various tests to rule out other possible causes presenting similar symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for a migraine is based on at least five migraine attacks, each migraine attacks lasting from 4 to 72 hours, headache, head pain that presents nausea/vomiting or sensitivity to sound/light and is not associated with any other condition.
Treatment
There is no cure for a migraine but the medications can provide relief from the symptoms and to prevent the future attacks. Some of the suggestions include resting in a quiet, dark room and to drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration from vomiting. Several medications are available to provide relief from the symptoms but its effectiveness is based on the individual.
References
https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/migraine-without-aura/
https://migraine.com/migraine-types/migraine-without-aura/
http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/types-of-headaches-44979-5.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/diagnosis-treatment/dxc-20202471
