Few things in life are more unpleasant than a migraine. It’s a severe headache that can be accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia (fear of sounds). What is more, it can be quite debilitating, preventing you from doing the things you normally do and experience the things you otherwise enjoy. It’s a major reason why so many people avoid travelling or exposure to new environments and situations. It’s not just about the discomfort; it’s about how the pain, along with the aforementioned symptoms, can disrupt your daily routine and daily activities. Even when the pain eases, the lingering damage to your daily routine can cause you significant mental and physical stress.
An Overview Of Migraine Disorders
Migraine is a disorder characterized by recurrent, usually unilateral headaches. While the exact cause of migraine is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of factors including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and excessive alcohol or food consumption. Additionally, many migraine patients report that their symptoms are aggravated by bright lights, noise, and certain smells. This phenomenon is known as ‘photophobia’ or ‘phonophobia’, respectively.
There are several subtypes of migraine. Depending on which ones you suffer from, the treatments and remedies can vary. In general, the most common subtypes are:
- Migraine with aura (MA): This is the most common kind of migraine, and it’s often referred to as ‘classic migraine’. It is characterized by the abrupt onset of symptoms, including sensory, motor, or language disturbances. The cause of these symptoms is a temporary neurological disorder caused by small, incomplete strokes or a brain tumour. This disorder is known as a ‘stroke’, or ‘stroke syndrome’. While this form of migraine can be seriously debilitating, it is not always seen as a life-threatening condition. There is no specific treatment for classic migraine, other than avoiding the triggers that cause it. One of the most common triggers is alcohol, which can cause nerve damage.
- Migraine without aura (MO): This is a less common form of migraine, which, as the name suggests, does not involve sensory disturbances or vision problems. It’s similar to classic migraine in terms of its symptoms, which can include uni- or bilateral, pulsating headaches. The pain can be incredibly severe, and it tends to last longer. Like classic migraine, there is nothing specifically treatments for migraine without aura. One of the most common triggers for MO is chocolate, which can also cause nausea and vomiting. Similar to classic migraine, the disorder can be caused by a stroke or a brain tumour, both of which are treated similarly. The main difference is that there are no aura symptoms in MO.
- Chronic migraine (CM): This is a type of migraine that persists over a period of time. It’s been referred to by different names, including ‘persistent headache’, ‘post-traumatic headache’, and ‘tension-type headache’. It is often caused by similar factors as classical or ordinary migraine, including stress, anxiety, and depression. These are all treatable conditions, and the treatment for migraine can be the same as for other forms of the condition. Medication is often used in combination with psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. One of the most common triggers for CM is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly if it is given transdermally. One of the most beneficial effects of HRT for migraine prevention is that it reduces or eliminates menstrual migraines. Moreover, some studies have found that it can also reduce the severity of attacks. However, if that medication was effective for preventing migraines, it wouldn’t be widely used because it is very concerning to suffer from menstrual migraines. It is also important to note that HRT is not without side effects, which is why it is always recommended that patients talk to their doctors about the risks and benefits before using this form of therapy. In some cases, the side effects can be serious, especially if they occur abruptly (e.g. liver damage).
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib): This is the most common kind of arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). It affects approximately one in five people, often causing palpitations (fluttering or pounding of the heart), shortness of breath, or chest pain. As mentioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Atrial fibrillation is the most common cause of palpitations and can be particularly dangerous if it is not treated promptly and appropriately.” It is often caused by a combination of factors, including hypertension (high blood pressure), high alcohol intake, tobacco use, and overweight. While there is no specific treatment for AFib, it is often managed with medication (blood thinners) or by surgery. The main problem with medication is that it takes a while to work. Moreover, it can be difficult to find the right combination, which some people find frustrating. As for surgery, it is an invasive procedure and requires anesthesia, which is why it is usually only recommended for people with severe symptoms or those who continue to experience episodes of AFib even after taking medications. These are the most common causes of head pain after taking Viagra… but it’s not always as simple as that! Sometimes, the pain can be caused by a rare condition known as ‘pseudo-arterial wall inflammation’ (PAI). This is a form of internal bleeding, where the bleeding occurs inside the body and is often accompanied by severe head pain. In this case, the most effective treatment is often a combination of corticosteroids and acetaminophen. In some cases, the disorder can be life-threatening (if not treated properly). Some people also develop a syndrome known as ‘vasovagal syncope’ (VAS), which can cause fainting spells. In most cases, this disorder is caused by neuromuscular abnormalities, including a reduction in muscle mass or a decrease in muscle tone (both of which can lead to faintness). While VAS is not directly related to head pain, it is a symptom that sometimes accompanies it. In some instances, it can be an indicator that the patient is at risk for hypertensive encephalopathy (HE), which is a serious condition that affects your head. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe headaches after taking Viagra, it would be safest to consult your personal physician to determine the cause. In most cases, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis and help guide the treatment program. If your physician is not sure what is causing your headaches, a brain imaging test (e.g. MRI or CT scan) may be necessary to pinpoint the source of the pain. This test is not, however, always necessary, as there are various causes of head pain that do not require an MRI or CT scan (e.g. sinus infection, tension headache, etc).
A Few Of The Most Common Triggers For Migraine
The triggers for migraine are numerous, and often quite obvious. The most common ones are: