Migraine II

Diagnosis of Migraine
First, the General Physician will examine you physically and then neurologically by studying your mental activities. They check reflexes, vision, coordination and sensations, and make sure that none of these conditions are the cause of the symptoms being experienced. To diagnose migraine accurately, the GP needs to know the pattern of the repeated headaches besides the symptoms being experienced. Due to the unpredictable nature of migraine, accurate diagnosis becomes a very lengthy procedure.
To help out in the diagnosis, one should keep a note of the severity, frequency and exact date and time of the attacks. This will help your GP to identify the probable factors that may be the cause of the condition. Apart from this, the GP will ask you several questions related to the symptoms being faced such as, the exact location where the pain is being felt, the activities that increase the severity of pain, etc.
Treatment of Migraine
There is no permanent cure for migraine, although several treatments in the form of medicines are used to control the symptoms. Trying different kinds and combinations of medicines might prove to be very effectual.
Painkillers – readily available painkillers help in curing the symptoms for the time being. Aspirin and paracetamol are two common painkillers that are used to calm the symptoms of migraine.
Anti-inflammatory medicines – these include ibuprofen and are very useful in curing the pain and other symptoms. They are easily available at pharmacies.
Anti-sickness medicines – if nausea is experiences, anti sickness medicines can be taken. These are to be taken along with painkillers.
Combination medicines – several combination medicines are readily available in most of the medical stores. These are a mix of anti sickness medicines and painkillers.
Triptan medicines – these come into use when the usual painkillers do not seem to work. They help the blood vessels surrounding the brain to tighten.
Complementary medicines – homeopathy and acupuncture help in resolving migraine.
Migraine clinics – at times, due to certain problems (like doubts in the diagnosis, failure in the treatment, etc), a person might need to refer a specialist clinic.
Complications of Migraine
Migraine involves the risk of an ischaemic stroke. This happens when the supply of blood to the brain is obstructed by a blood clot or other fatty substances in the arteries.
Migraine also tends to increase the risk of the following mental health problems:
Panic disorder
Anxiety disorder
Depression
Manic disorder
Preventions of Migraine
First and foremost, it is very essential to identify the indications and signs of an attack.
Several medicines help to prevent the condition. Some of them are:
Beta blockers – these include atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol
Anti – depressants – such as amitriptyline
Anti –convulsants – such as topiramate
Serotonin agonists – these include methysergide and pizotifen

The above mentioned preventive methods are taken to keep the symptoms of migraine in control, although there is no permanent cure for the condition.