Acute migraines cause severe headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can be triggered by various factors and can be treated with pain relievers and rest. Auras may occur before migraines, and a severe episode may require a visit to the emergency room. Chronic migraines may require a visit to a neurologist for examination and medication. MRI scans can reveal underlying problems, and preventative care is often prescribed.
An acute migraine is a severe headache that comes on suddenly and often causes nausea, sensitivity to light, and fatigue. Migraines can be triggered by a number of different factors, including alcohol withdrawal, intense light or sound, stress, or hormonal imbalances. Most migraines can be treated at home with pain relievers and several hours of rest. A person experiencing an acute migraine for the first time or having a particularly severe episode should visit the emergency room to receive a proper diagnosis and learn about treatment options.
An individual may feel the symptoms of an impending acute migraine before it actually occurs. Visual changes called auras often affect both eyes about a half hour before a migraine. Auras produce blurry or spotty vision, eye pain, and subtle feelings of nausea. Once migraines actually occur, a person is likely to develop a throbbing, dull headache that may be accompanied by chills, weakness, vomiting, and sweating.
Another form of migraine, called an acute confusional episode, is experienced almost exclusively by young children. An acute confusional migraine may or may not cause a headache, but most episodes cause disorientation, loss of cognition, and vomiting. Many hours of sleep are often enough to recover from this type of problem.
An acute migraine can usually be overcome in a few hours by resting, avoiding lights and sounds, drinking water, and taking over-the-counter pain medications. People who can fall asleep often start feeling better when they wake up. A severe migraine may require a trip to the emergency room. Doctors and nurses may ask about symptoms, provide oral or intravenous medications, and conduct diagnostic tests to check for underlying problems.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can reveal obvious problems, such as tumors or brain contusions, that need to be treated accordingly with surgery or medication. Most MRIs for migraines show no actual brain damage. Once the patient feels better, the doctor can prescribe medications and explain the physiology of an acute migraine. He explains the importance of recognizing warning signs, such as an aura, and taking immediate steps to prevent a mild headache from turning into a full-blown migraine.
In some people, migraines become chronic problems involving frequent, long-lasting episodes. An individual suffering from chronic headaches should visit a neurologist for a thorough examination. The doctor may do additional MRIs and an EEG to look for signs of seizure disorders, infections, and other conditions that could make the patient’s migraine worse. Individuals are often prescribed medications to take during attacks or daily as preventative care.
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