Did you know that more than 36 million people in the United States have migraines regulalry?
Migraines can impact a person’s day and make it difficult to see or even get out of bed, some people even deal with nausea.
If you are getting migraines but aren’t sure why there are a few things to take into consideration.
Continue reading if you want to learn about all the types of chronic migraines so that you can prevent and treat them!
With an Aura
One of the worst types of chronic migraines that people deal with is the ones that have an aura.
Aura migraines appear just before the headache starts and most people start noticing vision problems. Many people report seeing flashing lights, waves, or stars in their vision. In severe cases, some people even lose a portion of their ability to see.
These migraines are so intense that they can impact motor movements and cause a tingling sensation throughout the body. Stress, bright and flashing lights, and certain medications can cause these types of migraines. Sleep deprivation and certain foods can also make people start to see an aura.
As people age, they are more likely to experience this type of migraine when compared to others.
No Aura
Finding chronic migraine treatment is much easier once you can identify the type of migraine you are dealing with.
Migraines without an aura are one of the most common types and tend to be episodic. These migraines can range in intensity and are often on one side of the head. Most people have nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivities.
There aren’t any exact known causes for people who suffer from these migraines, but it tends to happen after sensory disturbances. Some people get blood-pressure medications to help treat these migraines. But you can also try calcium channel blockers if your doctor approves.
Fortunately, migraines without an aura don’t affect vision as much or disrupt too much of your life.
Long-Term
If you have been dealing with a migraine lasting more than 15 days a month, for 3 months, you might have a long-term migraine.
Long-term migraines are also known as chronic or transformed migraines. Hormonal changes and stress are major factors for this type of migraine, but there are also other causes. Being sick, menstruating, and medications can also make you suffer more than the average person.
The best way to break free and find migraine treatment is to get enough sleep, drink water, and manage stress. When you can control the internal process in your body, it is easier to control your physical wellbeing.
You should look for a doctor for headaches if you think that you have long-term migraines. They might be able to make medication adjustments or advise you on lifestyle changes.
Abdominal
Finding chronic migraine treatment can be difficult for children. Especially when they are so susceptible to getting abdominal migraines.
Abdominal migraines can happen to adults, however, they are most commonly diagnosed in children under age 9. If your child is complaining of abdominal pain, they might be dealing with a migraine and not a stomach bug. Vomiting and nausea are common side effects that typically don’t include a headache.
Since there isn’t a headache involved, most people overlook the possibility of a migraine being the issue. Common causes of this type of migraine include stress, exposure to bright lights, and caffeine. You can manage these migraines by ensuring efficient sleep and managing anxieties.
You should also avoid caffeine and foods containing MSGs if you don’t want to suffer.
Silent
Silent migraines also called acephalgic migraines, are most common for people over the age of 50.
Often misdiagnosed as a stroke, these migraines come with all of the key characteristics. However, those diagnosed don’t get headaches. Vision problems and color perception issues can be initial signs to watch out for if you think you have this type of chronic migraine.
While the main cause of silent migraines isn’t known, most people associate them with skipped meals, lack of sleep, and certain foods. Talking to your doctor about migraine causes can help you identify something that is contributing to the issue. Otherwise, they might prescribe you medications.
Hemiplegic
A rare form of migraine can impact your body’s ability to function on one side, these are known as hemiplegic migraines.
Hemiplegic migraines are also misdiagnosed because they resemble the side effects of a stroke. Confusion while producing and speaking sentences is a major symptom, and a lot of people experience slurred speech. Unlike other migraines, this type does appear to have an underlying cause.
Family genetics play a role in determining if someone will get hemiplegic migraines in their lifetime. Since this is a rare condition, most doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs without steroids. Unfortunately, these medications can only reduce the severity of symptoms, and not fully cure the problem.
Retinal
Have you ever noticed bright flashes of light and then lost part of your vision for a moment or more?
Chances are, you suffered from a retinal migraine. Retinal migraines create flashing and bright lights that can disrupt your day. These lights are so blinding that they can impact your ability to see in one or both eyes.
Most people report experiencing these migraines at the onset of the headache phase during the migraine. The symptoms can last a few days or hours if you are lucky. Taking aspirin, resting, and sensory management can help control this issue.
Do You Suffer from Chronic Migraines?
Getting out of bed can seem like the most difficult task when you are dealing with chronic migraines.
Instead of laying in the dark all day, you should pay attention to external and internal factors that could be impacting your head. Stress, medications, and sleeping issues are risk factors for getting a migraine. But, some of them can come from family genetics.
Don’t wait to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. The more information that you can provide, the less likely they are to misdiagnose you.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about migraine prevention and improving your health!
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