Migraine Panic Symptoms

Migraine headaches run the gamut of pain, from mildly uncomfortable to incapacitating. They can build up slowly, or they can strike suddenly. They can be triggered by many factors, including panic attacks. This article will look at some of the triggers and symptoms of migraines, how to distinguish a migraine from a panic attack and how to prevent a recurrence of the headache.

Defining Migraines

• A migraine is a severe headache caused by abnormal activity in the brain and cerebral blood vessels. Migraine headaches are usually highly localized, with pain centered on one side of the head, or behind the eyes. Nausea and sensitivity to light and sounds are also common symptoms.
  Migraine sufferers occasionally report feeling an aura before the actual headache begins. An aura is a precursor symptom. Migraine auras are usually visual in nature, and can include discomfort behind the eyes, "dots" in the field of vision or sensitivity to light. An aura is a warning that a migraine is on the way, and can give the sufferer some time to rest or take preventative medication. Most migraine patients do not experience an aura.
  The brain and blood vessel activity that causes migraine headaches are caused by a number of factors, called triggers. Triggers can include stress, certain foods or environmental elements. Chocolate, caffeine, loud noises, artificial light and panic attacks have all been identified as potential migraine triggers.

Panic and Migraines

• A panic attack is a sudden increase in anxiety, accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate and shortness of breath, and mental symptoms such as fright or paranoia. Like migraines, panic attacks have triggers, but unlike migraines, panic triggers are usually psychological. Phobias are common triggers of panic attacks.
  Some of the physical symptoms of panic can mimic the early symptoms of migraines, especially if the sufferer's migraines are usually triggered by stress. Migraines can sometimes trigger panic attacks.

Different Treatments for Different Problems

• While migraines and panic attacks can trigger each other and create similar symptoms, they are different disorders. Migraines are primary physical in nature while panic attacks are usually psychological. These differences mandate different treatments.
  Of the two, panic attacks are easier to treat. Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications are effective, and talk therapy can help patients work out the psychological issues. Migraines, however, are a different story.

Treating Migraines with Medication

• Migraine medications work to open constricted vessels, restoring normal circulation in the head and relieving the headache. The drawbacks are their limited duration, and a rebound effect, in which the headache returns when the medication wears off.

Treating Migraines Holistically

• A more effective treatment of migraine involves teaching the patient to understand and modify the environmental triggers. Common triggers include caffeine, dehydration, excessive physical exertion or even certain perfumes. Reducing exposure to these triggers will dramatically decrease the incidence of migraine headaches.