What drug treats epilepsy and migraines?
About topiramate Topiramate is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. These are also called anti-epileptic medicines. It can also be taken to prevent migraine. This medicine is only available on prescription.
What’s the difference between epilepsy and migraines?
On the surface, migraines and epileptic seizures look nothing alike. Hyperactivity in brain circuits triggers the characteristic symptoms of seizures, like convulsions and loss of consciousness. A typical migraine, on the other hand, involves a throbbing headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
How are common migraines treated?
Triptans. Prescription drugs such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra) and rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT) are used to treat migraine because they block pain pathways in the brain. Taken as pills, shots or nasal sprays, they can relieve many symptoms of migraine.
When should you see a doctor for migraines?
The following headache symptoms mean you should get medical help right away: A sudden, new, severe headache that comes with: Weakness, dizziness, sudden loss of balance or falling, numbness or tingling, or can’t move your body. Trouble with speech, confusion, seizures, personality changes, or inappropriate behavior.
What happens to your brain during a migraine?
But during a migraine, these stimuli feel like an all-out assault. The result: The brain produces an outsize reaction to the trigger, its electrical system (mis)firing on all cylinders. This electrical activity causes a change in blood flow to the brain, which in turn affects the brain’s nerves, causing pain.
What is the root cause of migraine?
An underlying central nervous disorder may set off a migraine episode when triggered. Irregularities in the brain’s blood vessel system, or vascular system, may cause migraines. A genetic predisposition may cause migraines. Abnormalities of brain chemicals and nerve pathways may cause migraine episodes.
One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells. These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells.
The biggest difference between a severe migraine and a thunderclap headache is the severity of the pain. The pain of a thunderclap headache will be the worst headache pain you’ve ever felt. This is true even for those who have migraines. A thunderclap headache can also feel similar to a “crash” migraine.
What’s the best for migraines?
Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms. They tend to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, as this gives them time to absorb into your bloodstream and ease your symptoms.
What are the four stages of a migraine?
The Migraine Research Foundation says that migraine is a neurological disease that affects 39 million people in the U.S. Migraines, which often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome.
Can you feel a migraine coming on?
Sensitivity to Light or Sound These are common signs of a coming migraine, and they often continue through the headache and post-headache stages. Bright light or loud noises can even trigger a second one as you’re getting over the first.
Do migraines make you pee a lot?
You have to urinate frequently Some people feel a need to urinate frequently during the premonitory phase of the migraine, according to the American Headache Society; this urge can also be accompanied by pelvic pain, says the Association of Migraine Disorders.
How do I know its a migraine?
During a migraine, you might have:
How can you test for migraines at home?
Tests for Diagnosing Headaches
Where is migraine pain located?
A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head, or around the eyes. The headache gradually gets worse. Just about any movement, activity, bright light, or loud noise seems to make it hurt more.
The sudden onset of a migraine means a dark room, bed and a cool towel for most of us. While these seem to come out of nowhere, many will find that there are usually some signs that a migraine attack is on its way.
Every person who has migraines has different triggers, but common ones include a lack of sleep, caffeine, and being under stress. Most people who get chronic migraines are women. This may be because hormone changes are another well-known cause.
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