What are the common causes of frequent urination and headache. How can these symptoms be treated effectively. What are the underlying medical conditions associated with these symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for frequent urination and headaches.

Understanding the Link Between Frequent Urination and Headaches

Experiencing frequent urination and headaches simultaneously can be concerning and disruptive to daily life. While these symptoms may seem unrelated, they often occur together due to various underlying medical conditions. Understanding the connection between these symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why do frequent urination and headaches often occur together? The link between these symptoms can be attributed to several factors:

• Shared neural pathways in the body
• Hormonal imbalances
• Systemic conditions affecting multiple organs
• Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances

Recognizing the potential causes and seeking appropriate medical attention is essential for managing these symptoms effectively.

Urinary Tract Infection: A Common Culprit

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent causes of frequent urination and headaches. This condition occurs when bacteria enter and colonize the urinary system, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Symptoms of UTI

In addition to frequent urination and headaches, UTI may present with the following symptoms:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Fever (in severe cases)

How is UTI diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis typically involves a urine analysis and culture. Treatment usually consists of:

1. Antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection
2. Pain relievers like phenazopyridine for urethral discomfort
3. Increased fluid intake, particularly water and cranberry juice

Can UTIs be prevented? While not all UTIs are preventable, certain measures can reduce the risk:

• Maintaining proper hygiene
• Urinating after sexual intercourse
• Staying well-hydrated
• Wiping from front to back after using the toilet

Diabetes: A Silent Contributor to Frequent Urination and Headaches

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause frequent urination and headaches. These symptoms often arise due to the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. This leads to elevated blood glucose levels, triggering various symptoms.

What are the key symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow wound healing
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Recurrent infections

How is Type 2 diabetes managed? Treatment typically involves:

1. Lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise)
2. Oral medications (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas)
3. Insulin therapy in some cases
4. Regular blood glucose monitoring

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. This form of diabetes often develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age.

What distinguishes Type 1 diabetes symptoms from Type 2?

• More rapid onset of symptoms
• Greater risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
• Often accompanied by sudden weight loss
• May present with more severe dehydration

How is Type 1 diabetes treated? Management typically includes:

1. Insulin therapy (multiple daily injections or insulin pump)
2. Carbohydrate counting and meal planning
3. Regular blood glucose monitoring
4. Lifestyle adjustments

Tension Headaches: More Than Just a Pain in the Head

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms such as frequent urination. These headaches typically result from muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders.

What triggers tension headaches?

• Stress and anxiety
• Poor posture
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Eye strain
• Hunger or skipping meals

How can tension headaches be effectively managed? Treatment options include:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
2. Stress management techniques (meditation, deep breathing)
3. Regular exercise and stretching
4. Improving sleep habits
5. Massage therapy or acupuncture

Can tension headaches be prevented? While not all tension headaches are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can reduce their frequency:

• Practicing good posture
• Taking regular breaks during prolonged screen time
• Staying hydrated
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

Aseptic Meningitis: When Headaches and Urination Signal Something Serious

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 symptoms, including headaches and frequent urination.

Understanding Aseptic Meningitis

What causes aseptic meningitis? The condition is typically caused by:

• Enteroviruses (most common)
• Herpes simplex virus
• Varicella-zoster virus
• HIV (in some cases)

Who is at higher risk for aseptic meningitis?

• Children and young adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Those living in crowded conditions
• Individuals exposed to mosquitoes or ticks carrying viral infections

Recognizing Aseptic Meningitis Symptoms

What are the key symptoms of aseptic meningitis?

• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and confusion
• In some cases, frequent urination

How is aseptic meningitis diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Physical examination
2. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
3. Blood tests
4. Imaging studies (CT or MRI) in some cases

Treatment for aseptic meningitis is primarily supportive and may include:

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers for headache and fever
• Antiviral medications in specific cases
• Hospitalization for severe cases or complications

Acute Sinusitis: When Sinus Inflammation Affects More Than Your Nose

Acute sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus cavities, can lead to a range of symptoms including headaches and, in some cases, frequent urination. This condition often develops as a complication of the common cold or allergies.

Identifying Acute Sinusitis

What are the primary symptoms of acute sinusitis?

• Facial pain or pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Reduced sense of smell
• Headache, particularly in the forehead area
• Fatigue
• Cough, which may worsen at night

How does sinusitis potentially lead to frequent urination? While not a direct symptom, frequent urination may occur due to:

• Increased fluid intake to alleviate symptoms
• Hormonal changes in response to inflammation
• Pressure on nearby structures affecting bladder function

Treating Acute Sinusitis

What are the most effective treatments for acute sinusitis?

1. Nasal irrigation with saline solution
2. Over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers
3. Nasal corticosteroid sprays
4. Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is suspected)
5. Adequate rest and hydration

Can acute sinusitis be prevented? While not always preventable, certain measures can reduce the risk:

• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Avoiding known allergens
• Using a humidifier in dry environments
• Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke
• Managing allergies effectively

When to Seek Medical Attention for Frequent Urination and Headaches

While occasional headaches and increased urination may not be cause for immediate concern, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. Recognizing these red flags can help prevent complications and ensure timely treatment.

Warning Signs

When should you consult a healthcare provider for frequent urination and headaches?

• Sudden, severe headache accompanied by confusion or vision changes
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) with headache and neck stiffness
• Blood in urine or painful urination
• Persistent symptoms lasting more than a week
• Headaches that worsen or don’t respond to over-the-counter medications
• Frequent urination that significantly disrupts daily activities or sleep
• Unexplained weight loss or excessive thirst accompanying symptoms

Diagnostic Process

What can you expect during a medical evaluation for these symptoms?

1. Detailed medical history and symptom review
2. Physical examination
3. Urinalysis and possibly urine culture
4. Blood tests to check for infections, diabetes, or other conditions
5. Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI) if neurological issues are suspected
6. Referral to specialists (urologist, neurologist) if necessary

How can you prepare for your medical appointment? Consider the following:

• Keep a symptom diary noting frequency, severity, and any triggers
• List all medications and supplements you’re currently taking
• Prepare questions about your symptoms and potential treatments
• Bring a family member or friend for support and to help remember information

By recognizing the potential causes of frequent urination and headaches and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can take proactive steps towards managing your health. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment often lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

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.

Here are a few migraine warning signs to look out for:

1. You have food cravings

“Eating abnormally may be part of the prodrome of the migraine,” says Noah Rosen, MD, director of the Northwell Health Headache Center in Great Neck, New York. “While you may blame that chocolate bar you ate at your 11 a.m. break for causing your headache, it may have been part of the prodrome that led you to eat it in the first place.” (Cocoa may be protective of migraine, he notes.)

2. You’re yawning excessively

Yawning often is one of the most common prodrome signs, and it’s likely due to changes in the activity of neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, Dr. Minen says.

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.

Migraine After 60: What You Need to Know

Migraine attacks often become less frequent and less severe after 60. For those who still need treatment, the newer medications may be safer options.

By Becky UphamJune 16, 2023

Is Your Family Life Affected by Migraine Attacks?

It’s hard to be the best parent or partner when chronic migraines knock you out. A study confirms how family life is affected by chronic migraine.

By Angie GlaserJune 14, 2023

How to Choose Birth Control When You Have Migraine

Finding the right hormonal birth control can take some trial and error when you’re living with migraine. This expert guidance can help.

By Becky UphamJune 11, 2023

6 Sleep Tips for People With Migraine

Good sleep habits can help a lot with managing migraine, but if you’re still having trouble falling or staying asleep, you may have a sleep disorder in…

By Diana RodriguezJune 5, 2023

10 Ways to Stop Migraine Before It Starts

Keeping a diary of your triggers is one way to minimize your risk of migraine. Find out what else you can do to help prevent migraines.

By Beth W. OrensteinJune 4, 2023

9 Exercise Tips for People With Migraine

Learn how to exercise right to increase fitness and improve your quality of life — not trigger migraine.

By Beth W. OrensteinJune 4, 2023

The Best Exercises to Try If You Have Chronic Migraine

Research shows that exercise can be beneficial for people who have migraine. But which exercises are best, and what precautions should you take when you…

By Blake MillerMay 22, 2023

Expert Advice on Managing Chronic Migraine

Speaking at the 2021 Migraine World Summit, headache specialist Carrie O. Dougherty, MD, shared her best advice on reining in chronic migraine.

By Becky UphamMay 22, 2023

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 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 control 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 VISION FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRACTITIONERS PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PORTAL

1. Amelin A.V. Prevention of migraine paroxysms // New technologies in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of neurological diseases. – SPb., 2010.
2. Grigoryeva V.N., Gustov A.V., Kornilova L.E., Kulikova O.A. The effectiveness of the combined use of kinesitherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of patients with migraine // Zhurn. neuropatol. and a psychiatrist. them. S.S. Korsakov. – 2003. – T. 103 (12). – S. 20-25.
3. Mishchenko T.S. Migraine: epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention // Health of Ukraine. – 2010. – 2(13).
4. Mishchenko T. S., Mishchenko V.N. Modern diagnostics and treatment of neurological diseases // Reference book of the doctor “Neurologist”. – Doctor-Media LLC, 2010. – S. 65-74.
5. Mozolevsky Yu.V., Uspenskaya O.V., Cherkashin A.V. Migraine stroke // Pain. – 2006. – 4(13). — 25-30.
6. Morozova O.G. Migraine: issues of comorbidity and differential diagnosis // Health of Ukraine. – 2010. – No. 4. – S. 19-20.
7. Morozova O.G. Migraine: problems of classification, diagnosis and treatment // Health of Ukraine. – 2010. – No. 4. – S. 17-18.
8. International Classification of Headache: Translation by V.V. Osipova, T.G. Voznesenskaya. – 2nd ed. – 2004. – 219 p.
9. Handbook for the formulation of the clinical diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system / Ed. V.N. Stock, O.S. Levin. – M .: Medical Information Agency, 2010. – S. 289-292.
10. Tabeeva G.R. Prevention of migraine. Management. — M.: Pulse, 2008.
11. Stock V.N. Headache. — M.: Medicine, 2007. — 304 p.
12. American Academy of Neurology: Evidence-based guidelines for migraine headache in the primary care setting: pharmacological management for prevention of migraine. Accessed online November 8, 2005.
13. Arboix A., Massons J., Oliveres M. Headache in acute cerebrovascular disease: a prospective clinical study in 240 patients // Cephalagia. – 1994. – 14. – 37-40.
14. Boska M.D., Welch K.M.A., Barker P.B. et al. Contrasts in cortical magnesium, phospholipid and energy metabolism between migraine syndromes // Neurology. – 2002. – V. 58. – R. 1227-1233.
15. Charles A., Brennan K.C. Cortical spreading depression — new insights and persistent questions // Cephalalgia. — 2009. – V. 29. – R. 1115-1124.
16. Chang C.L., Donaghy M., Poulter N. Migraine and stroke in young women: case-control study. The World Health Organization Collaborative Study of Cardiovascular Disease and Steroid Hormone Contraception // Br. Med. J. – 1999. – 318. – 13-8.
17. Connor K. M., Shapiro R.E., Diener H.C. et al. Randomized, controlled trial of telcagepant for the acute tretment of migraine // Neurology. – 2009. – 22. – 970-977.
18. Gasbarri A., Armone B., Pompili A. et al. Emotional memory and migraine: Effects of amitriptyline and sex related difference // Behav. brain. Res. – 2008. – 189. — 220-225.

to the list of articlesFind a doctor

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.

Tags:

Women Health

headache

Migraine

GettyImages

Four phases of migraine

Many people think of migraine as a very severe headache, but it’s actually much more complicated. 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,
• craving to certain foods,
• constipation,
• neck pain,
• mood changes,
• persistent 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 immediately 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.

ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW

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 expressed in 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 can be episodic or 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.

Phase No. 4. Postdromal

After the end of the main “action”, you can feel something similar to a hangover: lack of confidence in movements, weakness, thirst.