Quiz: More than a headache
If a family member or a friend cancels their plans with you because of a migraine, don’t take it personally. Migraine headaches are often severe and throbbing, and are more intense than other types of headaches. They may also be accompanied by nausea and other symptoms that leave the sufferer feeling wiped out and immobilized. Learn more about this condition by taking our quiz:
1. A common trigger for migraines is _____.
A. Stress
B. Flickering lights
C. Chocolate or red wine
D. Weather changes
E. All of the above
2. Women are more likely than men to have migraines.
A. True
B. False
3. Although migraines vary, one of the most identifiable symptoms of migraine headache is ______.
A. Nausea
B. Dizziness
C. Pain on one side of the head
D. Dilated pupils
4. Once a migraine has started, medication won’t help.
A. True
B. False
5. Auras are symptoms or sensations that precede a neurological event. What type of aura do migraine sufferers sometimes have?
A. Body temperature falls
B. Head or neck skin feels itchy
C. Sensation of a flashing light
D. Fever
6. Migraine sufferers can only avoid triggers to prevent headaches; there’s no other preventative treatment for this condition.
A. True
B. False
Answers:
1. E. All of the above. There are a wide variety of triggers for migraines. If possible, it helps to track your migraines and write down the things that seem to cause them.
2. A. True. Researchers suspect this may be due to a difference in hormones, but no definitive reason has been confirmed.
3. C. Pain on one side of the head. Most people complain about pain on one side or the other, though it is possible to have pain on both sides. Nausea is a common symptom as well, but not all migraine sufferers experience it.
4. B. False. There are some prescription medicines that affect both the brain and the blood vessels in your head. These can be used to stop a headache after it starts.
5. C. Sensation of a flashing light. This can sometimes occur before pain begins, so a patient may be able to stop the migraine if they take medicine right away.
6. B. False. Depending on your individual case, your doctor may prescribe calcium channel blockers, hormones or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Some of these medicines can be taken on an as-needed basis. Talk with your doctor to find the best therapy for you.
Source: Krames Health Library at www.sjchs.org.