Migraine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

July 5, 2023
migraine symptoms

Imagine enduring excruciating headaches that seem to hijack your life, leaving you unable to function or enjoy even the simplest activities. Migraines can be debilitating, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you often struggle with day to day life because of migraine symptoms, it’s crucial to have a full grasp of your condition and to know when to seek medical attention. In this article, we'll explore the common symptoms of migraines and provide valuable insights into when is the best time to reach out for professional help.

Recognizing Common Migraine Symptoms

Migraines are more than just ordinary headaches. They are often accompanied by distinct symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life. Here are the key symptoms of migraine to watch out for:

Throbbing Headache

One of the hallmark signs of a migraine is a severe, throbbing headache. The pain is usually localized to one side of the head and can be aggravated by physical activity. The intensity of the headache can range from moderate to severe, making it challenging to carry out daily tasks.

Sensitivity to Light, Sound, or Smells

During a migraine attack, many individuals become hypersensitive to light, sound, or smells. Exposure to bright lights, loud noises, or strong odors can worsen the symptoms and increase discomfort. Finding a quiet, dark room often provides some relief during these episodes.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting commonly accompany migraines. These gastrointestinal symptoms can be debilitating and further contribute to the overall discomfort experienced during an attack. Some individuals may also experience a loss of appetite during this time. 

Aura

Auras are sensory disturbances that precede or accompany migraines in some individuals. These visual or sensory symptoms can manifest as flickering lights, blind spots, tingling sensations, or difficulty speaking. Auras typically last for a short duration, usually less than an hour, and serve as warning signs of an impending migraine.

Fatigue and Mood Changes

Migraines can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. Fatigue is a common symptom that lingers even after the headache subsides. Additionally, many individuals experience mood changes during a migraine attack, such as irritability, depression, or heightened anxiety.

When to Seek Medical Help 

While most migraines can be managed with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter pain relievers, there are instances when medical attention is warranted. Here are some signs that indicate that your migraine symptoms have progressed and it's time to seek professional help:

Increased Frequency or Intensity of Migraines

If you notice a significant increase in the frequency or severity of your migraines, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider. This change could indicate an underlying medical condition or a need for more targeted treatment options.

Sudden Onset of Severe Headache

If you experience a sudden and severe headache that differs from your usual migraines, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and intervention.

Headaches with Neurological Symptoms

Migraines accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness in the limbs, confusion, or loss of consciousness, should never be ignored. These signs may indicate a more complex issue that requires urgent medical assessment.

Your Upper Cervical Doctor Can Help!

Remember, everyone's experience with migraines is unique, and it's essential to listen to your body. If you’ve ruled out medical emergencies as a risk factor for your migraine episodes, you might find it helpful to try Upper Cervical Chiropractic. After all, this approach has changed the lives of many people living with chronic migraine and headaches. 

Essentially, it deals with cervical spine misalignments - an often ignored health mishap that leads to recurring problems like migraine attacks and vertigo. Find out if this specific care regimen is a good fit for you!Get to know more about this approach and how it can help you achieve lasting relief from a trusted chiropractor in your area. Call now!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Find_An_Upper_Cervical_Doctor.png
to schedule a consultation today.

Search

Featured Articles

Videos

Montel Williams
Montel Williams

TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.

NBC's The Doctors

The TV show "The Doctors" showcased Upper Cervical Care.

CBS News/Migraine Relief

CBS News highlighted the alleviation of Migraines and Headaches.

The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.

©2015–2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.