Migraine Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Often thought as the “fight or flight” piece of the brain, the sympathetic nervous system is the part that migraines attack. This part of the brain often handles the primitive responses to pain and stress. It is for this reason that certain migraine symptoms are activated such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
When that part of the brain is engaged in this manner it causes blood vessels to get larger. This enlargement causes the blood vessels to touch nearby nerves that then release chemicals. The chemicals then cause the pain that is associated with migraines.
Migraines vary in scope, symptoms and difficulties, among the different kinds are Vertebrobasilar migraines, Hemiplegic migraines, Retinal/ocular migraine.
Treatments differ greatly as well. Abortive medications are mostly over the counter analgesics. These medications do not alleviate the pain, instead they go to the root source of the pain. These medications shrink the enlarged blood vessels thereby taking pressure of the surrounding nerves.
There are some side effects to these types of OTC migraine medications. Triptans, for instance, can cause reddening or flushing of the face, tingling of the skin, and sense of tightness in the chest and throat.
As always, consult a medical professional prior to taking any medication.