migraine....or not?

Question

ok so lately I've been getting what I THINK is a migraine...im not sure, whats weird is- I know exactly when I'm going to get them. What happens is -


NUMBER1. U know when u look at the sun or a bright light for a while, and then you look somewhere else, u see those spots or blotches hovering around....well when I start getting those I know a "migraine/headache" is coming on.

NUMBER2.I get really really hot and feel like I have a fever, I also feel weak and a need to rest.

NUMBER3. suddenly I start cooling down and am almost cold

NUMBER4. at this point I have to sit or rest. kind of shaky...

It might sound like some really bad disease but I only get these lets say....3 times a month, Since I know when the headaces are going to start, I think I should find a way to stop it even before it starts. no? well anyway I want to know What these headaches/migraine things are called so I can get medicine to treat it.. thx :)

ohh an p.s. usually only the left side of my head hurts..

Answer 1

What you're getting sounds very much like migraine with aura. There are a number of different types of migraines. Migraines aren't JUST headaches, but a neurological disease. While your primary care doctor can help you with them, it might be a good idea, if you're getting them often, to find a neurologist who =specializes= in migraine disease.

Different migraines are triggered by different things. In order to help you prevent them from starting, you might want to do several things. Keep a migraine journal and watch what you're doing and what's going on around you before one starts to help pinpoint what might be your trigger(s). As has been mentioned, some notorious triggers are red wine, aged cheese, caffeine, and chocolate. One of my biggest triggers: changes in the weather. Something that will push a minor trigger into a major one is stress (stress in itself isn't a trigger - in the same way that stress won't give you a cold, but if you're stressed, it will drag you down and make you more likely to get sick).

There are a number of drugs that =may= help to prevent your migraines. They also may not. And even if you and your doctor are able to find something that will help to prevent your migraines, you may well have some that sneak through.

Then the triptans (like Imitrex) may help to "abort" your migraines. There are 7 of them. One or another may (or may not) help. If they don't, there are several other strategies other than pain medications that can be tried.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You don't say how old you are.
Migraines are also called "cluster headaches"

The hot flash thing is why I ask about your age. No matter, even though migraines are terrible every one experiences different side effects.

Going by your avatar I can assume you are female. Are these migraines surfacing around your time of the month?

Only a doc can prescribe the right meds and most stop the migraine from getting worse.

When you see your doc, don't be surprised if he/she wants to do a brain scan to rule out other things. Good luck

Answer 3

The lights around your eyes are called an "aura", they are one of the symptoms associated with a migraine, intense head pain, shakiness, nausea, and hot flashes are all part of migraine issues. I would recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor to make sure you don't have high blood sugar or a thyroid problem. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist to make sure there isnt an underlying problem causing the onset of migraines. I have a couple friends that take Imitrex when they have migraines, it is prescription medication so you could talk to your primary care doctor about that as well.

Answer 4

What you see is called an aura and for many migraine sufferers that is the first sign that one is coming.

Migraines also cause extreme sensitivity to light and noise and movement. The hot and cold is normal for migraines. Nausea and vomitting are normal too.

You need a doctor to evaluate the symptoms that go with your head aches. There are prescription meds. Avoid caffeine, red wine, chocolate and aged cheese when you feel one coming on.

Answer 5

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