How to Identify a Migraine Headache

A migraine headache can be disabling. It can last for days. Often you may not understand that you are having something other than a normal headache until you note a difference in the nature of the symptoms. Learn to identify the symptoms associated with a migraine headache.

Instructions

• 1

  Note whether or not you are having a mood disorder or feeling depressed. Note any unexplained mood swing or change in emotion that comes on quickly or lasts.

• 2

  Watch for an "aura." This may consist of many affectations such as blurred vision, blind spots, tunnel vision, sweating, speech or language problems, weakness, numbness in arms and legs and a feeling of disassociation.

• 3

  Expect head pain to begin typically after a few minutes to an hour. Head pain for a migraine headache is much different than a standard headache. Expect unrelenting pounding or pulsation on one or both sides of the head; expect nausea with or without vomiting; expect the inability to "tough through" the headache, additional intensity of pain coming with activity and a hypersensitivity to light and sound.

• 4

  Be prepared for typical analgesics to fail to help the pain. Be prepared to desire a dark room to lie down and be left alone. This is what many sufferers do.

• 5

  Be prepared to endure the migraine for from four to 72 hours, although that is just an average.

• 6

  Identify it further by trying treatments that are often effective such as drinking caffeine and using medication such as cafergot. If you get some relief from this, you have further identified the fact that you are suffering from a migraine headache.

• 7

  Call the doctor when you experience a migraine headache. Effectiveness of treatment has changed greatly in recent years and you may benefit from a new treatment.