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Often people self-diagnose with migraines, but in actual fact they are suffering from bad headaches. Migraines are a different condition which needs medical testing to diagnose, and are more severe than headaches. Symptoms of migraines. Migraine symptoms vary from person to person; not everyone who suffers migraines will experience every symptom, and it may differ each time. The main symptoms include: Vision abnormalities – loss of vision, blurred vision, tunnel vision, seeing shapes or spots of light, flashes in the vision Sensitivity to light and sound (photophonia and phonophobia) Throbbing pain in the head Pain in one side of the head Nausea and/or vomiting Stiff neck There are some symptoms which begin a day or two before the migraine itself begins, which include: Irritability Depression Exhaustion Constipation

Abnormalities in vision like floaters, loss of vision or flashing lights And following a migraine many people experience exhaustion and light-headedness, and may even faint. Diagnosing migraines. Diagnosing migraines involves some questions about your medical history and – if there are concerns about other causes – some testing to rule out other conditions. The questions asked to diagnose migraines include things like the age you were when the migraines began (women are usually in their early 20's and make up most who suffer with migraines – men tend to present slightly later) the symptoms you experience and whether they change, how regularly you suffer the headaches, if you have any known triggers (other medications, foods, environmental influences) if migraines run in your family, and whether the migraines occur around the time of your period. (If they do you shouldn't take contraceptive pills that include oestrogen). To rule out other causes a doctor might run a series of tests, including blood tests, lumbar punctures, CT scans and MRI scans. Treating migraines. Migraines can be treated with various medications – and for those who suffer them regularly there are preventative medications that can be taken at the first signs of a migraine beginning to prevent it developing. These preventative medicines include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers (both usually used to treat cardiovascular issues) anti-depressants, anti-seizure drugs, anti-inflammatory pain medication and even botox, injected into the muscles of the forehead and neck, though only in very extreme, chronic cases. Medications to treat migraines to relieve the symptoms include: Anti-inflammatory pain relief Aspirin (a blood thinner and pain medication) Triptans (blood vessel constrictors) Anti-nausea medications There are a number of environmental factors that can be contributing factors to migraines, and avoiding or treating these can prevent migraines developing. These include: Hormonal changes in women (which is why many women suffer migraines around the time of their period) Food additives or certain foods – keep a food diary to see what foods you consume and you may see a pattern. Caffeine and/or alcohol. Stress Over-stimulated senses – overpowering smells, bright lights, loud noise. Atmospheric pressure – changes in weather.