Migraine headache symptoms depend upon the type of migraine that you have. The various types of migraine are abdominal, basilar, complicated, hemiplegic, nocturnal, and cyclic migraine syndrome.
Periodic syndrome, commonly known as an Abdominal migraine, is common among children. It can occur in those that have a family history of migraines and this type of migraine may lead to what we know as a classic migraine. Symptoms include periodic attacks of pain in the abdomen for approximately two hours.
Basilar migraine, also called Bickerstaff’s syndrome, typically affects adolescent women. It occurs when the migraine obstructs the circulation the back part of the neck or brain. Symptoms are dizziness, loss of balance, and even fainting.
Another type is the more rare but complicated type of migraine that usually occurs with an extended aura that may last for a number of hours, or extend to a few days. This type poses a risk of the disorder leading to changes in the neurological area of the brain which is associated with MRI scan changes, those that are present in stroke.
Hemiplegic migraine is the rarest among all types but one of the most severe. Its symptoms include temporary paralysis of the motor function and obstructions in the sensory system on a certain side of the body. As soon as the headache occurs, these symptoms may be gone.
When migraine attacks early morning, it is the nocturnal type. Studies show that this type of migraine is associated with adrenalin changes.
Cyclic migraine syndrome is the most disturbing when it comes to dealing with a person’s daily activities. It occurs ten or more times each month.
Treatment
Doctors recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications namely:
- Ibuprofen – Motrin, Advil
- Naproxen – Alleve
- Aspirin – Excedrin Migraine
- Triptans
- Sumatriptan – Imitrex
- Zolmitriptan – Zomig
- Naratriptan – Amerge
Triptans are a new class of migraine medications that aid in managing the source of pain. What they do is reduce the tendency of the blood vessels to swell in the brain and, therefore, lessen inflammation. All of these contribute to reducing the pain caused by migraine.
For natural treatment, resting in a dark, quiet area and drinking more water while placing a cloth soaked in cold water on your forehead can help.The most important thing is not to panic or become terrified, it doesn’t help at all. Just relax and stay calm and you will get through it.