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Migraines at Work- Can my Employers Fire me from my Job?

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If you get migraines at work, you might qualify for disability benefits and legal protection if you ever get fired you from your job.  As migraine headache falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you should receive compensation for time missed from work.  Symptoms of migraines include neck pain, intense, throbbing headaches, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light, smells, and noises, and temporary partial blindness.  Side effects from drug treatments may include memory loss, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

MIGRAINES AT WORK- CAN MY EMPLOYERS FIRE ME FROM MY JOB? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

According to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you have the right to take up to twelve weeks off from work each year without pay, and without fear of losing your job.  Any group health insurance you have through work remains active, according to FMLA conditions.  This is good news for people who get frequent migraine headaches, because it allows you to stay home and experiment with new abortive migraine medications and pain relievers without having to call in sick if headache symptoms– nausea, cramps, sharp pain- become overbearing.

MIGRAINES AT WORK- CAN MY EMPLOYERS FIRE ME FROM MY JOB? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act covers migraines, but that alone does not guarantee that your job isn’t at stake.  If you are a chronic migraine sufferer, and if you require days to recover from a migraine attack or to try unfamiliar headache remedies, then your employer will have to find somebody to replace you for every day you call in sick, either temporarily…or permanently.  Regardless of the fact that your migraines are ADA-approved, and even if you disclosed your migraine history with your employers beforehand, the risk of possibly losing your job to migraine headaches constantly lingers overhead.

“It is difficult when you’re dealing with employees who do not visibly appear to have any impairment whatsoever, but are dealing with issues of stress or fatigue.” -Businessweek

ADA redefines “disability”

In May of 2011, the Americans with Disabilities Act expanded on their definition of disability,” responding to continuing discrimination of disabled persons in the workplace and the courtrooms.  Where the burden of proof previously rested on the employee to prove that her migraines became a disability, it now rests on the shoulders of the employers to show that migraines headaches don’t in fact diminish one’s ability to work.

In its early years, the ADA defined disability as any physical or mental condition that significantly impairs one’s ability to lead a normal life.  So what’s the catch?  The employee had to prove in court that he was not able to do his job because of his disability.  More often than not, the judge would throw out the case.  There was simply not enough evidence to support the litigant’s claim.

MIGRAINES AT WORK- CAN MY EMPLOYERS FIRE ME FROM MY JOB? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COMToday, the ADA specifies certain illnesses that usually qualify as a disability, making it harder for employers or judges to ignore an employee’s request for disability benefits.  They are:

  • Deafness
  • Blindness
  • Autism
  • Cancer
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Major depression

How do the new ADA amendments help migraine sufferers?

Before, if you filed for disability benefits, you had to convince the judge that you were unable to perform your job duties.  For people with “invisible diseases,” such as migraines, that burden of evidence can be next to impossible.  Now, it’s the employers’ responsibility to made special accommodations in the workplace for people with disabilities- make it easier for them to do their job.  For migraine patients, it could mean providing a scent-free environment, granting special permission to wear “migraine sunglasses,” or enabling them time to recuperate from crippling migraine attacks.

MIGRAINES AT WORK- CAN MY EMPLOYERS FIRE ME FROM MY JOB? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Read more about migraine law:


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How long will my Migraine Headache Last? A Migraine Symptom Chart

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When you suffer from chronic migraines, your first thought is usually, “How long will my migraine headache last?”  Migraine duration depends on the type of migraine symptoms you are experiencing.  Use this handy chart to identify types of migraines, and predict how long they will last.

HOW LONG WILL MY MIGRAINE HEADACHE LAST? A MIGRAINE SYMPTOM CHART, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Retinal migraine

  • Retinal migraines involve temporary loss of vision in one eye, which can be partial or complete, in addition to a dull aching that begins behind the eye and spreads to the rest of the head.

How long will my migraine headache last? Symptoms of retinal migraine, such as visual distortions and other impairments, typically last from a few minutes to one hour.

Headaches can Cause Blindness- 4 Facts about Ocular Migraines

Basilar artery migraine

  • Basilar artery migraine symptoms include dizziness, disorientation, loss of balance, and pain in the back of the head.  Basilar artery migraines are typically caused by hormonal fluctuations in young women.

How long will my migraine headache last? Basilar artery migraines are debilitating, and may last for 72 hours.

Basilar Migraines: Do You Have These Symptoms?

Status migrainosus

  • Status migrainosus is a very rare kind of migraine that does not go away on its own.  If you suffer from a status migrainosus, then you will require hospitalization until your migraine goes away.
  • Causes of status migrainosus may include drug interactions or withdrawal.

How long will my migraine headache last? Status migrainosus may last for at least 72 hours.

7 Headache Symptoms you definitely shouldn’t ignore

HOW LONG WILL MY MIGRAINE HEADACHE LAST? A MIGRAINE SYMPTOM CHART, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Hemiplegic migraine

  • Hemiplegic migraine symptoms range from muscular weakness to temporary partial paralysis on one side of the body.  Hospitalization is required to rule out stroke.

How long will my migraine headache last? Weakness and head pain from a hemiplegic migraine may last for a few days.

To ER or not to ER? 8 Migraine Signals that call for Emergency Care

Ophthalmoplegic migraine

  • Ophthalmoplegic migraine symptoms are sharp pain and numbness behind one eye, eye droopiness, and blurred or double vision.
  • If muscle paralysis is a factor, then hospitalization is required to rule out a nerve injury or a brain aneurysm.

How long will my migraine headache last? Ophthalmoplegic migraine is rare, but the symptoms may last for two months.

What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms

Cluster headache

  • Cluster headaches are not migraines, but they are excruciatingly painful.
  • Cluster headache cycles (cluster periods) may happen once or twice per year, although it is possible to be “cluster headache-free” for several years.
  • A cluster period can last for one week or a few months.
  • Cluster headache symptoms are burning pain on one side of the head that progresses from your temple region to your eye, congestion on one side of the head, excessive nasal discharge, and eye droopiness.

How long will my migraine headache last? Cluster headache pain advances quickly, about 10 minutes from the earliest symptoms, and may last for at least 30 minutes.

Is it a Cluster Headache or a Migraine?

Read more about types of migraines:

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gagilas, SashaW

Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?

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Throughout the years, scientists have conducted many studies linking chronic migraines with anxiety attacks and panic disorder; other symptoms associated with migraine headaches include phobias, depression, and bipolar disorder.

CAN ANXIETY ATTACKS CAUSE MIGRAINES? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Anxiety and migraine illness occur together

In a 2009 study, scientists Gregory E. Ratcliffe B.Sc. and Jitender Sareen M.D., F.R.C.P.C. observed the correlation between chronic headaches and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

According to researchers, certain people are more susceptible to mood disorders such as anxiety disorder and depression than others are- and those people are also more likely to experience chronic migraine than people who don’t suffer from anxiety attacks.

Clinical study links migraines with mental disorders

The study, published by General Hospital Psychiatry, focused on over four thousand test subjects from an earlier study on migraines- the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey.

CAN ANXIETY ATTACKS CAUSE MIGRAINES? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COMAbout Eleven percent of German migraine patients suffered from migraine headaches in addition to at least one of several mental disorders, including:

  • Chronic depression
  • General anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Dysthymia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Panic attacks
  • Panic disorder
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Agoraphobia
  • General phobias

“Together, migraine and mental disorders cause more impairment than alone,” says lead study author Gregory Ratcliffe, University of Manitoba, Canada.  “Patients who have one condition should be assessed for the other so they can be treated holistically.  Although it is important to know that both are present, treating one will have an effect on the other.”

Migraines are a recurring nightmare

Scientists also discovered that migraine patients who suffer from anxiety are 40% more likely to suffer from severe depression, as well.  Researchers have observed a cyclic relationship between depression, anxiety, and migraine attacks.  Depressed individuals begin to experience symptoms of anxiety, which include heart palpitations, nervousness, feelings of despair, and uncontrolled thought patterns.  The aftermath of anxiety attacks often includes migraine; among the many symptoms of chronic migraines, depression is one of the most common, and so the cycle continues.

CAN ANXIETY ATTACKS CAUSE MIGRAINES? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Dealing with anxiety and migraines

Migraine headache specialists recommend the following tips for preventing migraines and anxiety:

  • CAN ANXIETY ATTACKS CAUSE MIGRAINES? WWW.MIGRAVENT.COMAcknowledge the reality of the situation by doing your research.  The more you learn about your brain and migraine illness, the sooner you will come to realize that there are perfectly reasonable, scientifically proven explanations for all the symptoms of anxiety you are experiencing.
  • Keep track of migraine triggers by keeping a headache journal.
  • Practice guided meditation, relaxation techniques, and exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi, all of which focus on quieting the mind.
  • Stay regular.  Migraines sufferers are very sensitive to fluctuations, so sleep regular hours, eat at regular intervals, and prepare yourself for hormonal changes such as menopause, menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause.
  • Seek out natural migraine ingredients, such as butterbur, magnesium, and riboflavin.

Read more about preventing migraines:

Sources:

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(From top) DerrickT, Rennett Stowe, MikeBlogs, Ev0luti0nary

Migraine Weather Triggers- Seasonal Migraines in the Fall

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Do you suffer from seasonal migraines every fall? Migraine weather triggers cause barometric-pressure headache, sinus headaches, and other signs of seasonal allergies. Weather-related migraines are difficult to ignore, but learning how to treat them early on will help you get through this headache season pain-free.

MIGRAINE WEATHER TRIGGERS- SEASONAL MIGRAINES IN THE FALL, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Can the weather trigger migraines?

There are over 100 migraine triggers, and migraine weather triggers are no exception.  Severe headaches are often caused by changes in temperature, dry weather, storms, or changes in barometric pressure.  Some seasonal migraines are linked with changes in brain chemistry, such as serotonin levels.  Since you can’t escape the weather, your best alternative is to learn coping mechanisms that help eliminate headaches and migraines during the fall.  By keeping track of weather-related migraine triggers, sleeping regular hours, and taking remedies for migraine headaches are essential for getting through season changes. (Read: 13 Reasons your Migraines Hate the Summer Season)

MIGRAINE WEATHER TRIGGERS- SEASONAL MIGRAINES IN THE FALL, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Migraines and barometric pressure

Changes in barometric pressure are also common migraine weather triggers.  A study conducted by The New England Center for Headache states that most migraine-headache patients who believe that certain specific seasons trigger migraines are actually wrong.  They are correct in assuming that their severe headaches weather-related, but what they don’t understand is that the changing of the weather causes their seasonal migraine- not the actual weather itself.  Drops or rises in barometric pressure, changes in humidity (dry vs. rainy), and changes in temperature (hot vs. cold) are all factors that may trigger migraines.  Coincidentally, fluctuations, in general, are common migraine triggers- changing hormone levels, changes in sleep habits, and not eating regular meals are likely to cause migraine attacks in chronic pain sufferers.

MIGRAINE WEATHER TRIGGERS- SEASONAL MIGRAINES IN THE FALL, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Headaches and allergies

Allergies are common migraine weather triggers.  A study focusing on migraines and sinus headaches found that migraine headache sufferers who also suffered from Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) experienced more migraine attacks during headache season than those that didn’t get seasonal migraine.  The results, as posted in Science Direct, concluded that histamine, by causing nasal congestion in an area adjacent to the central nervous system, acts as a migraine trigger.  An anti-histamine medication may help for relieving migraines caused by fall allergies. (Read Sinus Headache Remedies from the Kitchen- Eat This, Not That)

MIGRAINE WEATHER TRIGGERS- SEASONAL MIGRAINES IN THE FALL, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Seasonal migraine management options

Here are some tips for managing weather-related headaches:

  • Use a headache diary to pinpoint migraine triggers, so that you can learn how to avoid them. For tips, read 10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
  • Make your home allergy-friendly by purchasing a HEPA filter and keeping sheets, pillows, clothes, and furniture clean.
  • Avoid sinus headaches by drinking plenty of fluids, taking anti-histamines, using a nasal spray, and gargling saltwater or Listerine.
  • Supplement with vitamins and minerals, such as riboflavin, magnesium, vitamin C, and butterbur.

MIGRAINE WEATHER TRIGGERS- SEASONAL MIGRAINES IN THE FALL, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Read more about migraine prevention:

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

New York Times- Patient Thanks Butterbur for Migraine Relief

Sources:

Image credits: David Castillo Dominici, Keattikorn, Simon Howden, luigi diamanti, jiggoja

Fibromyalgia- Migraine Illness’s Evil Twin

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An amazing connection exists between fibromyalgia and migraine illness– the majority of  fibromyalgia patients also suffer from migraine headaches.  Moreover, some natural ingredients (like magnesium) are equally beneficial for migraine and fibromyalgia patients.

FIBROMYALGIA- MIGRAINE ILLNESS’S EVIL TWIN, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that causes muscular pain, joint aches, and tactile sensitivity.  Fibromyalgia patients experience sharp pain while doing things that don’t normally cause pain to others, and without any visible sign of injury or inflammation.  Scientists haven’t found an exact cause for fibromyalgia, nor have they discovered a cure, but there are some therapies and natural ingredients that benefit fibromyalgia patients.

10 Golden Food Rules for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Migraines are a comorbid condition of fibromyalgia

People who suffer from chronic migraine symptoms– debilitating head pain, nausea, stomach cramps, migraine aura, and migraine triggers– have a strong chance of also receiving a diagnosis of chronic fibromyalgia.  Likewise, a high percentage of fibromyalgia sufferers are likely to get diagnosed migraine attacks.  That doesn’t mean that one illness causes the other, only that they often appear side by side in a patient’s medical history.

Migraines and fibromyalgia both respond well to similar medications

Several prescription chronic pain remedies are available as double-duty fibromyalgia-migraine treatments.  Drugs such as Cymbalta, Savella, and Lyrica, “officially” prescribed for fibromyalgia symptoms, are also helpful for easing migraines, depression, and anxiety.  While these fibromyalgia drugs are not approved by the FDA specifically for migraines, it is a commonly accepted practice for headache experts and neurologists to prescribe them for patients who exhibit symptoms of both fibromyalgia and migraine headaches.

FIBROMYALGIA- MIGRAINE ILLNESS’S EVIL TWIN, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Magnesium deficiency is prevalent among migraineurs and fibro sufferers

Magnesium increases stamina, builds and strengthens joint cartilage, regulates and balances healthy metabolic function, and alleviates tension .  For migraineurs or fibro patients seeking natural nutrients for pain, magnesium supplements are the best choice.  That is because scientists have noted a high incidence of magnesium deficiency in patients of migraine and fibromyalgia.

FIBROMYALGIA- MIGRAINE ILLNESS’S EVIL TWIN, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Some of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency are:

  • Low levels of Adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), a chemical your body needs for quick bursts of energy, and for all exercises requiring physical exertion.  Fibromyalgia and migraine patients alike often experience severe pain after a workout, or even after minimal physical exercise.
  • Hyper-stimulation of the nervous system is a common sign of magnesium deficiency, in addition to fibromyalgia and chronic migraines.  Migraine patients and fibromyalgia sufferers experience a strong overreaction to outside stimuli such as noise, scents, sounds, weather changes, and air pressure, resulting in excruciating throbbing pain.
  • Magnesium deficiency causes an increase in substance P, a chemical that your body makes to help perceive pain signals.  The more substance P you have in your system, the more frequently- and intensely- you will experience pain.  Sufferers of migraine illness and fibromyalgia have significantly higher levels of substance P than non-chronic pain sufferers.
  • People who have digestive problems are likely to suffer from malnourishment, including deficiency in vitamins and minerals.  Migraine sufferers often experience nausea, stomach cramping, and the urge to vomit.  Fibromyalgia symptoms may include Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gluten intolerance, and other gastrointestinal issues.  Therefore, it’s not surprising that magnesium deficiency would play a strong role in their pain symptoms.

Talk to your headache specialist

If you suffer from migraine illness, and you suspect that you might also have some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, then you should speak to your physician.  A diagnosis of fibromyalgia might lead to finding a successful cure for your chronic pain, either in the form of a prescribed fibromyalgia drug or natural magnesium supplements.

FIBROMYALGIA- MIGRAINE ILLNESS’S EVIL TWIN, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Read more about preventing migraines:

Best Twitter Pages to Follow for Migraine Sufferers- Top 40

Top 25 Fragrance-Free, Migraine-Free Cleansers and Cosmetics

Sources:

Images:

Sharp pain, Pills, Almonds and Tired

Are Migraines linked with Epileptic Seizures? It’s Genetics

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If you suffer migraine symptoms, then you’re likely to experience an epileptic seizure someday. Studies linking migraines with epilepsy symptoms explain Topamax, an anti-seizure drug, is also effective for treating migraine headaches.

ARE MIGRAINES LINKED WITH EPILEPTIC SEIZURES? IT’S GENETICS, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Migraine attacks and epileptic attacks are connected

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology released a report stating that epilepsy and migraine share a comorbid relationship.  That means that the two illnesses share common factors, including medical treatment and patient medical history.  Epilepsy doesn’t cause migraine headaches, but if you are a migraine sufferer, then your chances of experiencing an epileptic attack are higher than non-migraineurs.  Often, migraine attacks such as migraine aura are mistaken for epileptic seizures.  Such was the case when Serene Branson, CBS reporter, suffered an on-air complex migraine attack that greatly simulated an epileptic attack.

In the New England Journal of Medicine, a study on migraines and cerebral blood flow states that migraine patients may eventually experience epileptic attacks, and that symptoms of epilepsy are often worsened by the presence of migraine illness.

Approximately 14% of people diagnosed with epilepsy also suffer migraine attacks, according to a PubMed report on migraine-related seizures.  Among migraine sufferers, 6% are also epileptic.

“A better understanding of the pathophysiologic features of spreading hypoperfusion would be of obvious clinical importance, since migraine can sometimes lead to ischemic stroke and since stroke can sometimes be aggravated by or associated with the development of migraine.”

ARE MIGRAINES LINKED WITH EPILEPTIC SEIZURES? IT’S GENETICS, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

The epilepsy-migraine genetic link

According to a study conducted by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a mutant form of “chromosome 19” appears in migraine sufferers who experience ataxia (sudden episodes of muscular incoordination).  This chromosome correlates with mouse chromosome 8, which appeared in “tottering” laboratory mice that experienced similar epileptic-like seizures.

Anti-epileptic drugs as migraine treatment

Since chronic migraines share a strong link with epilepsy, it is not surprising that headache specialists and neurologists often prescribe anti-epileptic drugs for their migraine patients. One anti-seizure drug, Topamax (topiramate) is a popular migraine remedy for headache sufferers not diagnosed with epilepsy.  Topamax works by essentially freezing brain cell stimulation, providing relief for migraine patients and epileptics alike.  The side effects of continued usage of Topamax can be disturbing, symptoms such as short-term memory loss, “brain fog,” and difficulty concentrating or organizing thoughts.  (See Improve your Memory while taking Topamax for Migraines.)

Related:

What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms

Wear a Medical Emergency ID- Save your Breath and your Sanity

Sources:

Migraine Prevention Medication, Medicine: TOPAMAX (topiramate)

Epilepsy and migraine. [Epilepsy Behav. 2003] – PubMed – NCBI

Migraine-related seizures in an epileptic population- PubMed- NCBI

Oak Ridge National Laboratory – ORNL finds common genetic cause for epilepsy, migraine

Ataxia- Mayo Clinic

Bilateral Spreading Cerebral Hypoperfusion during Spontaneous Migraine Headache- NEJM

Medical Conditions Associated with Migraines- Epilepsy – Stroke – Anxiety – Depression – RealAge

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Your Brain on Rainbows

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Migraine Headaches, Cluster Headaches …Ponytail Headaches?

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Migraine Symptoms caused by Allodynia: Migraine headaches caused by long hair? It’s no joke- your neurologist might diagnose allodynia, a type of neuralgia that contributes to migraine symptoms such as cluster headaches or tension headaches.  Allodynia strikes fibromyalgia patients and migraineurs, causing throbbing head pain at key pressure points for headaches.

MIGRAINE HEADACHES, CLUSTER HEADACHES …PONYTAIL HEADACHES?, WWW.B12PATCH.COM

The symptoms of allodynia

Chronic pain sufferers with allodynia experience extreme physical pain from things that don’t hurt others- a light touch, a passing breeze, or even the gentlest amount of pressure.  Cutaneous allodynia (CA) refers to an oncoming migraine attack resulting from overactive neurotransmitters. There is a high correlation between migraine headaches and allodynia.

Fluorescent Lights, Migraines, and Incandescent Bulb Mania

Migraine sufferers are more sensitive

When your neurons become overly responsive to certain conditions, we call that “central sensitization.” Like a broken record, your nervous system becomes “sensitized” to frequent migraine attacks, and strives to make it easier to deliver those pain signals every time.  Hypersensitive neurotransmitters send messages to the brain, communicating pain signals, constantly becoming more efficient at perceiving pain from the tiniest of stimuli- a pinprick, the scratching of heavy fabric, or even the delicate pull of an earring.

10 Golden Food Rules for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Heavy hair hurts

For many migraine patients, the beginning of a migraine attack brings debilitating symptoms, including sharp head pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, noise, and scents.  For many females, who account for an overwhelming majority of all migraineurs, migraine attacks are preceded by allodynia pain on the scalp, neck, or cheeks. 

Brushing your hair, wearing a ponytail or braid, or even tossing your hair over your shoulders could result in excruciating head pain.  Although not cited as a cure for ponytail headache, cutting the hair to a shorter, less weighty length is a common recommendation by neurologists.

Only your neurologist or other headache specialist can recommend the proper treatment for your migraine headaches.  For natural headache nutrients, such as magnesium and butterbur, you may also seek advice from anybody who specializes in neuropathy.

MIGRAINE HEADACHES, CLUSTER HEADACHES …PONYTAIL HEADACHES?, WWW.B12PATCH.COM

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Related reading:

Wear a Medical Emergency ID- Save your Breath and your Sanity

Best Twitter Pages to Follow for Migraine Sufferers- Top 40

Sources:

Allodynia in Migraine: Association with Comorbid Pain Conditions

Allodynia Prevalent in Migraine Patients

My Hair Hurts! Migraine and Allodynia

Suffer from Ponytail Headaches? How to Avoid These Nasty Pains in Your Head and on Your Scalp

Ponytail Headache: A Pure Extracranial Headache

Migraine, Allodynia, and Central Sensitization- Migraine.com

Flickr

What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms

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Many non-migraine headache sufferers think that migraine symptoms are all about headaches, but they’re wrong. Signs of a migraine attack include nausea, depression and anxiety, in addition to mild hallucinations and neuralgia. Since chronic migraines differ between patients, migraine remedies also vary between over-the-counter Excedrin for migraines, prescribed migraine relief, and natural headache remedies.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF MIGRAINE ATTACK? 30 MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

How many migraine triggers are there?

Scientists have named over 100 possible migraine causes (triggers), including those pertaining to food, scents, the weather, hormones, and stress.  The best way to determine the culprit behind your migraine headaches is by keeping a migraine diary, and sharing it with a neurologist or other headache expert.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF MIGRAINE ATTACK?  30 MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

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7 Headache Symptoms you definitely shouldn’t ignore

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF MIGRAINE ATTACK? 30 MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COM

Free Digital Photos

Here are some helpful clues that indicate a migraine attack:

  1. Throbbing head pain, usually limited to one side of the head, but not always
  2. Pain in the back of the head
  3. Intense shooting pain behind one eye socket
  4. Teary eyes, head congestion- similar to sinus headaches
  5. Stiff aching neck pain
  6. Depression or anxiety symptoms
  7. Fatigue, tiredness
  8. Excitability, euphoria, or hyperactivity
  9. Agitation, or nervousness
  10. Dizziness, need to faint
  11. Frequent need to urinate
  12. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF MIGRAINE ATTACK? 30 MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS, WWW.MIGRAVENT.COMPoor sleep, tendency to wake up feeling sluggish instead of refreshed
  13. Frequent yawning
  14. Unusual cravings for sweet or salty foods
  15. Nausea, urge to vomit
  16. Stomach cramps and diarrhea
  17. Pale face, washed-out look
  18. Head pain after physical exertion, typical of exercise headache
  19. Migraine aura, or ocular migraine, including flashing, colored lights, often in zigzagged patterns, bright crescent shapes, or “fireflies”  (Free Digital Photos)
  20. Blind spot- dark “hole” in your field of vision, temporary partial blindness
  21. Double vision, blurry eyesight
  22. Hypersensitivity to bright lights, photophobia
  23. Low tolerance to noise
  24. Hallucinatory scents
  25. Partial paralysis, stroke-like symptoms
  26. Tingling, or pins-and-needles sensations in one arm, or around the mouth and nose on one side of the face
  27. Cold hands and feet
  28. Distorted speech, temporarily and suddenly, also similar to stroke symptoms
  29. Upper torso weakness on one side
  30. Afterwards, a hangover, and the need to recuperate for hours


Read this:

Migraine Aura Video Simulations: You Tube’s Top 10

Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky

Is it a Cluster Headache or a Migraine?

Sources:

18 Signs You’re Having a Migraine – migrainesheadaches – Health.com

Migraine Symptoms, Causes, Treatment – What are the symptoms of migraine headaches on MedicineNet

Migraine: Symptoms – MayoClinic.com

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Feeling Bipolar? The iTunes Store has 20 iPhone Apps for that- Part 2

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Migraine Symptoms, Depression & Dr. iPad: Sufferers of migraine symptoms, including anxiety and depression, will be glad to know that the iTunes store sells iPhone apps, iPad apps, and Android apps for manic depression, panic attack symptoms, and other mood disorders. Whether you suffer from bipolar disorder, anxiety symptoms, or symptoms of depression caused by migraine headaches, the iTunes store has an app for that!

The following iTunes apps may provide help to those suffering from mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, social phobias, and anxiety attacks, but they do not provide medical advice.  If you suspect that you are experiences symptoms of depression or anxiety, then please seek psychiatric help.

Here is Part 2 of “Feeling Bipolar? The iTunes Store has 20 iPhone Apps for that.”

Here are 10 MORE iPhone Apps and Android Apps for Migraine Symptoms and Depression

1)   Happy App

Beat Depression Anxiety & Stress, Guided Meditation & Hypnosis, $3.99 iPhone, iPad, iPod touch  Get it at the iTunes store.

Seven Traits of Highly Happy People with Chronic Illness

2)   Gratitude and Happiness

App Finder

(Self-help Journal, Todo, Thoughts & Mood Tracker)

Free app for iPhone, iPad. Get it at the iTunes store.

7 Websites that will Change your Life and Make you Happier

3)   Mood Journal

App Finder

$1.99,for  iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.  Also see Mood Journal Plus, for$6.99. Get it at the iTunes store.

New Study Warns against Taking these Painkillers with Antidepressants

4)   Moody Me

Moody me on Facebook

Mood Diary and Tracker, voted 5 stars by 220 reviewers!

Free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.   Get it at the iTunes store.

7 Halloween Candy Cures for Migraine Headache Symptoms

5)   Mental Illness

App Finder

Free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

De-Clutter your Home, De-Clutter your Mind for Stress Relief

6)   Mediquations

App Finder

Medical calculator, voted 5 stars by 212 reviewers!

$4.99, for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

How Topamax Treats Migraine Attacks

7)   Pocket Yoga HD

App Finder

Voted 5 stars by 114 reviewers!

$3.99, for iPad.  Get it at the iTunes store.

Blow Off Migraine Pain with 4 Simple Yoga Breathing Exercises!

8)   Sleep on it

App Finder

Sleep tracker and alarm app

Free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.  Get it at the iTunes store.

Are Sleep Seizures, Exploding Head Noises Causing Insomnia?

9)   Neurology

App Finder

By Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Free app for iPad. Get it at the iTunes store.

Brain Tumor, Stroke and 8 other Illnesses you probably don’t have

10)   Bipolar Bear

30% of this “just for fun” app goes to charity.

$0.99, for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store

Also read:

Feeling Bipolar? The iTunes Store has 20 iPhone Apps for that- Part 1


Feeling Bipolar? The iTunes Store has 20 iPhone Apps for that- Part 1

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Migraine Symptoms, Depression & Dr. iPad: Sufferers of migraine symptoms, including anxiety and depression, will be glad to know that the iTunes store sells iPhone apps, iPad apps, and Android apps for manic depression, panic attack symptoms, and other mood disorders. Whether you suffer from bipolar disorder, anxiety symptoms, or symptoms of depression caused by migraine headaches, the iTunes store has an app for that!

Don’t Worry- The iTunes Store makes House Calls

When you suffer from chronic pain, you want treatment right away.  The same goes for chronic emotional pain, such as stress, anxiety disorders, clinical depression, or panic attacks.  Migraine patients are often prone to feelings of loneliness, despair, and deep depression, leading many to wonder if they also suffer from bipolar disorder.  While there is no scientific correlation between manic depression and migraine illness, it helps to be able to identify the different types of depression, and determine if you are a sufferer.

The following iTunes apps may provide help to those suffering from mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, social phobias, and anxiety attacks, but they do not provide medical advice.  If you suspect that you are experiences symptoms of depression or anxiety, then please seek psychiatric help.

Here are 10 iPhone Apps and Android Apps for Migraine Symptoms and Depression

See Part 2 tomorrow, for 10 more!

1)   iHeadache

Appfinder

Free Headache and Migraine Diary

Free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today

2)   Migraine Meter

Migraine.com journal, plus news related to migraine illness, migraine treatments, and migraine symptoms.

Free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.  Get it at the iTunes store.

20 Best Blog Sites for Migraine Information and Inspiration

3)   Beat Social Phobia with Andrew Johnson

$2.99, for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.  Get it at the iTunes store.

Appfinder

4)   iCounselor: Anxiety


$0.99, for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

Foods that Relieve Stress and Improve your Mood- The Fab 4

5)   Let Panic Go

Let Panic Go

$2.99, for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

6)   Depressioncheck

Appfinder

Voted 5 stars by 167 reviewers!

Free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

7)   Sad Scale

Deep Pocket Series

$0.99, for iPhone, iPod, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

8)   Depression Journal

iHealth Ventures

$1.99, for  iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

Beta Blockers for Migraines: Are They Safe?

9)   Pain & Depression Relief

Appfinder

AmbiScience Body and Mind Utility

$0.99, for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Get it at the iTunes store.

Biofeedback for Treating Migraines- Top 4 FAQ Answered

10)   Bipolar Disorder Connect

Follow the Bipolar Disorder Connect forum for updated news and discussions.

Free app, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.  Get it at the iTunes store.

Related reading:

20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers

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