Migraine: More Than Just a Bad Headache

If you suffer from migraines, you know they are far more debilitating than a typical headache. Migraines are a neurological disorder characterized by severe, throbbing pain often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

For many migraine sufferers, the pain isn't the only problem—migraines can cause significant disruption to daily life. Attacks can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, forcing you to retreat to a quiet, dark room. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines are the 3rd most prevalent illness in the world and cause moderate to severe disability for over 10% of people affected.

What Causes Migraines? While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, migraines are thought to start with abnormal brain activity that releases inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head. Potential triggers include hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, changes in weather patterns, and more. Migraines tend to run in families as well.

Treatment Options If you experience frequent migraines, see your doctor or a headache specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and explore treatment options. These may include:

• Preventive medications taken daily to reduce frequency of attacks

• Acute treatment with pain-relieving and anti-nausea medications during an attack

• Lifestyle changes like improved sleep habits, diet adjustments, and stress management

Don't Suffer in Silence Migraines can take an immense physical and emotional toll. If you experience recurrent, disabling headaches, seek medical care and find a treatment plan to get your migraines under better control. While there is no cure yet, many effective therapies are available to help reduce the impact of this debilitating neurological disorder.

You can find more information about migraines here: www.migrainetrust.org

The Many Possible Causes of Dizziness

If you've ever felt dizzy, you know how unsettling and disorienting that whirling, spinning sensation can be. Dizziness is a common complaint that can arise from many different underlying causes in the body. While usually not a sign of something life-threatening, dizziness can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. Let's explore some of the major causes of dizziness.

Cardiac Causes The heart and vascular system play a vital role in supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain and inner ear, which are key for maintaining balance and equilibrium. Certain cardiac conditions can lead to dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation). These include:

• Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)

• Heart failure

• Drop in blood pressure upon standing up (postural hypotension)

• Narrowing or blockages of the arteries supplying blood to the brain

If dizziness is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, it's crucial to seek prompt medical attention as it could signal a heart attack or stroke.

Vestibular Causes The vestibular system in the inner ear is like your body's gyroscope, constantly sending signals to the brain about your head's movements and position. Vestibular disorders that can induce dizziness and vertigo include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): A mechanical issue where calcium particles become dislodged in the inner ear canals.

• Meniere's disease: Excessive fluid buildup in the inner ear.

• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear, often due to a viral infection.

• Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve.

Vestibular Migraine For some, dizziness and vertigo are actually manifestations of a type of migraine called vestibular migraine. People with vestibular migraine often experience vertigo episodes along with headaches, light/sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. The vertigo can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.