Do you get migraines?

[knowmeyourself]

Do you get migraine headaches? How often?

How does it feel at the onset of one?

What is the best migraine relief that you know of?

Have you pinpointed a trigger/cause?

Thanks! :)

[222fallguy2]

Although much about the cause of migraines isn't understood, genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role.

Migraines may be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway.

Imbalances in brain chemicals — including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system — also may be involved. Researchers continue to study the role of serotonin in migraines.

Serotonin levels drop during migraine attacks. This may cause your trigeminal system to release substances called nEuropeptides, which travel to your brain's outer covering (meninges). The result is headache pain.Migraine headache triggers

Whatever the exact mechanism of the headaches, a number of things may trigger them. Common migraine triggers include:

Hormonal changes in women. Fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger headaches in many women with known migraines. Women with a history of migraines often report headaches immediately before or during their periods, when they have a major drop in estrogen.

Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause.

Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, also may worsen migraines. Some women, however, may find their migraines occur less often when taking these medications.Foods. Aged cheeses, salty foods and processed foods may trigger migraines. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger attacks.

Food additives. The sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate, found in many foods, may trigger migraines.

Drinks. Alcohol, especially wine, and highly caffeinated beverages may trigger migraines.

Stress. Stress at work or home can cause migraines.

Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun glare can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Unusual smells — including perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and others — can trigger migraines in some people.

Changes in wake-sleep pattern. Missing sleep or getting too much sleep may trigger migraines in some people, as can jet lag.

Physical factors. Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, may provoke migraines.

Changes in the environment. A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine.

Medications. Oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can aggravate migraines

[222fallguy2]

My sister gets them and she has used some meds that have worked for her but I do not know what they are. I shall ask her for you (even though we never speak lol)

[knowmeyourself]

I think it's stress for me! Thank you so much. :)

[222fallguy2]

Of course you are welcome. I hope we figure it out. I will text my sister today and then post what she takes on this answer.

[knowmeyourself]

You don't have to! :)

[222fallguy2]

I will Sally you know I will so...

[knowmeyourself]

Thank you so much.

[222fallguy2]

:)

[222fallguy2]

Thank you Sally and hope you feel good today.

[knowmeyourself]

:))

[jmowen]

Mine are usually stress induced. I typically get them several times a week. I usually just sleep it off. Can't really take medicines to relieve them.

[knowmeyourself]

How long does a single attack last?

[jmowen]

Without sleeping or taking meds, about 2 hours or so. If longer, I contact my doctor and they usually give me the okay to take a strong painkiller (Oxycondone). However, sleep 90% of the time will get rid of it.

[cazza3]

I use to suffer severely at least once a week. I got tired of using medication and shutting myself away in a dark room so I did a lot of thinking about possible causes. It slowly dawned on me that my love of cheese might be the culprit. I am allergic to penicillin and so to molds in general. Since many foods are derived from mold, especially cheese, the migraines I suffered with were possibly an allergic reaction. I cut out cheese six months ago and surprise, surprise, not one headache since

[knowmeyourself]

How long does a single attack last?

[cazza3]

Generally all day but its lasted 2-3 days sometimes and for the following few days I would still have a tightness in my face

[Betwyn]

I used to get really bad headaches very often.

Some, I knew were stress induced.. but many, I had no idea why..

For awhile, I honestly believed I had a brain tumour...

Now, I don't get bad headaches as often...

and they are mostly derived from stress or lack of sleep..

As for treatment...

Pills.. Alcohol.. Sleep..

[knowmeyourself]

How long does a single attack last?

[Betwyn]

hours

[Betwyn]

sometimes, a lesser intensity headache, would last all week..

but the ones where it felt like an army of angry cats were trying to claw their way out of my head through my eyes.. those would usually last 6-12 hours

[PinkAcid]

i used to take immigran or sumapetrin for mine and those worked OK but I still got them.

i mainly get them when I'm stressed out or have been staring at a computer screen for hours or when I eat twiglets (marmite flavoured wheat crisps) or cheese

[knowmeyourself]

How long does a single attack last?

[PinkAcid]

when I was younger they could last for a week (14-16 years old) now (22) they last 2 days maximum and about 7 hours minimum and I get them every few months

[PinkAcid]

i use these and they help A LOT, theyre gel cooling pads and I get mine for ?1.99 for a pack of 10 from my local supermarket link link

[knowmeyourself]

Thanks a lot!

[Anonymous]

Yes. I hate it. I've had 7 migraines in the past year and a half. I can feel one coming on and I will try to knock it out with ibuprofen. The ache usually starts at the C3 and C4 vertebrae and travels to my temples. By that time I am very sick and have to go ly down in a dark room and sleep. Stress is my trigger.

[knowmeyourself]

How long does a single attack last?

[Opinion Owner]

I have to sleep in a dark room and allow my body to relax. The headache will usually go away in a few hours. However, I feel weak for a few days. That's why I try to knock it out before I get that sick.

[douride2]

I started getting them in my mi 20s some times 2 or 3 a month. Thankfully I only get a few a year now. The biggest cause was stress lack of sleep also certain foods and alcohol. The only relief was a dark quiet room and sleep.

[knowmeyourself]

Same for me! Problem is once I start working again, it comes back. I relax, it goes away. It doesn't stop. I feel paralyzed.

[douride2]

I never had the problem of them returning but some would last 2 days or more of angony.

[knowmeyourself]

Yeah :/ Do you take pills or do you just relax?

[douride2]

I used to take pills can't remember what but they just knocked you out didn't get rid of it. Know when I feel one coming on I take some Tylenol 3 it helps take the edge off if I manage to catch it early enough.

[knowmeyourself]

Thanks for helping!

[douride2]

No problem but you should see a doctor if you haven't all ready I hear the have some new drugs that do wonders.

[knowmeyourself]

I haven't been diagnosed yet. I probably should see a doctor. I can't stand the pain anymore. Thank you!

[222fallguy2]

I have something similar. I get short term stabbing pains in the center of my head. It makes me collapse at times. I have not found the reason and I have been lucky to have not had one in a month or two. I am guessing you do?

[knowmeyourself]

I am having several attacks these days for the first time in my life. I haven't been diagnosed, but I guess it might be a migraine headache. It's awful :(

[222fallguy2]

Are you getting enough sunlight and enough exercise?

[knowmeyourself]

Yup :/

[OnItLikeSonic]

I get awful migraines, they usually last for 2-4 hours, and I get short bursts of a ripping pain down the side of my head when I get them too.

Main things that set me off are bright lights and strong smells, not found a solution yet. Woo, NHS.

[kangaru]

I had before when I was under intense stress. I didn't take medication because once I put the matter aside or think positive it solved the issue.

[knowmeyourself]

How long does a single attack last?

[kangaru]

it can last me a few days. sometimes it can go on and off

[knowmeyourself]

Same for me!

[kangaru]

so I tried not to think too hard/much and it woudnt happen. it is mainly due to stress.

[knowmeyourself]

Mine is due to stress too. :( It's the first time in my life I get such horrible headaches.

[kangaru]

have to relax , breathe in and out

when I got migraine I know my stress level is very high otherwise I hardly got it

[knowmeyourself]

When I rest it goes away, but as soon as I start working again I get horrible headaches over and over again. It doesn't seem to go away for good.

[kangaru]

u have to relax ger

work out help to destress

[knowmeyourself]

Thanks for helping!

[kangaru]

no problem :)

[Anonymous]

i used to, but now whenever I start to get one I take ibuprofin

[Anonymous]

I used to get them all the time but now not so much. I used to get it from sharp cheder or chocolate.

[asianfreak]

No, none ever in my life

[COCOCHANEL]

no I don't think I've ever had one

[Anonymous]

you know, I've never had one.