• Head Split Over Migraines? • The third phase of migraine is called resolve is still unknown. Most of the the headache phase. This is usually the time migraines resolve with sleep. It is worst part of the attack. The headache thought the neurotransmitter, serotonin, may begin in different ways even in the is restored in the brain and surrounding same person. For many, the headache tissue re-establishing balance. may be on one side of the head, Occasionally, and especially in children, pounding in nature, moderate to severe vomiting will stop a migraine. This may in intensity, and aggravated by routine be due to a release of serotonin that activities. In others, however, the entire is stored in the intestinal track. There head may hurt and not throb. Frequently are also reports of migraines stopping there is nausea but vomiting may also during an emergency allowing the occur. The nervous system becomes person to manage the situation. sensitive to light and sound. Thinking The final phase of an acute migraine may be difficult. Muscles in the head attack is the postdrome. This involves and neck often become painful and the lingering symptoms that resemble a tender. If untreated, the headache may last from 4 to 72 hours, rarely longer. Usually, the migraineur “I’m constantly afraid wants to be left that a migraine will alone in a dark quiet place. spoil my plans.” The headache phase usually produces the greatest disability. The attack interferes with productivity at home and work. On average, a migraineur misses 3.2 days of work per year due to migraines and may function at less than 50% of full capacity while on the job up to 6 days a month. The cost of migraine attacks to society is estimated to be in the 15-20 billion dollars per year range. Fortunately, treatment lessens lost productivity by almost 50%. The next phase of migraine is the resolution phase. How migraines
12 | Summer /Fall 2013
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