HEADACHE, MIGRAINE RELATED TO EXERTION (Effort Migraine) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--An intense, incapacitating headache, accompanied by other symptoms, that occurs after all-out physical effort in various sports, such as running, football, basketball, boxing, wrestling or soccer. Migraines related to exertion are most common in persons with a family history of migraines.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSThe nature of attacks varies between persons and from time to time in the same person. Symptoms of a classic migraine attack appear in the following sequence:
Inability to see clearly, followed by seeing bright spots and zigzag patterns. Visual disturbances may last several minutes or several hours, but they disappear once the headache begins.
Dull, boring pain in the temple that spreads to the entire side of the head. Pain becomes intense and throbbing. Sometimes the pain may affect both temples simultaneously.
Nausea and vomiting. In other types of migraine attack, the above symptoms (vision disturbances, headache or vomiting) may be absent, or other symptoms may be present. Some persons become pale, with bloodshot eyes and a runny nose or eyes.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSConstriction, then dilation and inflammation of blood vessels that go to the scalp and brain. Vision disturbances occur when blood vessels narrow. Headache begins when they widen again. Attacks may be triggered by:
All-out physical activity, particularly in competitive sports.
Tension and stress.
Use of oral contraceptives.
Use of many prescription and non-prescription drugs.
Excess alcohol consumption.
Consumption of certain foods.
Fatigue.
Smoking.
HOW TO PREVENT
Taking one aspirin a day MAY prevent migraine attacks in some adults. You may try it if you have no reasons to avoid aspirin.
Use of the drug propranolol prevents attacks in some persons, but may decrease successful athletic performance. It can cause unpleasant side effects, including depression and impotence.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies.
CAT scan (See Glossary) of the head.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this disorder.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSSymptoms can usually be controlled with medication, but medication may significantly diminish athletic performance.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSNone expected.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTDoctor's examination and medication for persistent migraines.
HOME TREATMENTAt the first sign of a migraine attack:
Apply a cold cloth or ice pack to your head, or splash your face with cold water.
Take pain relievers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen.
Lie down in a quiet, dark room for several hours. Relax if possible. Listen to music, sleep or meditate--but don't read.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Antihistamines to expand blood vessels.
Antiemetics to decrease nausea and vomiting.
Vasoconstrictors to narrow blood vessels.
Pain relievers.
Beta-adrenergic blockers to prevent attacks, if headaches are so frequent or severe that you can't function normally. This medication may have undesirable side effects and it does not help everyone.
ACTIVITYRest during attacks. Otherwise, exercise regularly to achieve maximum fitness.
DIETBecause some attacks are triggered by foods, such as cheese or chocolate, keep a record of what you ate before each attack. Avoid foods that seem to trigger migraine attacks. Otherwise, no special diet is necessary.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a migraine attack that persists longer than 24 hours, despite treatment.
Recurrent migraine attacks interfere with normal life.
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