It’s National Headache Awareness Week

Headaches are no jokes. I know, we all have headaches to deal with every day, but those who suffer from actual pain filled headaches look for ways of relief.

According to the National Headache Foundation, these are some often asked questions people have about headaches:

"Q: What is migraine? What causes it, and how can I treat it?

A: Generally, migraine begins as a dull ache and then develops into a constant throbbing and pulsating pain that you may feel at the temples, as well as the front or back of one or both sides of the head. The pain is usually accompanied by a combination of nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Some people (about 15% of migraine sufferers) experience an aura before an attack. The cause of migraine is believed to be chemical reactions in the brain. Treatment for migraine may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, as well as self-help techniques such as relaxation training and biofeedback.

Q: What is an aura?

A: About 15-20% of people with migraine get an "aura," which is a manifestation of neurological symptoms that occurs before a migraine headache. You may see wavy or jagged lines, dots, or flashing lights; or you might experience tunnel vision or blind spots in one or both eyes. The aura can include visual or auditory hallucinations and disruptions in smell (such as strange odors), taste, or touch. Other symptoms include numbness, a "pins and needles" sensation, or difficulty in recalling or speaking the correct word. These neurological events may last as long as sixty minutes and will fade as the headache begins.

Q: What is a trigger?

A: Certain physical or environmental factors, such as foods, hormonal changes, weather, and stress, can lead to or "trigger" a migraine. However, it's important to remember that triggers are different for everyone. That's why, to help prevent migraine attacks, you need to figure out which triggers affect you and which ones don't. Keeping a headache diary is an effective way to track triggers, and it will help you talk to your healthcare professional about your condition.

Q: Does weather affect migraines?

A: Bright sunshine, hot, humid conditions, and drastic changes in barometric pressure may lead to, or "trigger," a migraine attack in some migraineurs. However, studies have shown that weather does not act as a trigger for everyone who has migraine."

For more information, visit the National Headache Foundation's website.