Specifically, research now suggests that migraine headaches stem from an imbalance of brain chemicals and nerve-related problems.
This article provides an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of both migraine headaches and secondary vascular headaches.
It also reviews when you should see a healthcare provider for your headache.
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What Is a Migraine?
Thetrigeminal nerveis the largest of the12 cranial nerves.
Migraine headaches are debilitating, throbbing, and worsen with physical activity.
Besides a headache, some people also experience other phases during a migraine attack.
Diagnosis
A migraine diagnosis is mainly determined by a careful medical history and exam.
They will also review triggers and your family history.
Treatment
The treatment of migraine headaches includes lifestyle modifications, medication, or a combination.
Preventive strategies like avoiding triggers or taking medication are used to decrease the number and severity of headache attacks.
What Are Secondary Vascular Headaches?
Secondary vascular headaches are usually throbbing or thunderclap in nature.
They start suddenly and become severe quickly.
As an example, high doses ofcorticosteroidsare used to treat giant cell arteritis.
Migraine attacks are now believed to originate primarily from nerve-related problems in the brain, not blood vessel changes.
While the term “vascular headache” is no longer used, secondary vascular headaches do exist.
It’s also a good idea to jot down your sleeping and eating schedules.
This will help identify possible headache triggers.
Brain swelling is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Migraine headaches cannot be seen on or diagnosed by an MRI.
The diagnosis of migraine headache is clinical, meaning it’s based on a person’s symptoms.
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