Can A Migraine Make You Throw Up

Can A Migraine Make You Throw Up? Migraines are painful headaches that can last for hours and sometimes even days. They’re most likely to affect women over age 25, but men and children also can experience them. Though they typically hurt on just one half of your head, the pain associated with migraines varies from person to person — some people describe it as sharp stabbing pains while others say it feels like a dull ache. The duration, frequency and intensity all vary as well.

There are many types of headaches, including tension headaches, cluster headaches and sinus headaches. But because there’s no cure for migraines, this article will focus solely on these painful conditions.

The exact cause of migraines isn’t known, although doctors believe genetics play a role. In addition, environmental factors can trigger them in susceptible individuals. For example, stress, changes in diet, lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations and alcohol consumption can all contribute to migraines [sources: Mayo Clinic; National Institutes of Health].

Some people develop migraines after having a stroke or other brain injury. Even though migraines aren’t considered serious medical problems, if you experience frequent episodes, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Signs And Symptoms Of Migraines

Most adults who suffer migraines report severe head pain accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. However, not everyone experiences those symptoms. Some people only notice mild discomfort without any noticeable change in behavior. Other people don’t experience any physical symptoms at all.

If you do experience a migraine attack, there are several different telltale signs to look out for. These could include:

• visual impairment (such as seeing double)
• nausea
• vomiting
• sensitive to light or noise
• temperature extremes
• dizziness
• weakness
• pounding heartbeat
• abdominal pressure
• fatigue
• mood changes
• headache triggers

Although each individual has his or her own set of symptoms, the following list should help determine whether someone is experiencing a migraine:

Headache Characteristics

Migraines are painful headaches that can last for hours and sometimes even days. They’re most likely to affect women over age 25, but men and children also can experience them. Though they typically hurt on just one half of your head, the pain associated with migraines varies from person to person — some people describe it as sharp stabbing pains while others say it feels like a dull ache. The duration, frequency and intensity all vary as well.

There are many types of headaches, including tension headaches, cluster headaches and sinus headaches. But because there’s no cure for migraines, this article will focus solely on these painful conditions.

The exact cause of migraines isn’t known, although doctors believe genetics play a role. In addition, environmental factors can trigger them in susceptible individuals. For example, stress, changes in diet, lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations and alcohol consumption can all contribute to migraines [sources: Mayo Clinic; National Institutes of Health].

Some people develop migraines after having a stroke or other brain injury. Even though migraines aren’t considered serious medical problems, if you experience frequent episodes, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Signs And Symptoms Of Migraines

Most adults who suffer migraines report severe head pain accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. However, not everyone experiences those symptoms. Some people only notice mild discomfort without any noticeable change in behavior. Other people don’t experience any physical symptoms at all.

If you do experience a migraine attack, there are several different telltale signs to look out for. These could include:

• visual impairment (such as seeing double)
• nausea
• vomiting
• sensitive to light or noise
• temperature extremes
• dizziness
• weakness
• pounding heartbeat
• abdominal pressure
• fatigue
• mood changes
• headache triggers

Although each individual has his or her own set of symptoms, the following list should help determine whether someone is experiencing a migraine:

Headache Characteristics

– Location – Pain often starts behind one eye and spreads across the forehead and down into the neck. Occasionally, the pain radiates around the ear and down the cheek. This pain usually lasts less than two hours but can be longer.

– Duration – Headaches can come and go throughout the day. Most episodes last between 30 minutes and four hours.

– Quality – The pain is described as sharp, pulsating, burning, tight band squeezing, pounding, deep penetrating, etc.

– Aggressiveness – Attacks tend to be more intense than normal headaches.

– Associated Symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, sensitive to lights, sound and touch, temperature extremes, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes, weak or pounding pulse, vision problems.

Triggers

Many things can trigger a migraine, including food intake, dehydration, hormonal changes, medication use, low blood sugar levels, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine withdrawal, emotional distress and sleep deprivation. Alcohol, coffee, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits, greasy foods, spicy foods, smoked meats, fried foods, cheese, shellfish, hot peppers, onions, tomatoes, fatty meals, exercise, bright sunlight, loud noises and stressful events can all worsen migraines.

Warning Signs To Look Out For During An Attack

Although most people know what a migraine feels like when they actually have one, they may not recognize certain early symptoms that can indicate an impending migraine. If you suspect that you might be suffering from a migraine, pay attention to the following red flags.

Visual Changes

In addition to feeling nauseated, some people experience visual disturbances during a migraine. These can range from temporary blindness to seeing double to other unusual symptoms. Visual changes can include seeing spots, zigzag lines, halos around lights or objects, flashing lights, dark spots floating in front of eyes, black spots or streaks passing through vision, and blurred or distorted vision. These symptoms generally last less than 20 minutes.

Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis is a condition where arteries become inflamed which can lead to symptoms similar to migraines. As a result, it is important to see your physician immediately if you experience temporal artery inflammation. Temporal arteritis can also present itself as swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, nasal congestion, and fever among other possible symptoms.

Fever

People who have experienced migraines in the past may find themselves developing fevers. Many people attribute this fever to the effects of medications used to treat migraines, so it is important to consult your doctor. Fever could also signal another infection or disease process.

Dizziness

Dizziness is common symptom of migraines. People who experience dizzy spells due to migraines should sit still until the episode passes.

Fatigue

Another common symptom of migraines is extreme tiredness. Fatigue can be caused by dehydration, sleep deprivation, infections and diseases, depression and anxiety, among other causes. Talk to your doctor if you experience chronic fatigue.

Sensitivity To Lights Or Sound

People who experience migraines may find that they are extremely sensitive to lights or sounds. Although rare, this may be due to abnormal neural activity in areas of the brain responsible for processing sensory information.

Ringing In Ears

Ringworm of the inner ear is a fungal infection that can cause ringing in the ears. Ringing in the ears is a sign that suggests that something is wrong inside the ear canal. Consult your doctor right away if you experience ringing in your ears.

Other Possible Triggers

– Food Intakes – Certain types of foods, especially salty ones, can make migraines worse. Foods rich in Vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc can also lessen the severity of migraine attacks.

– Medications – Certain medications can aggravate migraines, including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, chlortrimetronazole, cimetidine, dicyclomine, estrogen, fluoxetine, ginkgo biloba, lithium carbonate, methadone, naproxen sodium, neomycin sulfate, nortriptyline, paroxetine, phenothiazines, pimozide, propranolol, quinine, rifampicin, sertraline, terbinafine, trazodone, topiramate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and verapamil.
– Weather Extremes – Extreme temperatures, high altitude, sun exposure, dehydration and air pollution can all contribute to worsening migraines. Be sure to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor exertion and wear sunglasses if necessary.
– Diet – Consuming large amounts of spicy foods, salty foods, alcoholic beverages, fatty foods, processed foods, dairy products, junk foods, cigarettes, caffeine, salt substitutes, artificial sweeteners and nitrates can all increase the likelihood of triggering a migraine. Eating healthy snacks and sticking to a regular meal plan will improve overall nutrition.
Preventing Migraines
It is impossible to prevent every single migraine attack. However, taking simple steps can reduce your risk of getting migraines and potentially decrease the number of times you experience attacks. Here are some tips:
Eliminate Trigger Factors
As mentioned earlier, many factors can trigger migraines. Eliminating or reducing your intake of trigger substances can greatly reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks. Limit your alcohol consumption, quit smoking and avoid drugs and medications that can trigger migraines.
Avoid Caffeine And Nicotine
Moderate amounts of caffeine can relax tense muscles and stimulate the central nervous system. Caffeine can also act as a vasoconstrictor resulting in increased blood flow to the brain. Smoking increases blood pressure which can lead to vascular headaches. Quitting smoking reduces the possibility of migraines occurring.
Eat Well And Stay Hydrated
Staying properly hydrated is key to preventing migraines. Eat enough protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates and stay well nourished. Avoid skipping meals and overeating. Also consider consuming foods that contain Omega 3 fatty acids such as walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, tuna, cod liver oil and green leafy vegetables.
Use Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Wisely
NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and celebrex provide relief from the pain of migraines. While NSAIDs can be helpful, they can also be very dangerous if taken incorrectly. Always follow package directions carefully and never take larger doses than recommended. Discuss your current health status with your doctor prior to starting any new medications or supplements.
Exercise Regularly
Regular aerobic exercise strengthens cardiovascular systems which helps regulate blood flow and prevents constriction of blood vessels. Exercise also improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. Consider joining a gym or looking for ways to keep active, such as walking, hiking, swimming, biking, dancing, yoga, Pilates, cross country skiing, lawn mowing, yard work, gardening, housework, sports teams, tennis, golf, bowling,Pain often starts behind one eye and spreads across the forehead and down into the neck. Occasionally, the pain radiates around the ear and down the cheek. This pain usually lasts less than two hours but can be longer.
– Duration – Headaches can come and go throughout the day. Most episodes last between 30 minutes and four hours.
– Quality – The pain is described as sharp, pulsating, burning, tight band squeezing, pounding, deep penetrating, etc.
– Aggressiveness – Attacks tend to be more intense than normal headaches.
– Associated Symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, sensitive to lights, sound and touch, temperature extremes, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes, weak or pounding pulse, vision problems
Triggers
Many things can trigger a migraine, including food intake, dehydration, hormonal changes, medication use, low blood sugar levels, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine withdrawal, emotional distress and sleep deprivation. Alcohol, coffee, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits, greasy foods, spicy foods, smoked meats, fried foods, cheese, shellfish, hot peppers, onions, tomatoes, fatty meals, exercise, bright sunlight, loud noises and stressful events can all worsen migraines.
Warning Signs To Look Out For During An Attack
Although most people know what a migraine feels like when they actually have one, they may not recognize certain early symptoms that can indicate an impending migraine. If you suspect that you might be suffering from a migraine, pay attention to the following red flags.
Visual Changes
In addition to feeling nauseated, some people experience visual disturbances during a migraine. These can range from temporary blindness to seeing double to other unusual symptoms. Visual changes can include seeing spots, zigzag lines, halos around lights or objects, flashing lights, dark spots floating in front of eyes, black spots or streaks passing through vision, and blurred or distorted vision. These symptoms generally last less than 20 minutes.
Temporal Arteritis
Temporal arteritis is a condition where arteries become inflamed which can lead to symptoms similar to migraines. As a result, it is important to see your physician immediately if you experience temporal artery inflammation. Temporal arteritis can also present itself as swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, nasal congestion, and fever among other possible symptoms.
Fever
People who have experienced migraines in the past may find themselves developing fevers. Many people attribute this fever to the effects of medications used to treat migraines, so it is important to consult your doctor. Fever could also signal another infection or disease process.
Dizziness
Dizziness is common symptom of migraines. People who experience dizzy spells due to migraines should sit still until the episode passes.
Fatigue
Another common symptom of migraines is extreme tiredness. Fatigue can be caused by dehydration, sleep deprivation, infections and diseases, depression and anxiety, among other causes. Talk to your doctor if you experience chronic fatigue.
Sensitivity To Lights Or Sound
People who experience migraines may find that they are extremely sensitive to lights or sounds. Although rare, this may be due to abnormal neural activity in areas of the brain responsible for processing sensory information.
Ringing In Ears
Ringworm of the inner ear is a fungal infection that can cause ringing in the ears. Ringing in the ears is a sign that suggests that something is wrong inside the ear canal. Consult your doctor right away if you experience ringing in your ears.
Other Possible Triggers
– Food Intakes – Certain types of foods, especially salty ones, can make migraines worse. Foods rich in Vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc can also lessen the severity of migraine attacks.
– Medications – Certain medications can aggravate migraines, including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, chlortrimetronazole, cimetidine, dicyclomine, estrogen, fluoxetine, ginkgo biloba, lithium carbonate, methadone, naproxen sodium, neomycin sulfate, nortriptyline, paroxetine, phenothiazines, pimozide, propranolol, quinine, rifampicin, sertraline, terbinafine, trazodone, topiramate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and verapamil.
– Weather Extremes – Extreme temperatures, high altitude, sun exposure, dehydration and air pollution can all contribute to worsening migraines. Be sure to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor exertion and wear sunglasses if necessary.
– Diet – Consuming large amounts of spicy foods, salty foods, alcoholic beverages, fatty foods, processed foods, dairy products, junk foods, cigarettes, caffeine, salt substitutes, artificial sweeteners and nitrates can all increase the likelihood of triggering a migraine. Eating healthy snacks and sticking to a regular meal plan will improve overall nutrition.
Preventing Migraines
It is impossible to prevent every single migraine attack. However, taking simple steps can reduce your risk of getting migraines and potentially decrease the number of times you experience attacks. Here are some tips:
Eliminate Trigger Factors
As mentioned earlier, many factors can trigger migraines. Eliminating or reducing your intake of trigger substances can greatly reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks. Limit your alcohol consumption, quit smoking and avoid drugs and medications that can trigger migraines.
Avoid Caffeine And Nicotine
Moderate amounts of caffeine can relax tense muscles and stimulate the central nervous system. Caffeine can also act as a vasoconstrictor resulting in increased blood flow to the brain. Smoking increases blood pressure which can lead to vascular headaches. Quitting smoking reduces the possibility of migraines occurring.
Eat Well And Stay Hydrated
Staying properly hydrated is key to preventing migraines. Eat enough protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates and stay well nourished. Avoid skipping meals and overeating. Also consider consuming foods that contain Omega 3 fatty acids such as walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, tuna, cod liver oil and green leafy vegetables.
Use Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Wisely
NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and celebrex provide relief from the pain of migraines. While NSAIDs can be helpful, they can also be very dangerous if taken incorrectly. Always follow package directions carefully and never take larger doses than recommended. Discuss your current health status with your doctor prior to starting any new medications or supplements.
Exercise Regularly
Regular aerobic exercise strengthens cardiovascular systems which helps regulate blood flow and prevents constriction of blood vessels. Exercise also improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. Consider joining a gym or looking for ways to keep active, such as walking, hiking, swimming, biking, dancing, yoga, Pilates, cross country skiing, lawn mowing, yard work, gardening, housework, sports teams, tennis, golf, bowling,

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