What are the common causes of headache and frequent urination. How are these symptoms related to various medical conditions. What treatments are available for managing these symptoms.

Understanding the Link Between Headaches and Frequent Urination

Experiencing headaches and frequent urination simultaneously can be concerning for many individuals. While these symptoms may seem unrelated at first glance, they often stem from underlying medical conditions that affect multiple body systems. Understanding the potential causes and their implications is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Urinary Tract Infections: A Common Culprit

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of both headaches and increased urination. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Women are particularly susceptible to UTIs due to their shorter urethras.

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Discomfort in the side or back
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Headaches

Is a UTI serious? While most UTIs are easily treatable, severe cases can lead to kidney infections if left unmanaged. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent complications.

Treatment Options for UTIs

Managing a urinary tract infection typically involves:

1. Antibiotic therapy to eliminate the causative bacteria
2. Pain relief medications, such as phenazopyridine, to alleviate urethral discomfort
3. Increased fluid intake, especially water and cranberry juice, to help flush out bacteria

Diabetes: A Silent Contributor to Headaches and Frequent Urination

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can manifest with headaches and increased urination. These symptoms often result from the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

Type 2 Diabetes: The Most Common Form

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of this crucial hormone. This leads to elevated blood glucose levels, which can cause various symptoms, including:

• Frequent urination
• Persistent headaches
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow wound healing

Can Type 2 diabetes be prevented? While genetic factors play a role, lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Type 1 Diabetes: An Autoimmune Condition

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin due to an autoimmune reaction. This form of diabetes often develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong management. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include:

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and irritability
• Blurred vision
• Recurrent headaches

Managing Diabetes to Alleviate Symptoms

Treatment strategies for both types of diabetes aim to regulate blood sugar levels and may include:

1. Insulin therapy (essential for Type 1 and sometimes used in Type 2)
2. Oral medications to improve insulin sensitivity or production
3. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise
4. Regular blood glucose monitoring
5. Cardiovascular health management with medications like ACE inhibitors or statins

Tension Headaches: A Potential Cause of Concurrent Symptoms

Tension headaches, while not directly related to urinary function, can coincide with frequent urination due to shared risk factors or as a result of dehydration. These headaches are often triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

Characteristic features of tension headaches include:

• Dull, aching pain across the forehead or back of the head
• Sensation of tightness or pressure around the head
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light or sound

Do tension headaches require medical attention? While most tension headaches are manageable with over-the-counter treatments, persistent or severe cases should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions.

Alleviating Tension Headaches

Management strategies for tension headaches often include:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
2. Muscle relaxants to address tension in the neck and shoulders
3. Stress reduction techniques, including meditation and deep breathing exercises
4. Improving posture and ergonomics
5. Regular exercise to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension

Aseptic Meningitis: When Headaches and Urinary Changes Signal Inflammation

Aseptic meningitis, also known as viral meningitis, is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. While less severe than bacterial meningitis, it can still cause significant discomfort and requires medical attention.

Symptoms of aseptic meningitis may include:

• Severe headaches
• Neck stiffness and pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and confusion
• Changes in urinary patterns, including frequency

Are there long-term effects of aseptic meningitis? Most cases resolve without complications, but some individuals may experience lingering fatigue or headaches for several weeks after the acute infection.

Managing Aseptic Meningitis

Treatment for aseptic meningitis primarily focuses on symptom management and may include:

1. Rest and hydration to support the body’s natural healing processes
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers to address headaches and body aches
3. In severe cases, hospitalization for close monitoring and supportive care
4. Antiviral medications in specific viral causes

Acute Sinusitis: When Sinus Pressure Leads to Multiple Symptoms

Acute sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus cavities, can cause a range of symptoms that may include headaches and changes in urinary patterns. This condition often develops as a complication of upper respiratory infections or allergies.

Common symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

• Facial pain and pressure
• Nasal congestion and discharge
• Headaches, particularly in the forehead and cheek areas
• Reduced sense of smell
• Fatigue and malaise
• Potential changes in urinary frequency due to systemic inflammation

Can sinusitis affect urinary function? While not directly related, the systemic inflammation and stress associated with sinusitis can lead to changes in urinary patterns in some individuals.

Treating Acute Sinusitis

Management of acute sinusitis typically involves:

1. Nasal irrigation with saline solutions to clear congestion
2. Over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers
3. Warm compresses to alleviate facial pain and pressure
4. Antibiotics in cases of bacterial sinusitis
5. Corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation

The Importance of Proper Hydration in Managing Symptoms

Adequate hydration plays a crucial role in managing both headaches and urinary symptoms. Dehydration can exacerbate headaches and lead to concentrated urine, which may irritate the bladder and increase urinary frequency.

Benefits of proper hydration include:

• Reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches
• Diluting urine to minimize bladder irritation
• Supporting overall kidney function
• Improving cognitive function and mood
• Enhancing the body’s ability to flush out toxins and bacteria

How much water should one drink daily? While individual needs vary, aiming for 8-10 glasses of water per day is a good general guideline. Factors such as climate, activity level, and overall health should be considered when determining optimal fluid intake.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches and Frequent Urination

While occasional headaches and changes in urinary patterns can be normal, certain situations warrant prompt medical evaluation. Recognizing these red flags is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of potential complications.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe headaches unlike any you’ve had before
• Headaches accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, or confusion
• Changes in vision or speech associated with headaches
• Blood in the urine or persistent pain during urination
• Sudden increase in urinary frequency or urgency
• Unexplained weight loss or excessive thirst

Can ignoring these symptoms lead to serious complications? Absolutely. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify underlying conditions early, improving treatment outcomes and preventing potential long-term health issues.

Diagnostic Approaches for Headaches and Urinary Symptoms

When evaluating concurrent headaches and urinary symptoms, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools, including:

1. Detailed medical history and physical examination
2. Urinalysis and urine culture to detect infections or abnormalities
3. Blood tests to assess kidney function and blood sugar levels
4. Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs to evaluate the brain and urinary tract
5. Neurological examinations to assess nerve function and reflexes

Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Headaches and Urinary Symptoms

In addition to medical treatments, various lifestyle modifications can help alleviate headaches and manage urinary symptoms. These changes can complement traditional therapies and contribute to overall well-being.

Effective lifestyle strategies include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule to reduce stress and promote healing
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Engaging in regular physical activity to improve circulation and reduce tension
• Avoiding known dietary triggers for headaches, such as caffeine or processed foods
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, which can irritate the bladder

How long does it take to see improvements from lifestyle changes? While some benefits may be noticed immediately, consistent application of these strategies over several weeks is often necessary to achieve significant, lasting improvements.

Dietary Considerations for Symptom Management

Certain dietary adjustments can support overall health and potentially reduce the frequency of headaches and urinary symptoms:

1. Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
2. Consuming adequate fiber to promote digestive health and reduce inflammation
3. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids through fish or supplements to support brain health
4. Reducing sodium intake to help manage blood pressure and fluid balance
5. Exploring the potential benefits of herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, for relaxation and digestive support

The Role of Stress Management in Symptom Control

Stress can exacerbate both headaches and urinary symptoms, making effective stress management a crucial component of overall health maintenance. Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension, hormonal imbalances, and altered immune function, all of which can contribute to various physical symptoms.

Effective stress management techniques include:

• Mindfulness meditation to promote relaxation and mental clarity
• Progressive muscle relaxation to reduce physical tension
• Regular exercise, which releases endorphins and promotes overall well-being
• Time management strategies to reduce daily stressors
• Seeking support through therapy or support groups when needed

Can stress alone cause persistent headaches and urinary symptoms? While stress is unlikely to be the sole cause of chronic symptoms, it can significantly exacerbate existing conditions and contribute to the development of tension headaches and urinary urgency.

Incorporating Relaxation Techniques into Daily Routine

Integrating relaxation techniques into daily life can help manage stress levels and potentially reduce symptom frequency:

1. Setting aside dedicated time for relaxation exercises each day
2. Practicing deep breathing exercises during moments of stress
3. Engaging in hobbies or activities that promote calmness and joy
4. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality
5. Using aromatherapy or calming music to enhance relaxation

Exploring Complementary and Alternative Therapies

While traditional medical treatments are essential for managing underlying conditions, some individuals find relief through complementary and alternative therapies. These approaches can be used alongside conventional treatments but should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Potential complementary therapies include:

• Acupuncture for pain relief and stress reduction
• Massage therapy to alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation
• Herbal supplements, such as butterbur or feverfew, for headache prevention
• Biofeedback techniques to improve bodily awareness and control
• Chiropractic care for tension-related headaches

Are complementary therapies scientifically proven? While some alternative treatments have shown promise in clinical studies, the evidence base varies. It’s important to approach these therapies with an open mind but also with caution, ensuring they don’t interfere with prescribed medical treatments.

Integrating Complementary Therapies Safely

When considering complementary therapies, keep the following guidelines in mind:

1. Consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment
2. Choose licensed and experienced practitioners for therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care
3. Be aware of potential interactions between herbal supplements and medications
4. Monitor your symptoms closely and report any changes to your healthcare provider
5. Maintain realistic expectations and understand that results may vary

Symptoms Checker: Frequent Urination and Headaches

December 13, 2022December 13, 2022

Are you experiencing frequent headaches and urination? For some, these may be normal, but for others, these might be a serious matter. The symptoms mentioned are possible indications that something is not properly functioning in your body. Know the medical conditions associated with them here and get proper management of these related conditions. Always consult a doctor before trying any treatments.

What Causes Frequent Headache and Urination?

1. Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is a condition that occurs when bacteria are present in the digestive tract, the anus, and the urethra. These organisms can infect the urethra, the bladder, and even both organs. It is most commonly experienced by women. Severe cases of UTI can lead to a more serious problem such as kidney infections.

Other symptoms include pain and difficulty in urinating, burning sensation during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, pain in the pelvic area, and pain in the side or back

Treatments:

• Take antibiotics to fight the causative bacteria.
• Use phenazopyridine to help relieve pain especially in the urethra.
• Drink lots of water and other fluids such as cranberry juice.

2. Diabetes Type 2

Diabetes Type 2 is a medical condition that occurs when the body lacks enough amount of insulin which is responsible for transporting glucose from the blood to the cells in the body. The lack of insulin can cause a build-up of glucose in the blood, resulting in possible complications, damage to the organs, and even coma. People who are overweight and have a family history have a higher risk of suffering from this condition.

Besides frequent headaches and urination, tiredness and fatigue, increased appetite, thirstiness, slow healing of wounds and infections, blurred vision, and erectile dysfunction may also be experienced.

Treatments:

• Have a proper and well-balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly for better weight management.
• Oral medications like metformin and sulfonylureas.
• Injection of insulin.

3. Tension Headache

Tension headache is a condition that is caused by muscle tension in the face, jaw, neck, or shoulders. This is a common type of a headache that is usually experienced in the middle of the day. It can be triggered by several factors such as lack of sleep, stress and anxiety, bad posture, tiredness, and even hunger.

Other symptoms include pain and pressure in the head, sensitivity to noise and light, lack of concentration, and sleeping problems.

Treatments:

• Take over-the-counter drugs such as pain relievers to ease the pain and muscle relaxants to loosen up the muscles.
• Take a hot or cold shower to relax the mind and the body.

4. Diabetes Type 1

Diabetes Type 1 is a serious medical condition that is characterized when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. This will allow the sugar to build up in the blood, leading to several complications such as damage to the nerves, kidneys, and heart. The exact cause for this condition is still unclear, but some claim that this is due to viral infection. Higher risks are experienced by people who have a family history or those that are exposed to viruses.

Symptoms like hunger, fatigue, tiredness, blurred vision, loss of weight, frequent headaches and urination will be experienced.

Treatments:

• Take insulin.
• Use of ACE inhibitor to control blood pressure.
• Try satin drugs.
• Perform low-dose aspirin therapy.

5. Aseptic Meningitis

Aseptic meningitis is also known as viral meningitis. This condition is characterized by an inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and the brain. It is not as serious as bacterial meningitis, but proper attention should still be given as both conditions indicate the same symptoms. Those that have a weak immune system are more prone to acquire the disease.

Other symptoms include stiffness and pain in the neck, lack of concentration, sleepiness, tiredness, fever, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and seizure.

Treatments:

• Have plenty of rest and sleep.
• Take over-the-counter drugs to lessen pain especially in the muscles and head.
• Severe cases need to stay in the hospital.

6. Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses that commonly occur in less than four weeks. This develops when there is swelling and mucus present, causing blockage in the nasal passages. Most cases are due to viruses but others may be due to bacteria or fungi.

Symptoms like pain in the sinus, swelling of the sinus, facial redness, fatigue, dizziness, lack of balance, eye pain, sinus congestion, and temporary loss of senses will be experienced .

Treatments:

• Flush warm water solution or saline nasal spray to the nasal passages.
• Use warms packs to help ease the pain.
• Take antibiotics if the causative agent is bacteria.
• Use cortisone nasal sprays and other oral antihistamines to reduce inflammation.
• Undergo sinus drainage procedures.

7. Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is a medical condition that is characterized by the low amounts of potassium in the body. This hinders the proper functioning of the muscle and nerve cells. Severe cases may lead to serious health conditions and even death. People who are at high risk are those with heart disease since the lack of potassium can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.

Symptoms include heart palpitations, fatigue, leg pain and cramps, shortness of breath, confusion and dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting, depression, weakness, frequent headaches and urination, as well as other psychological problems.

Treatments:

• Hospital treatment is necessary especially if severe symptoms are experienced.
• Proper heart monitoring should be done.
• Take potassium pills, both oral and IV infusion, depending on the severity of the condition.

8. Excessive Caffeine Use

Excessive caffeine use causes frayed nerved and even drain in energy. This condition can also lead to other medical conditions such as heart diseases, increased blood pressure, and even dehydration. The sensitivity to caffeine may vary from person to person. However, it is important to remember that caffeine is also found in tea, soda drinks, energy drinks, and certain drugs.

Other symptoms include sleeping problems, fatigue, anger, lack of motivation, difficulty in concentrating, and erectile dysfunction.

For the treatments, simply avoid caffeine or cut back consumption. Be sure to do it gradually to prevent any drastic changes from occurring.

5 Surprising Signs You’re About to Get Migraine

Contrary to popular belief, not all migraines start with auras — visual disturbances such as flashing lights or loss of vision, tingling or numbness, speech disturbance, or even weakness on one side of the body.

Although auras are thought to be the hallmark sign of an impending migraine, the majority of people who get migraines don’t actually experience them, says Mia Minen, MD, MPH, a neurologist and the director of headache services at NYU Langone Health in New York City.

But it’s not just aura that can precede the onset of headache in someone who has migraine. About 10 to 20 percent of people may also experience a prodrome — a premonitory symptom — up to 48 hours before their headache kicks in, according to a study from 2015. “Recent neuroimaging fMRI studies have demonstrated that there are changes in the brain up to 24 hours before the onset of pain,” Dr. Minen says. “Prodromal symptoms have been documented in both adolescents and adults. ”

The premonitory phrase can last for a few hours or a few days, according to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), and some of these early symptoms — like fatigue and mood changes — can be subtle and easy to overlook. That’s why some experts recommend keeping a headache diary. By logging your dietary intake and lifestyle habits, you may be able to spot potential triggers and avoid migraine in the future.

3. You have neck pain or stiffness

This can be part of the prodrome or it can be accompanied by the head pain, Minen says. She estimates that up to 70 percent of people with migraine have neck pain.

“Recent neuroimaging fMRI studies have shown that this is due to the nerve fibers extending down from the brain to the cervical spine — the neck region,” she says. “These fibers then loop back up toward the brain. So while people may feel that their pain is muscular, it actually stems from the changes in the brain related to migraine.”

4. You’re excessively sleepy during the daytime

Feeling drowsy during the day is one of the most common signs of impending migraine attack. For example, a study published in 2016 found that nearly 20 percent of people with migraines reported experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness compared with about 13 percent of those who don’t have migraines. (It’s worth noting that daytime fatigue is a symptom of other conditions, too, including sleep disorders.)

5. You have to urinate frequently

Some people feel a need to urinate frequently during the premonitory phase of the migraine, according to the AMF, and this urge can also be accompanied by pelvic pain.

After the migraine attack, which can last for hours or up to three days, comes what’s called the postdrome, or the “migraine hangover.” The AMF estimates that approximately 80 percent of people can experience fatigue, body aches, dizziness, and sensitivity to sound — and the organization points out that these symptoms can be just as debilitating as those of migraine itself.

By recognizing your symptoms early on, there’s a chance that you can ward off some of the pain associated with migraine attack, either by taking medication or making adjustments to your everyday routine.

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How to distinguish a migraine from a stroke

Migraine and stroke are common causes of severe headaches, but they require very different treatment approaches.

Contents

• Migraine symptoms and treatment
• Migraine radiates to the eye
• Severe migraine and nausea
• Arm numbness due to migraine
• Migraine: stuffy ears
• Migraine: speech disorder
• Migraine and frequent urination
• Hallucinations in migraine
• Does the pressure increase with migraine
• Migraine: syncope

At the same time, if the doctor usually has no doubts in such a case, then for the average person it can be quite difficult to distinguish a migraine from a stroke.

Migraine: symptoms and treatment

1. Headache. Headache is the main symptom of migraine. A migraine headache is very often unilateral, meaning it feels sick on the right or left side of the head. In addition, migraine headaches are very rarely mild – they are usually moderate or severe/very severe. The nature of migraine headache is usually throbbing, while the pain becomes stronger with any tension and any physical activity. Most often with migraine pain is felt in the eye, temple, parietal region. Another important characteristic of migraine pain is its long duration – from 4 hours or more. In some cases, for example, in the absence of treatment or improper treatment, the duration of a migraine attack can be up to 72 hours. And finally, the last characteristic, very typical for migraine, is the effect of pain on the ability to work and life, psychological and social adaptation, and, in general, on the quality of life of a migraine patient.
2. Nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting, together or separately, often accompany a migraine attack. The occurrence of these symptoms is associated with irritation of the brain structures in the region of the vomiting center as a result of vascular and nervous changes associated with the development of a migraine attack. Nausea may be short-lived, or it may persist throughout the migraine attack. Vomiting can be single or repeated and does not bring relief.
3. Light and sound intolerance. Light and sound intolerance, also called phono/photophobia, are common symptoms of migraine. Usually, exposure to sound or visual stimuli leads to an increase in headache and an additional deterioration in the patient’s well-being.
4. Deterioration of general well-being. Against the background of severe headache and its accompanying symptoms (nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, photophobia), a significant deterioration in the patient’s general well-being occurs. Poor health persists until the end of the attack. In the interictal period, most migraine patients feel quite satisfactory.

Several groups of drugs are used to treat migraine [1]. Analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or triptans are prescribed to relieve an acute attack. For prevention (long-term treatment to prevent recurrent migraine attacks), calcium channel antagonists, beta-blockers, NSAIDs, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants (anticonvulsants) are used.

In the following, we will look at symptom variants that may be misunderstood by the migraine patient and cause him or her to suspect a stroke.

Migraine: pain “radiates” to the eye

Pain in the eye socket is typical of migraine. Usually the pain is pulsating in nature, increases with any physical activity and is felt on one side of the head. After the end of the migraine attack, sensations in the eye completely disappear, and an examination by an ophthalmologist does not reveal any deviations from the norm. If the pain in the eye is caused by something other than a migraine, a doctor’s examination will likely reveal a number of eye disorders.

Severe migraine and nausea

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms associated with migraine headache. At the same time, nausea is central (it occurs as a result of irritation of brain structures) and vomiting does not bring relief. Anti-nausea medications such as domperidone and metoclopramide are prescribed to relieve nausea during a migraine attack.

Arm numbness due to migraine

Limb numbness may be one of the manifestations of migraine aura. In this case, numbness may be the only symptom of the aura or may be associated with visual disturbances (eg, flickering spots or streaks) and/or speech disturbances. As a rule, migraine numbness disappears within an hour and completely disappears after the development of a typical migraine headache. At the end of the attack and in the interictal period, the sensitivity is fully restored. If the numbness lasts more than 1 hour, persists throughout the headache attack, and does not disappear after the attack ends, the association of numbness with migraine is doubtful. In this case, it is necessary to look for other diseases, such as a stroke.

Migraine: stuffy ears

Hearing impairment can occur with basilar and vestibular forms of migraine. Usually, patients note tinnitus, a temporary hearing loss. In parallel, dizziness, vomiting, and balance disorders may occur. The duration of these symptoms usually does not exceed 60 minutes, the symptoms disappear as the headache increases. Most often, such forms of migraine are observed in adolescents and young women.

Migraine: speech disorder

Speech impairment can also be one of the manifestations of migraine aura. Most often, this violation is manifested by the inability of the patient to find words to express his thought. Like other aura symptoms, speech impairment develops gradually, lasts no more than 60 minutes, and is completely reversible. After an attack, speech difficulties in a patient with migraine completely disappear. Unlike migraine, speech impairment in a stroke is a sign of severe brain damage and it takes a long time to restore this function.

Migraine and urinary frequency

Frequent urination is not a symptom of stroke or migraine. The presence of this symptom during a headache attack may be associated with a form of arterial hypertension, but more often indicates problems with the kidneys and urinary system (pyelonephritis, cystitis).

Hallucinations in migraine

There are no hallucinations in the medical sense of the word with migraine. However, migraine aura is often manifested by visual disturbances in the form of flickering spots and stripes, which some patients may consider hallucinations. These visual phenomena gradually increase and disappear within 60 minutes. At the same time, examination of the patient’s eyes and nervous system in the interictal period does not reveal any disorders that could provide another explanation for such symptoms.

Does blood pressure increase with migraine

An increase in blood pressure is not a symptom of migraine. However, often migraine and arterial hypertension can develop in the same patient. In such a situation, a migraine attack can provoke a sharp jump in blood pressure, and a hypertensive crisis can lead to a full-fledged migraine. Patients with this combination of diagnoses require regular monitoring and careful selection of therapy.

Migraine: syncope

Fainting and other forms of loss of consciousness are not characteristic of migraine. However, diseases that cause fainting (the so-called syncope) often occur in patients with migraine, and require additional examination and increased attention from the attending physician.

Literature

Materials of Symposium No. 58 “MIGRAINE: MODERN CONCEPTS OF DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY” were used. INTERNET VIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRACTITIONERS PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PORTAL

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what is a migraine and how to live with it

Approximately every tenth inhabitant of the Earth has had a migraine at least once in his life. Not everyone can correctly diagnose it, distinguishing it from a common headache. Here’s everything you need to know about this extremely unpleasant condition.

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Four phases of migraine

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Many consider migraine to be a very severe headache, but the reality is much more complex. Here are the four phases of a migraine, and not all of them occur in every attack, and some people may not have all phases.

Phase 1. Prodromal

A day or two before the onset of a migraine, you may notice the following health characteristics:

• thirst,
• frequent urination,
• food cravings,
• constipation,

9 0009 neck pain,

• mood changes,
• constant yawning.

These symptoms can be quite disturbing. If it’s not the first time you’ve had a migraine, you may realize that you’ll need to take medication soon. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it will be.

Phase No. 2. Aura

Every third sufferer enters this phase just before the onset of a migraine or when a headache begins. Visual discomfort usually begins: glowing dots, zigzags, distortions that can migrate across the entire field of view. Often there is a blind spot, so drivers caught in the aura should park and wait for the problem to subside.

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Some people experience an unpleasant chemical odor, begin to stutter and blush, and experience numbness of half of the body. Usually this phase lasts from 20 minutes to an hour, the symptoms increase, then pass.

Phase 3. Headache (attack)

Migraine can be quite mild, but most often it is a severe throbbing headache. Usually it is localized in one part of the head, but it can cover the entire head. It lasts from 4 to 72 hours, often accompanied by blurred vision, dizziness and fainting.

Migraines are episodic and chronic. In the latter version, they interfere with living for more than 15 days a month for three months.

In addition to the headache, one may experience nausea, sensitivity to light and sound. Many people want to hide in a dark, quiet room and go to sleep.

Migraine often forces people to break plans and agreements, and this is what especially spoils the lives of many.