Friday~! Again I had nothing to do!!! Super stress seeing Evangeline so busy. Like I can't help her with anything. Feel so bad sia. Arghz. Headache still quite pain. Lunch we had mee siam and popiah. I had a lot of mee siam and feel guilty taking it. 'cos this week didn't go exercising much. Only went running on monday which is like really weird!!! I seldom do running as a form of exercising in my schedule. It gives me blister 'cos I pulled the ankle socks really low. FRIDAY!!! Weekends are coming~! Next sunday shall go KBOX!!!! hehe~! Have to sleep early today!!! The headache is terrible. I hope its not Migraine. Did a bit research on Migraine.
What is a migraine headache?
A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by a combination of vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels. During a migraine attack, the temporal artery enlarges. (The temporal artery is an artery that lies on the outside of the skull just under the skin of the temple.) Enlargement of the temporal artery stretches the nerves that coil around the artery and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the artery magnifies the pain.
Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response. The increased sympathetic nervous activity in the intestine causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sympathetic activity also delays emptying of the stomach into the small intestine and thereby prevents oral medications from entering the intestine and being absorbed. The impaired absorption of oral medications is a common reason for the ineffectiveness of medications taken to treat migraine headaches. The increased sympathetic activity also decreases the circulation of blood, and this leads to pallor of the skin as well as cold hands and feet. The increased sympathetic activity also contributes to the sensitivity to light and sound sensitivity as well as blurred vision.
How is a migraine headache diagnosed?
Migraine headaches are usually diagnosed when the symptoms described above are present. Migraine generally begins in childhood to early adulthood. While migraines can first occur in an individual beyond the age of fifty, advancing age makes other types of headaches more likely. A family history is usually present, suggesting a genetic predisposition in migraine sufferers. In addition to diagnosing migraine from the clinical presentation there is usually an accompanying normal examination.
Patients with the first headache ever, worst headache ever, or where there is a significant change in headache or the presence of nervous system symptoms, like visual or hearing or sensory loss, may require additional tests. The tests may include blood testing, brain scanning (either CT or MRI), and a spinal tap.
How are migraine headaches treated?
Treatment is can include non-medication and medication approaches. Non-medication therapies for migraine Therapy that does not involve medications can provide symptomatic and preventative therapy. Using ice, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques may be helpful at stopping an attack once it has started. If possible, sleep is the best medicine. Preventing migraine takes motivation for the patient to make some life changes. Patients are educated as to triggering factors that can be avoided. These include smoking cessation, avoiding certain foods especially those high in tyramine (sharp cheeses) or those containing sulphites (wines) or nitrates (nuts, pressed meats). Generally, leading a healthy life style with good nutrition, adequate water intake, sufficient sleep and exercise may be useful. Acupuncture has been suggested to be a useful non-medication therapy.
Abstract from: http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/index.htm
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