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Fioricet 40mg Tablet Information
Migraine is a neurological disorder that generally involves recurring headaches. Other symptoms may occur with the headaches. Migraines are often classified based on whether they include an early symptom called an aura. Most migraines do not have this aura stage. A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are extremely rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications. A tension headache is a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Cluster headaches affect one side of the head (unilateral) and may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose. The headaches occur repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks and then go away. Migraine is a neurological disorder that generally involves repeated headaches. Some people also have nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Most people with migraines do not have any warning before it occurs. However, some people have a visual disturbance called an aura before the headache starts. Causes, incidence, and risk factors A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress, food, or something else. The exact chain of events is not known. However, it seems to involve various nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding membranes. Migraines occur in women more than men, most often between the ages of 10 and 46 years. In some cases, they appear to run in families. Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
Foods associated with migraine include:
True migraine headaches are not a result of underlying brain tumors or other serious medical problems. However, only an experienced health care provider can determine whether headache symptoms represent migraine or some underlying medical condition that requires further tests. This assessment can only be made after a review of a patient's history and a complete neurological exam. Symptoms Return to top When a migraine begins with visual disturbances (aura), these warning symptoms may occur anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours before the headache. The visual changes are common in one or both eyes. They may occur in any combination:
Other symptoms that may precede or accompany the headache include:
The headache itself is often described as a "pounding" feeling that starts on one side of the head and may spread to the other side. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. Many patients describe pain behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck. The headache typically begins as a dull ache that progressively worsens over several minutes to hours to the point of disabling pain. The headache may last several hours to days, during which patients are sensitive to light or sound. Patients often wish to rest in a quiet, dark room. Treatment To learn what may be triggering your migraine headaches, keep a headache diary. Write down:
For example, the diary may reveal that your headaches tend to occur more often on days when you awaken earlier than usual. Changing your sleep schedule may then result in fewer migraine attacks. Some birth control pills and other medications may trigger headaches. Your health care provider should address questions regarding their use. Even in the absence of a clear factor that triggers migraine attacks, try to keep a regular exercise and sleep schedule. Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol. Some patients have found biofeedback and self-hypnosis to be effective at reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. MEDICATION Although there is no cure for migraine headaches, numerous medications are available. These medications are used to:
All medications have potential side effects and may be incompatible with other medications you are taking. Also, many migraine medications are associated with birth defects and are therefore not safe to use during pregnancy. Often, a health care provider will try several classes of medications before one (or a combination) is found to be effective. PREVENTING MIGRAINES Many medications can reduce the frequency of migraines. Generally, these need to be taken daily in order to be effective. These medications are less useful and tolerable to patients with infrequent headaches. Medications in this category include:
STOPPING AN ATTACK Other medications are taken when there is the first sign of an impending migraine attack. In the case of migraine with aura, this is typically when the visual disturbances are first noted. These medications can effectively stop the migraine in its tracks, preventing the progression to other migraine symptoms or reducing the severity of the attack. Many of these medications cause constriction of blood vessels and cannot be given to patients at risk of heart attack or other conditions. These medications include:
These medications come in various preparations to enable administration via different routes. For example, patients who have vomiting and cannot keep pills down may benefit from a nasal spray or injection. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are taking an ergotamine-containing medication and you are likely to become pregnant. Such medications can have serious side effects to an unborn baby. TREATING SYMPTOMS Other medications are primarily given to treat the symptoms of migraine. Used alone or in combinations, these drugs can minimize pain, nausea, or emotional distress caused by the migraine. Some of these medications may also have some effect on the underlying process in addition to providing symptomatic relief. Medications in this group include:
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