Suffering From Migraines? Here’s When You Should Go See A Doctor!

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.

It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities!

Photo via NutraIngredients-Asia

Symptoms

Migraines do not only affect adults, but children and teenagers as well. It can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. 

But not everyone who has migraines goes through all these stages!

#1 Prodrome

One of two days before a migraine, you might notice subtle changes that acts as a warning of an upcoming migraine.

#2 Constipation

1. Mood changes, from depression to euphoria

2. Food cravings

3. Neck stiffness

4. Increase urination

5. Fluid retention

6. Frequent yawning

#3 Aura

An aura might occur before or during a migraine attack. Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes and can last up to an hour!

1. Visual phenomena, such as seeing shapes, bright spots or flashes of light

2. Vision loss

3. Pins and needles sensations in arm or leg

4. Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body

5. Difficulty speaking

#4 Attack

Migraines can last up to 72 hours if untreated! However, how often a migraine occurs varies from person to person. It can occur rarely or strike several times a month. 

1. Pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides

2. Pain that throbs or pulses

3. Sensitivity to light, sound and sometimes smell and touch

4. Nausea and vomiting

5. Post-prodrome

You will probably feel drained, confused and washed out after an attack. These feelings could last up to 24 hours! However, some people report feeling elated. 

You might want to rest a lot during this time because sudden head movement might bring back the pain. 

When to see a doctor?

Please go see your doctor or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following signs and symptoms as it could indicate a more serious medical problem:

1. An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap

2. Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weaknesses in any part of the body, which could be a sign of stroke

3. Headache after an injury

4. A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement

5. New headache pain after turning 50

Hope this helps!

By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat