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Migraines Due to Cranial Blockage

Many people suffer from migraines. Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity, which in turn has a number of causes. Cranial blockage refers to the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain. When this occurs it can cause symptoms similar to those of a migraine.

  1. Cranial Blockage

    • The brain has a complex series of blood veins. Because these veins twist and turn extremely often, they are very easily blocked by cholesterol build-up. When a blockage occurs in a cranial blood vein it stops blood flow to sections of the brain and is usually referred to as a stroke.

    Symptoms

    • When suffering from a stroke it is common to experience a numbness or a weakness on the face, body, arm or leg, usually on the same side of the body as that on which the blockage has occurred. A person suffering from a stroke may also experience confusion and may speaking and understanding what is said. Symptoms that a stroke may share with a migraine are a sudden and painful headache, blurred vision and dizziness that may make walking difficult.

    Migraine

    • Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity. This may, in turn, be caused by such factors as stress, changes in sleeping pattern or bright lights. Migraines usually occur between the ages of 10 and 46, though they may begin to occur later in life even though there is no history of migraines. Migraines may cause headaches, but do not always do so. They usually cause blind spots in the vision, as well as zig zag-like obstructions to the vision, dizziness and difficulty in concentrating.

    Treatment

    • While a stroke may share some of the symptoms of a migraine, they do not cause migraines. For this reason, treatment of a stroke differs from treatment for migraines. Strokes may be life threatening, whereas migraines are usually not. A stroke caused by a cranial blockage requires first that the blockage be removed as soon as possible, sometimes by using tissue plasminogen activators such as alteplase and reteplase. Once the blockage has been cleared, rehabilitation is often required, depending on the level of brain damage caused by the blockage.
      There is no cure for migraines, but avoiding dehydration and resting in a darkened room may help to alleviate symptoms. Prescription drugs containing triptans, ergots or isometheptine may help to stop an attack.

    Considerations

    • If you are experiencing what appears to be a migraine accompanied by other symptoms of a stroke, it is vitally important to seek medical attention immediately. If the symptoms related to a cranial blockage, there is a high risk of brain damage.

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