Symptoms For Headaches

Causes And Remedy Of Frequent Headaches

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:42:00 +0000

Headaches are a common cause of suffering. It is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. Learn more about the cause and remedy of frequent headache in this article.

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. Headaches are a common cause of suffering, but all headaches are not created equal. For example, a migraine is a splitting headache that just seems to set in apparently caused by no reason at all. If you have a stable pattern of recurring headaches accompanied by nausea at least some of the time, you probably have migraine.

The symptoms accompany the headache including nausea, vomiting, or the feeling that light bothers the eyes (photophobia) or sound bothers the ears (phonophobia). Some people seem prone to migraine headaches, others get tension headaches, sinus headaches or cluster headaches. Once the pain of headache sets in, it is sheer agony. Headaches are diagnosed based on symptoms. No procedure can determine the diagnosis.

If you’re not sure what triggers your headaches, you may want to start keeping a record. People who get headaches are thought to have an inherited abnormality in the regulation of blood vessels. Triggers can be divided into different groups, including emotional triggers, stress, environmental, chemical, food and beverage.

Though it has been seen that some headaches does run in families, it’s not necessary that children of headache patients will also have it. Insufficient sleep, anxiety, problems, and worries give rise to the tension headache. Headaches can also be triggered by allergies and stress. Although many sufferers have a family history of headaches, the exact hereditary nature of this condition is not known. Stress, insomnia, over sleeping, and hunger may also trigger some form of headaches such as migraine.

You may have some triggers that start your headache attack at one time, and then these triggers can change. Cheese (pizza) is also a triggering factor in some people, while in others it only aggravates an already existing condition. You may find it hard to avoid them, but for some people, environmental changes can trigger a migraine. Some even go to say that a migraine maybe triggered by the end of a stressful situation.

Herbs such as Ginkgo and Feverfew assists in lowering the intensity of the pain. If the pain is severe, which it frequently is during a full-blown migraine attack, then you may need medication. Being aware of what brings on your headaches is key to finding drug free relief. Migraine may be, relieved by identifying and avoiding problem foods. Some sufferers respond to salt, lactose in milk and ice cream, cigarette smoke, birth control pills, caffeine and tryptophan, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Find out if you have any allergies. Allergies can cause headaches.

Virtually all headache therapies are designed to eliminate, or at least mitigate, pain. Individuals who experience several moderate or severe migraine headaches per month or whose headaches do not respond readily to medications should avoid triggers and consider modifications of their lifestyle. Some people find that by falling asleep, they can actually eliminate the attack. Sometimes a separate visit to your medical practitioner to discuss your headaches specifically may be necessary.

There are a number of alternative headache treatments such as using aromatherapy, acupunture, biofeedback, homeopathy and herbal remedy such as feverfew. Tension headaches may be helped by taking a 5-HTP supplement, or peppermint oil. Individuals with occasional mild migraine headaches that do not interfere with daily activities usually medicate themselves with over-the-counter (OTC, non-prescription) pain relievers (analgesics). There are several natural solutions that can help you fight headaches, but the first thing you need to do is work out what sort of headaches you are actually suffering from.

Crucial to the appropriate treatment of headache is the proper diagnosis of its type, and migraine headache is a particularly common form of recurring headache. There are many factors that contribute to the onset of headache pain and even migraines. Be careful not to overuse any headache medication; they are good friends when you need them, but poor masters! Try putting a cold damp cloth on your forehead or temple (on the side that is painful), or use a frozen bag of peas wrapped in a small towel, as cold compresses can sometimes help with the pain.

Many researchers believe that migraine and tension headache are close relatives, which explains why many headache patients can experience both kinds of headaches, and why similar treatments can help both migraine and tension headache. Tension headaches often start in the middle of the day. Tension headaches may be mild or severe. Some people report that their tension headaches are worse than a migraine headache.

To learn more about migraine headache symptom and tension headache symptom, visit frequent headache.

By Cindy Heller
Published: 2/25/2007

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Sinus Headache Problem

admin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:42:00 +0000

Sinus Headache

A mild to severe pain in the head is classified as a headache. A sinus headache is caused when the sinuses are swollen and congested with mucus due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

Enlarge Image Different Types of Headaches

There is no pain worse than that of a severe headache. Absolutely nobody is spared headaches. Infants to children to the young to the very old, everyone suffers from headaches at some time or the other for a variety of reasons.

Types of headaches can be divided into two categories - Primary and Secondary. There are many types of headaches, but the most common are tension-type headache, migraine, and cluster headache which all fall under the Primary Headache category. A sinus headache falls into the Secondary Headache category.

Symptoms of a Sinus Headache
Whenever your sinuses get congested due to mucus, what follows will be a dull yet throbbing pain in the head. The most common reason for your nose getting blocked with mucus is nothing but the ‘Common Cold’. A sinus headache will usually occur when the temperature drops down to very low levels, or a sudden change in weather.

Wondering how a common cold can lead a very normal person to suffer from a throbbing headache? When you have a cold mucus keeps building up and will block your sinuses. Sinuses are the cavities that are located just below the cheekbones. This blockage leads to a swelling which in turn is the cause of the headache.

A sinus headache can be very annoying, because to begin with you will usually have a cold accompanied with watery eyes and a bloated face. The headache just makes the cold more miserable.

Sinus Headache Remedy
When a sinus headache is severe what most would do is to take some form of medication for a headache. This will usually relieve the pain and make one feel better for some time, but the headache will come back very soon because the headache, and not the cause of the headache was treated.

Medication to cure a sinus headache must be aimed at normalizing the sinus along with something to reduce the headache. Once your sinus problem is solved the headache will go away. Prescribed medication usually consists of a nasal spray to reduce inflammation, pain relieving medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and in a bad case of sinus congestion, analgesics containing caffeine may be prescribed.

Many people feel a relief both in breathing and the headache when a cold relieving balm is applied to the chest, nose, and forehead. The balm helps to temporarily clear the blockage and provide relief.

When a bacterial infection is found to be the cause, your physician will prescribe antibiotics. The duration of medication can be very depressing to many, because the antibiotics not only kill the bacteria, but also your appetite. Antibiotics even though very unpleasant are the fastest way to recovery.

In some cases where the sinus headaches are caused due to structural reasons, a surgery could be required. A surgery is advised only after all other resources have been exhausted. The surgery will be performed by an otolaryngologist, more commonly known as an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist.

Minimizing the Risk of Sinus Headache
You can reduce the risk of getting a sinus headache.

Follow instructions while using a nasal spray. Do not overuse it. Overuse of nasal sprays will lead to a condition known as rebound congestion, obstructing your breathing and causing a more severe case of headache.

The moment you notice that you are getting a cold and your sinuses are getting blocked, use a decongestant, and take an over the counter antihistamine and a painkiller. This should help cure the problem before it gets chronic. If the symptoms remain the same or increase over a couple of days, stop the medication and consult your physician. The cause could be something else.

Drinking a lot of water (preferably warm) helps keep the mucus runny. Allowing it to thicken will block the sinuses and trigger the headache.

In most of the cases a sinus headache is not a regular feature. It comes with a sudden change in weather and goes away as quickly. If you suffer from constant sinus headaches, you must get professional advice. Visit your physician and explain the symptoms. It could be something that can be permanently cured with medication, or in rare cases may require surgery.

Whatever the symptom and the cure, it is always a welcome relief to get rid of a sinus headache.

By Kevin Mathias
Published: 3/23/2007

Hangover Home Remedies

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:42:00 +0000

A little too much to drink at a party can result in a . The unpleasantness experienced leaves you spent and weakened for quite some time. However, to counter this unhealthy feeling, there are a number of home remedies.

The consumption of alcohol in excess, more than you normally indulge in, can result in the worst experience your body can ever endure, that too hours later. One too many and one for the road ends up giving you a throbbing headache, nauseating feeling and a tipsy mind set. This resultant body abuse is called a hangover. A hangover is the backlash of consuming excessive alcohol at a time. The extent of a hangover largely depends on a person’s tolerance level for alcohol. This variation springs from the relative height and weight, and inherent genetics. It is different from one person to another and hence, setting the same paradigms as those adopted by an acquaintance is useless. However, there are a few simple home remedies that can help in dealing with the hangover symptoms that usually last for about 24 hours.

The main expression or symptom of a hangover is dehydration. Consuming plenty of water can help deal with this, while the home maintained pain killers can take care of the throbbing headache. Dehydration is inevitable due to the diuretic nature of alcohol. The consumption increases urination and hence, flushes away the fluid from the body. You need to consume liquid in any form, not another drink (alcohol) though. You could down a tall glass of water with a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt stirred in. Some people suggest drinking coffee as a home remedy; however, this is wrong advice since coffee too is a diuretic! The basic understanding comes from the fact that alcohol depletes the body of vital minerals, vitamins and blood sugar. The habit itself is a ‘well-being-break-down’.

Some alcohol like brandy, rum, whisky, red and white wine and gin and vodka give terrible hangovers. Research reveals that the complex organic molecules like methanol and acetone are present in some drinks and are more responsible for the effect, rather than the ethanol or alcohol content. Home Remedies for hangovers include first and foremost not trying to cure a hangover with another drink! It only makes the hangover worse. You could also try taking Vitamin C in any form since it is known to increase the rate of alcohol breakdown. To combat the dehydration, drink plenty of fresh fruit juices and lots of tomato juice! Soups, fresh fruit and salads are the best to reduce the symptoms.

Another home remedy for a hangover is bouillon soup. It helps to replace the lost salt and potassium. Even energizing sports drinks help a lot. They offer the right replenishment of the required mineral and vitamin content essential for the body to remain healthy. You could combat the headache with a cold pack or acetaminophen. However, the latter should be avoided in case you have a history of liver disease. If the hangover symptoms include an upset stomach, you could take an antacid, peppermint or chamomile tea. As a preventive measure - never drink on an empty stomach, since food helps to absorb some of the alcohol. To avoid a hangover, you should also try and avoid sweet drinks or foods while consuming alcohol. You could include snacks that are starch based and roasted snack options. They are healthy and reduce the effect of alcohol on the body.

The best home remedy for curing a hangover is heeding good advice. Too much consumption of alcohol is detrimental to physical and mental well being. You only make things worse for yourself. If you have a potential problem, you need to face it honestly and first and foremost consider the amount that you drink and the frequency. The symptoms of a hangover make you feel lousy and forget enjoying your first drink the previous evening, any excessive and unmonitored consumption can ruin the next day. The resultant headache and imbalance and sick feeling does wear off, but a persistent invitation to these symptoms only means a ruined body. Instead of fighting the hangover, fight the habit!

By Gaynor Borade
Published: 2/20/2008

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Simple Home Remedies

admin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 10:42:00 +0000

Simple home remedies have been practiced by people over the world for centuries. These remedies are handed down from one generation to another. This article gives a few tips for certain ailments.

Home remedies are simple medicines prepared using various herbs and spices that are commonly available at one’s kitchen. There are home remedies to cure ailments such as headache, sprains, common cold and so on. Take a look at home remedies to cure dandruff, corns, indigestion and head ache.

To Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is actually the dryness of the scalp. Dandruff could cause hair loss. Try this simple home remedy to remove dandruff. Grind neem leaves with to form a paste. Rub it on your scalp. Keep it for half an hour to one hour. Wash your hair with luke-warm water. For those with long hair, rinse the hair well to remove the neem paste. The hair not only becomes soft but the dandruff is removed completely. For people who are suffering from excess dandruff, this remedy needs to be repeat at least twice or thrice a week.

Corns

Corns are the thickened skin that commonly occurs under the foot or anywhere on your body. Though there are various treatments to remove the hardened skin, try this home remedy. Apply the milky sap of the unripe papaya fruit on the corn or the warts. Gradually, the skin softens and the corn is removed.

Indigestion

Try this home remedy for easy digestion. Mix fried asafoetida(resin), black salt, cardamom and ginger with bit of honey. Have it thrice a day.

Cough

If you are having a bad and dry cough, try this out. Mix equal quantities of honey and juice of baked lemon (any citrus fruit). Have it thrice a day. You can also mix the juice of betel leaf and honey instead of citrus fruit.

To Reduce Blood Pressure

Blood pressure could be reduced and heart ailments could be prevented by drinking basil tea regularly. Drinking basil tea regularly not only stabilises blood pressure but also keeps cold and cough at bay. You could take basil tea first thing in the morning and also before going to bed.

For Headache

Anxiety, sleep disorders and hypertension could lead to a headache. If you have faith in Ayurveda, then a treatment known as "Shirodhara" is advisable. Else, you could try this home remedy. Make a ginger paste and warm it a bit. Apply it on the area where your head is aching. Another remedy is to make a cardamom paste and apply it. This would not only reduce the headache but also gives you good sleep.

There are many remedies which could be tried at home. Home remedies are cheaper than meeting a physician. However, these remedies are applicable only in the initial stages of an ailment. If you feel, these remedies are not working on you. It is advisable to meet a good medical practitioner.

By maya das
Published: 10/9/2008

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Natural Relief For Headaches

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:42:00 +0000

Headaches go back as far as when man first started to dabble in the medicinal arts and a variety of procedures, home remedies and health supplements have been used over the centuries in the treatment of headaches. In fact the earliest known surgical procedure is thought to have been an attempt to cure headaches and became popular in the Middle Ages (along with comparably credible treatments such as leeches, humor balancing and flogging). This procedure, known as trepanning or trephining, simply involves drilling a large hole in the head that was ironically thought to release the pressure causing the headache.

Thankfully science has come a long way since then although our relatively poor knowledge of the brain and its function means that the cause of the majority of headaches is still unknown although there are now many drugs, health supplements and natural remedies that can assist the treatment of headaches.

We will talk about primary headaches here or those that are not caused by an underlying medical condition. Secondary headaches can be indicative of serious problems so any headache that is frequent, severe or accompanied by any other symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea sensitivity to light, dizziness, slurred speech etc) should be checked out by a physician. If you are in any doubt as to whether you should see a physician, see one.

The medical world has split headaches into a number of different categories, although you may have your own expletive laden terms, for our purposes we will divide these headaches or cephalalgia into the following two types with some suggestions for supplements and natural solutions that may help to relieve the pain assist in the treatment of headaches.

Tension headaches - These are the most common and are usually caused by tension in the muscles of the scalp or neck. Poor posture, repetitive actions or overuse of the jaw muscles can all cause excess strain, resulting in mild to moderate pain.

Relaxation is usually the best good remedy so a hot bath or a cold pack on the neck can help. Slow and deep breathing is also a good way to relive pain and bring headache relief.

Natural herbal health supplements including Chamomile, Peppermint Oil and Lavender can all help the relaxation process and bring headache relief. Additionally health supplements Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Pantothenic Acid are important for supporting functions in the head and Calcium and Magnesium can relieve muscle tension. If bruxism or teeth grinding in the night is suspected then Passionflower, Hops and Valerian may have a positive effect and a good night’s sleep is never a bad thing in the treatment of headaches.

Vascular headaches - These include migraine headaches, flu headaches, cluster headaches and premenstrual headaches and are caused by dilation of the blood vessels around the head. Movement or physical activity can make it worse and some episodes can go on for days.

In addition to pharmaceutical options there are a few natural herbal health supplements that are known to be effective in the prevention and treatment of vascular headaches including; Feverfew, which can reduce inflammation in the brain; White Willow, a natural analgesic; and Gingko Biloba which helps maintain peripheral circulation to the brain (although check with your doctor as some peoples migraines have intensified after using gingko biloba). It is important to try to find out what triggers your headache symptoms and either avoid the triggers (such as red wine, aged cheese and tyramine containing foods etc) or be prepared when the times comes (menstruation or bouts of flu).

Author Bio:
Mitamins team
bd@mitamins.net
Mitamins’ aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions. http://www.mitamins.com

By Mitamins Team
Published: 2/1/2007

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Home remedies - natural headache pain relief methods to use at home

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:42:00 +0000

Find what triggers headaches and some natural headache pain relief methods to do at home.

If you have never suffered from a headache that would be a rare and a surprising find. Headache pain can come in many different levels. These various levels seem to correspond to the cause that provoked the headache pain. If someone has annoyed you you could get a headache pain; sometimes after you cry you can get a headache; not enough sleep can cause headache pain,etc.

How to get a headache pain relief

There are a lot of different ways to get rid of a headache. The main thing is that the headache should not harm you, overall. It would be pretty amazing for you to have a headache, get rid of the headache and then develop a more serious side effect. If you can it is best if you can use a natural way of headache pain relief. Now don’t forget to keep in mind that if the headache continues or you feel dizzy, you get double vision or other similar symptoms, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

Here are some great headache pain relief methods (Natural pain relief)

1. Hot bath - what you want to do is have a very hot bath drawn (add some great smelling bubble soap or even have some incense burning) and immerse yourself into the water. You should try to totally relaxed and when this happens, you should try to push all stressful thoughts away from your mind. What you will see, is as the tension leaves, so does your headache.

2. Sleep - this is a very beneficial and extremely popular headache pain relief method. The rest that you receive will revitalize the body and remove the stress that builds up into the headache pain.

3. Consuming coffee and stop smoking - it has been found that both cigarettes and coffee will trigger migraines. It is a good thing to stop or cut down on the use of these stimulants. Here are a few others (not fully proved by medical research) some of the triggers are cheese, wine, chocolate and nuts. You will want to stay away from these.

4. In other great headache pain relief method is exercise - exercise will fight stress and is a method to relieve headache pain. You could have a rigorous workout or just a plain walk. What you are trying to do is concentrate on relaxing and combining that with exercising your body.

5. Water - guess that’s right, water. It has been shown in research studies that a dehydrated body will experience awful headaches. You need to consume eight glasses of water per day to stay optimally hydrated. Try to develop the habit of drinking plenty of water.

For more information on this topic as well as other Pain Relief topics visit: Headache Pain Relief

By Steve Madigan
Published: 5/23/2007

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Home Remedies for Headache - Cure Headache Easily

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:42:00 +0000

Medical terminology defines a headache as a condition of the head of an individual that presents pain within the head. Due to the intensity of discomfort and nagging levels of pain that are associated with such malady, sets suffering individuals in a desperate search of alleviation for home remedies for headache. Of any pain in conjunction with all encompassing ailments, headaches rank among the highest reported complaints where discomfort is associated.

Towards afflicted individuals acquisitions, in securing viable home remedies for headache, it is supportive to be aware of what aspects contribute to headaches. As an encouraging forward, the broad scope of headaches are benign and limited to one’s confined circumstance amongst occurrence. General contributors to the development of headaches, include, cluster, dehydration, eyestrain, migraine, sinusitis, stress and tension. Onsets of a physically induced headache are headache, hormonal issues, and injury to the head. Extreme circumstances, incorporating headaches, are conditions such as, brain tumors, cerebral aneurysms, elevated high blood pressure, encephalitis and meningitis. Due to the more common and frequent natures of headaches validates those individuals experiencing such temporary ailment to procure home remedies for headache.

As a preface to presenting options in home remedies for headache, an overall and historic measure is for individuals who suffer from generalized headaches to analyze the circumstance that may create or trigger realized headaches. In the majority of cases, the occurrence of headaches can be traced to either particular foods or stress. Hence, as a precautionary safeguard approach inclusive of home remedies for headache, would be to determine the sources that initiate headaches. For example, if a certain food is the culprit, the individual afflicted should eliminate such element from his or her diet. Should stress be the catalyst of headaches, adjustments in environment should be considered and addressed?

In the contemplation, as to the best modes of the afflicted, in determining optimal home remedies for headache, it is supportive for such individuals to have awareness, as to the biological composition of a headache. In itself, the brain is void of sensitivity to the pain that is associated with headaches. The brain is not anatomically structured with such nerve fibers to sense direct levels of pain. Other areas of the head realize pain, and, as a sensed result, hurt.

A complex network of nerves that encompass a number of nerves within the scalp, face, mouth and throat, as well as associated blood vessels and muscles within the head, perceive the pain, which, as a result, is well-realized by the individual suffering from a headache. Therefore, due to the localization and intensity of the level and degree of pain, initiates the affected individual to seek out relief amid home remedies for headache. In deriving at the best course of active treatment amongst home remedies for headache, is to assess the type of headache being presented. Headaches, in their respective natures, are among the following five categories - cervicogenic, inflammatory, myogenic-muscle tension, and, vascular.

Amid ascertaining treatment modes in home remedies for headache is to comprehend each category and its effects. Migraine headaches, which fall into the vascular type, are extremely problematic and disabling, due to the severity of pain on either one or both sides of the head, and are clinically diagnosed as neurological. Another nature of vascular-related headaches is cluster headaches that will evolve into repetitive occurrences of excruciating pain, as a result of high blood pressure. When a headache is related to tight and tense facial, forehead and neck muscles, it is typed as a myogenic or muscular related headache, clinically termed myogenic.

Headaches that are realized in conjunction with anatomical structure by way of cervical rooting, are relevant to a neck disorder of some variation, and, are medically determined as cervicogenic in character. Associated factors incorporate limited range of motion, neck movement, awkward positioning of the head, shoulder and arm pain. Inflammatory or traction related headaches are symptomatic to diverse disorders involving such maladies as sinusitis or stroke.

Inclusive to an afflicted individual researching home remedies for headache is to apply specifics as to the type and nature of the presented headache, in establishing appropriate home remedies for headache. Among the most common varieties of headaches are tension, migraine, brain freeze, hypertension, ictal, thunderclap, vascular, toxic, coital, hemicranias, rebound, red wine, and spinal-related.

Dr John Anne is an ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more Home Remedies for Headache at Home Remedies for various diseases.

By Dr John Anne
Published: 11/28/2007

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Migraine Diets For Prevention

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:57:00 +0000

For many years, there was not much relief that a sufferer could find from the symptoms of these headaches. More recently, there have been new drugs and nasal sprays developed which have brought relief from this ailment. There has also been research to help people lessen the effects of these awful headaches.

A migraine headache is more than regular headache pain. A migraine headache brings unbearable, throbbing pain along with nausea, possibly vomiting and blurred vision. A migraine headache makes normal, daily activities difficult, and these headaches can last a few hours or a few days.

The research has also shown that certain foods in the diet may trigger the onset of migraine headaches, and there is now information on a migraine diet for those who suffer. Some research has identified the items which cause migraine headaches, and the researchers have provided much information on a migraine diet that those affected should follow. The people who have followed this advice have found some relief in the intensity of the headaches they suffer and the number of headaches that they suffer. Many of these people personally will recommend the migraine diet suggested by the researchers.

Avoid Some Foods to Avoid Migraine Headaches

For many years, people ate normal foods and had no idea that these might contribute to the headaches that they suffered. If they had known, the migraine headache is so painful; surely they would have avoided these foods. Now they know and their lives are better for the information on migraine diet. First of all, there is information that alcoholic beverages might be the trigger that sets off a migraine. Red wine seems to be one of the worst of these beverages for those affected by migraine. Processed meats are also on the list of foods to avoid on a migraine diet. Some fruits also may be the triggers. These fruits include avocadoes, passion fruits, and papayas.

Unfortunately the list of foods to avoid for a migraine diet is fairly long, but surely any person with more than one migraine will want to avoid these foods. These people should avoid chocolate and other products from cocoa. Caffeine is also on the list of foods that should be avoided along with dairy products including sour cream and buttermilk. Hopefully this information will help people avoid the pain and suffering that comes with migraine headaches.

Many other topics of interest including Clean Drinking Water Puppy.

By Leonie Brogan
Published: 11/1/2007

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Missing A Few Pieces — Migraine Headaches

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:57:00 +0000

If you have ever had a migraine you know how it affects your health and well being. It is not just another headache. If you are not sure if you have ever had one, here is a brief rendition of a bad one…

I suffer from migraine headaches. Plagued for many years, I do not know why I get them and the doctors have a wide variety of opinions. Today’s migraine was a doozy.

If you have ever had a migraine you know. If you are not sure if you have had one, here is a brief rendition of a bad one…

I dropped my daughter off at nursery school. I had a few hours to get through my list of errands. First stop was Sears to take care of some billing matter. I was in the store for quite some time and they had floruesant lighting. This is a known culprit for causing a migraine headache. There is something about the flickering pattern of the lights that goes unnoticed by most people. The zigzag patterns and flashes of electric light started echoing in my eyes. No one else can see them except me and other migraine sufferers. When the zigzags start it makes it difficult to see clearly. I was happy to get out of there, but not happy that I had a migraine coming on.

The next stop was Kmart. I only had one item that I needed to buy, but I would have liked to comb through the store and do some shopping. The flickers of electric light intensified in my eye sockets. This reminded me to get what I came for and get out of there as soon as possible.

I was hungry, so I thought that might be aggravating the migraine (another reported cause of migraines - low blood sugar). I stopped to get something to eat. I still had some grocery shopping on my agenda, so I ate lunch quickly. I watched the clock and tried my best to out run the inevitable.

Migraine Triggers synopsis from http://www.NYM.org
A wide range of events and conditions can alter conditions in the brain that bring on nerve excitation and trigger migraines. They include, but are not limited to the following:
- Emotional stress (although the headaches often erupt after the stress has eased).
- Intense physical exertion.
- Abrupt weather changes.
- Bright or flickering lights.
- High altitude.
- Travel motion.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Low blood sugar has been known to trigger headaches and fasting can often precipitate migraines.
- Chemicals found in certain foods may trigger headaches in some people. More than 100 foods have the capacity to trigger migraine headache.

See http://www.nym.org/healthinfo/docs/097/doc97nonmedic.html#triggerfoods for a list of foods that may trigger migraine headaches.

At the supermarket, my migraine headache was in full swing. My patience was wearing thin, my list of items was not near complete and the numbness started in my left hand. By the time I got to the check out counter I was nauseous. The numbness had moved from my left hand, across my face and was tingling my right hand. The woman at the counter asked if I was ok as I flexed my right hand trying to regain feeling. I was afraid and unable to talk at that point I just shock my head, no. Once I get to that stage of the migraine my speech is impaired. I am unable to speak in complete sentences, so I did not even try to answer her. I made it to the car in a complete panic.

The supermarket was only a few minutes drive from my house. I pulled in the driveway, dropped my pocketbook at the door and left the groceries in the car. I yelled to my husband to pick up my daughter and get the groceries. I took a few aspirins and went straight to bed. A cold compress and sleep is the only remedy that works for my migraines.

Three hours later, my husband woke me up for dinner - God bless his soul. He knows my migraine routine all too well and took care of the kids while I was on sabbatical.

It took about an hour after waking up to fully recover. The migraine was gone, but I did not have much of an appetite. Your brain also feels like it has voids. Empty spaces that need to come together before you feel normal again. It is an unsettling feeling not being in control of your mind. The aftermath is like trying to do a jigsaw puzzle, but you are missing a few pieces.

About the author:
Suzi Batta aka Mrs. Long Island is the Chief Operating Officer of LongIsland.com, a local guide with free news, weather, maps, classifieds, business, press releases, jobs, real estate, experts, articles, events, restaurants, schools, towns, newsletter, night life, lirr, shopping, malls, info, weddings Long Island New York.

By Mrs. Long Island
Published: 11/15/2006

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