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Migraines produce distinct symptoms that differ from headache pain. - Cluster headaches are identified by intense, stabbing pains above the eye or temple. Tension headaches produce a dull, ache throughout the head, neck and back. Migraines result in chronic throbbing, pulsating pain.
- Migraines are distinct due to conditions of aura including impaired vision, light and sound sensitivity, hallucinations, mood changes, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and temporary paralysis.
- Cluster headaches occur suddenly with pain escalating within 15 minutes, while tension headaches may intensify in 30 minutes to one week. Migraine pain builds, lasting from one to four days.
- Migraines are different from other types of headaches due to neurological causes of hormonal imbalances, blood-vessel expansion and gene mutations. Cluster headaches are not associated with triggers. Tension headaches result from external influences.
- Cluster headaches and migraines are cyclical or episodic. Tension headaches are less of a syndrome. Warning signs of premonition that do not precede other headaches cause erratic behavior and cravings prior to migraines.
Cluster headaches, tension headaches and migraine headaches are the main categories of headaches. Each type of headache is distinguished by pain, duration, symptoms and causes.
Migranal is a spray medication used to treat acute migraine headaches either with or without aura. The medication is an ergot derivative that works by constricting blood vessels in the brain, which in turn reduces the likelihood of migraine symptoms. As with most medications, there are a number of side effects associated with using Migranal.
- Some of these side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, burning sensation, irritation, dry mouth, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, pain, nausea, runny nose, sinus inflammation, sore nose or throat, stiffness, vomiting, weakness and tiredness. Although these are considered the most common side effects associated with using Migranal, they only affect a small number of users.
- Some of these include difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, hives, rash, swelling of the mouth and tongue, chest pain, muscle weakness, loss of color, numbness, swelling, irregular heartbeat and coldness. These side effects are very rare and are not reported in a large number of users.
- This medication can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so it is recommended that users do not operate any type of machinery--including automobiles--while using this drug. Use Migranal with caution in children and adults older than 65 as side effects have been known to affect them more severely. This medication has also been shown to cause damage to an unborn fetus, so do not use it if you are pregnant or are expecting to be soon.
- Always use Migranal directly as instructed by your doctor, and never exceed the recommended dosage instructions written on the label. The drug is meant for use in the nose only and should never be injected directly into the bloodstream. To administer the medication, spray once into each nostril without tilting your head or sniffing. This medication is not meant for use on a daily basis.
- If you experience any of the aforementioned side effects, contact your local doctor immediately.
If an overdose of Migranal is suspected, contact your local poison center and head directly to the emergency room.
Migranal is meant as a nose spray only and should never be administered into any other bodily orifice.
Common Side Effects
Severe Side Effects
Important Safety Information
Usage
Warning
Migraine headaches can be painfully debilitating and can be difficult to treat. There are pharmaceutical medications for migraines that are effective, but many bring with them unwanted and unhealthful side effects, such as dizziness and even seizures (see Resources below). Luckily, there are homeopathic remedies that work to relieve migraine and harbor no side effects.
- Belladonna can be taken to relieve migraines that start in the morning and begin at the base of the skull. The pain is typically a hammering pain on the right side.
- Bryonia is helpful when the migraine is accompanied by vomiting and where the pain begins around the left eye.
- Cimicifuga can help migraines that accompany menstruation, muscle aches in the neck and migraines with sharp pains around the eyes.
- Cyclamen is helpful for migraines that can happen with earache or a very visual migraine.
- Gelsemium can help relieve migraines that start in the back of the head and are accompanied by fatigue.
Belladonna
Bryonia
Cimicifuga
Cyclamen
Gelsemium
DHE stands for dihydroergotamine. It belongs to a class of medications called ergots. Ergots work on migraines by constricting blood vessels. DHE is very effective for treating migraines. However, potentially serious side effects prevent many doctors from using it outside of controlled settings.
- DHE can be administered by IV in clinics and hospitals. It works rapidly, often reducing or eliminating a headache within one hour. For complex cases, DHE may be administered every six to eight hours.
- Doctors can prescribe DHE injections for home use. The standard dose is 1 milliliter per injection. Medical opinions differ on how often DHE injections can be used, so it is best to follow the prescribing doctor's recommendation.
- Migranal is a doctor-prescribed nasal spray version of DHE. One spray of the medication is given in each nostril. After 15 minutes this can be repeated. According to the manufacturer, Migranal should not be used more than twice a week.
- DHE cannot be used within 24 hours of taking any triptans, which are a class of drugs used to treat migraines. Side effects include changes in heart rate or blood pressure, chest heaviness, nausea, sweating, and numbness or weakness.
- Rebound headaches occur when someone takes too many triptans or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in a short period of time. Doctors can use DHE to help break the headache cycle without causing further rebound headaches.
Intravenous
Injections
Migranal
Side Effects
Rebound Headaches
If you have migraines, taking medications to reduce the frequency and duration of your symptoms is a necessity in order to go about your normal activities. However, migraine medications may cause significant side effects, some of which may be as disabling as the migraines themselves. According to the Mayo Clinic and Drugs.com, side effects of migraine medications include digestive problems and neurological problems.
- Migraine medications such as triptans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen) may cause upset stomach, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Medications such as triptans and ergots used to treat migraines may cause you to develop neurological dysfunction including dizziness, fainting, vertigo, muscle weakness and confusion, which usually stop after the medication is cleared from your body.
- Frequent or long-term use of migraine medications may cause you to develop organ damage in your stomach, liver or intestines, and can lead to organ failure, which is a life threatening condition.
- Some migraine medications such as butalbitals and opiates may cause you to have rebound headaches, which may occur on their own or as a symptom of withdrawal from the migraine medications.
- You may experience drowsiness, interrupted sleep or difficulty falling asleep as a result of taking migraine medications such as beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory preparations that are combined with caffeine.
- Migraine medications such as triptans may have serious effects on your heart and arteries, such as sudden increases in your blood pressure and an increased chance of having a heart attack or stroke while using the medication.
Digestive Problems
Neurological Dysfunction
Organ Damage
Rebound Headaches
Sleep Disorders
Cardiac Effects
Complex migraines have been known to be mistaken for strokes because they share similar indicators. Stroke symptoms, however, last for about 24 hours, whereas a migraine's duration typically spans 4 to 12 hours.
- Your hands or feet can become cold when you have a complex migraine.
- Such migraines drain you of energy and leave you feeling lethargic.
- Your extremities or the side of your face may go numb from the headache.
- Some people are temporarily blinded by complex migraines, or their vision becomes clouded.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is a common migraine symptom.
- Complex migraines cause nausea or feeling sick to your stomach if you are around strong smells.
Cold
Weakness
Numbness
Blindness
Dizziness
Nausea
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