HOW PERSISTENT MIGRAINES CAN AFFECT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Do you suffer from frequent migraines? If you do, you are probably familiar with the symptoms that can accompany your head and neck pain. Did you know that many of these symptoms affect the nervous system and bodily functions such as vision, speech and hearing?
When untreated, migraines usually last anything from 4 to 72 hours and their frequency can differ from person to person. Some people have migraines a number of times every month, while other people may only experience it once or twice a year.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A MIGRAINE INCLUDE:
- PAIN ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THE HEAD
- SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT, SOUNDS AND SOMETIMES EVEN, SMELLS
- THROBBING AND PULSATING PAIN
- BLURRED VISION
Even though headaches are extremely common, diagnosing the exact cause of the pain can be a challenge. The reason is simple. There are many kinds of headaches and it can be difficult to identify the exact trigger causing the headache. In the absence of any precise clinical tests to diagnose headaches, it becomes paramount for the patient to work with the practitioner closely. The more detailed and accurate the patient’s information, the more correct the diagnosis is likely to be. Keep a headache diary so you have all the details handy.
WHAT ARE NERVOUS SYSTEM SYMPTOMS?
We often call symptoms of the nervous system, aura. These symptoms can occur during or before your migraine and can differ in severity and frequency. If you are suffering from symptoms that affect your touch, movement, speech or sight, you are experiencing nervous system symptoms that could last for as long as 60 minutes.
EXAMPLES OF AURA INCLUDE:
- VISUAL PHENOMENA, SUCH AS SEEING VARIOUS SHAPES, BRIGHT SPOTS OR FLASHES OF LIGHT
- PINS AND NEEDLES SENSATIONS IN AN ARM OR LEG
- SPEECH OR LANGUAGE PROBLEMS
- VISION LOSS
HOW CAN I GET RELIEF FROM THESE SYMPTOMS?
The good news is that these aura are not long lasting and therefore, will usually ease and disappear on their own. However, you can take some action to speed up their retreat. For example, if you are experiencing problems with your vision, laying down in a dark room can help to reduce the discomfort associated with this type of aura. If you are experiencing pins and needles, moving your arms or legs can help to get your circulation flowing.
WE CAN GIVE YOU A THOROUGH DIAGNOSIS
Nervous system symptoms can be quite frightening if you are not used to them. If you start to experience these problems alongside your migraine, our headache experts can help to ease your worries and get you onto a treatment plan that will help relieve you of this pain for good.
Speak to our headache consultants today to find out more about the effects that migraine can have on the nervous system and to receive tailored treatment for your individual needs. Call us or use our contact form to book a consultation.
