Headaches and migraines

[bernie40]

Hi,  I get migraines about twice a week now - this is after a good few years of having none!  I don't always get the actual headache as that seems to depend on how quick I get to take the migraine tablets.  I always get the visual aura - shimmering starting at the edges of my vision, sometimes one eye sometimbes both.  The shimmering increases until I can see very little.

I don't seem to get any warning, I can be going about my business quite happily when suddenly my vision goes - I find this worrying, what if it happens when I am driving?

I also get very bad headaches which I assume aren't migraine because they are not accompanied by the visual aura, yet they are knock you down headaches.  

I find it strange that family will say they have a headache but can go about their normal business whereas when I get a headache it lays me flat!

So what exactly is migraine?  Do you have to have the visual and headache?

Sorry I am just a bit confused - any advice greatfully received.

Thanks

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Migraines are vascular headaches which affect one side of the head. They are preceded by visual symptoms like zig zag lines, shimmering lights etc. These are said to be aura symptoms. Other aura symptoms include ringing in the ears and onesided body numbness. Aura is followed by one sided throbbing headaches which are associated with nausea and vomiting. Vomiting usually relieves headache.
Migraine headaches are very different from normal headaches as they are quite severe and debilitating. Lying in a dark quiet room usually provides relief.
It is very important to identify the triggering factor for migraine which can be red wine, caffeine, MSG, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, aged cheese, chikpeas and beans.
Hope this helps!