
This article discusses one of the most common problems observed these days – migraine. Women are more prone to migraine attacks at times. But the content below will give you information about migraines in men. The description about the problem, it’s causes, symptoms, prevention and remedies are all listed here. Have a look…
A recent study shows that around 15% of the total population suffer from migraine. It is one of the most common problems that people face these days. Frequent and severe headache is usually the major sign observed by people with migraine. Thus, in simple words, migraine is termed as a severe headache which lasts anywhere between 4 to 75 hours. The frequency of the attack can vary from person to person. Research reveals that among the population affected by migraine, 75% are women as they are more susceptible to it.
At times, migraine comes with an ‘aura’. An individual can witness some visuals like a sudden flash of light, or a sudden black phase, or some disturbed and cluttered images. Such a headache is called a classic migraine. A common migraine doesn’t come with an aura and is more frequent than the classic one. These headaches can be mild or severe. But in either case, it is very painful and can be tough to deal with migraine attacks.
Causes of Migraine
What causes migraines in men is still not known. But experts say that it is due to the expansion of certain blood vessels and release of certain chemicals. This gives rise to inflammation and pain that can vary from one person to another. Dopamine and serotonin are two of those chemicals which are to some extent responsible for frequent headaches in men. These are mood altering chemicals which may cause anxiety and nausea thereby accelerating migraines in men. Certain prominent causes are listed below:
- Smoking
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Consumption of food products like chocolates, nuts and cheese
- Emotional stress and tension
- Accidents or sudden injuries to upper neck
- Over exercising
- Blockage of vertebral arteries
- Blockage of carotid arteries
Symptoms of Migraine
There are various symptoms that indicate that pain is on its way. They are as follows:
- Headache
- Irritation
- Depression
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Aura
- Pain on one side of the head
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of concentration
Dealing with Migraine
As the famous saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”, certain precautions can be taken by men to avoid migraine attacks. Every individual is expected to follow a proper diet and a good lifestyle. There are many such factors which can be controlled so as to prevent migraine attacks. Nobody is unknown to the fact that smoking is injurious to health. Smoking can lead to intense headache. Similarly, consuming a lot of alcohol, specially at night, is bound to give you severe headache the next morning.
Doctors say that sleep hours have to be well regulated. Generally, a person needs minimum of seven and maximum of ten hours of sleep that too in time. As a child, you must have known, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise!” Accordingly, excessive consumption of coffee everyday is also a bad idea, as that can eventually lead to lack of sleep for a day or two. Also, consumption of processed food products should be moderated.
It is Time to See a Doctor When
Along with the above mentioned symptoms and signs if you experience any of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
- You experience sudden weight loss
- There is an unbearable headache which returns in short intervals
- You frequently fall unconscious
- You are frequently confused and unclear of a variety of things
Medication Tips
Migraine in men can be treated medically in two different ways. The first way is to stop the pain as soon as you get an indication that the migraine is on its way, and the second way is to have medication before the symptoms begin to show. At times, non-prescription medicines can help you out. Aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen and ketoprofen are some medicines that are commonly used to relieve pain. Also, the combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine works well in relieving the pain.
On the other hand, if the pain is severe, prescription medicines like Ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, almotriptan, rizatriptan and frovatriptan are frequently prescribed. But, one must be cautious about consuming them as a patient might just get habituated to it. Hence, doctors say that once a person balances his lifestyle well, there won’t be a time when he/she will be compelled to consume these medications.
Lastly, one must remember that your health is in your hands! A man must put aside all his commitments when it comes to his health. As you know that a stitch in time saves nine, you must act before it is too late to mend. Migraines are not curable and one must accept this fact. Hence, utmost care has to taken to prevent migraines before it knocks your door. Stay healthy, stay wealthy.