If You Get Migraines Your Doctor Will Want to Know This

We all experience migraines differently. Hence, caring for a person who suffers from migraines requires an individualized approach. So, if you visit a neurologist or headache specialist for your migraines, they will likely delve into a discussion of various factors in order to sort your unique migraine profile. Here are some key issues your doctor will likely address:

1. Age: This is a big factor when it comes to diagnosing and treating migraines. Particularly when it comes to children versus adults. Migraines in children share some features with migraines in adults, but, they also have their own unique features. For example, children tend to experience migraine pain on both sides of the head, while adults - just on one side. Along with migraine headaches, children tend to experience unique symptoms you don't typically find in adult migraine sufferers. 

These include: 

1. Abdominal pain 

2. Osmophobia (sensitivity to smell) 

3. Vertigo 

4. Autonomic symptoms—runny nose, tearing eyes, facial sweating, etc.
 

Treating a migraine is different between adults and children. Some children and adolescents will not respond to typical adult migraine medication, like ibuprofen or certain tripants. Pediatric headache specialists focus on more unique migraine therapies, like minimizing stress through relaxation techniques and meditation, formulating a migraine action plan at school and ensuring proper sleep and eating schedules.

2. Family History of Migraines: Migraines are hereditary, which means that the disorder tends to run in families. According to the American Migraine Foundation, if one or both of your parents suffer from a migraine, you have a 50% to 75% chance of suffering from migraines too. So, talking to family members who have migraines and finding out more about their attacks can be helpful, considering that migraines within the same family tend to share similar symptoms and triggers. It is also interesting to note that migraine medication that works for one family member often tend to work for other family members. So, after speaking with family members, share this information with your doctor. 

3. Migraine Pattern: Before going to your doctor's appointment, take down notes about the pattern of your migraines. Here are some pattern factors to consider: 

Time of day: Take note if your migraines begin in the morning after waking up, afternoon, evening or the middle of the night. 

Number of migraines: Take note of how many migraines you are experiencing - is it more than fifteen days per month? This indicates chronic migraine. 

Associated symptoms: Do you experience nausea and/or vomiting with your migraines? And are these symptoms more or less debilitating than an actual migraine headache? 

Aura: Do you experience a visual "aura" with your migraines?

Triggers: There are certain foods, weather changes, sleep deprivation, skipping meals and strenuous exercise which can trigger a migraine. 

Hormone connection: Among women, migraines can occur prior to their menstruation, or may worsen or improve during pregnancy, perimenopause (transition into menopause) and so on. This can be extremely important for women. If a young woman notes her migraines are getting worse before menstruating, a doctor may prescribe continuous birth control pills, or a medication like Frova, taken five or six days prior to menstruation. If migraines are worsening because of menopause, hormone replacement therapy may be an option, particularly if the doctor suspects estrogen depletion as a culprit.

4. Medication History: Migraine medications consist of two types of drugs: treatment and preventative. Determining what medications you have tried and what has worked or not worked for you is an important part of your migraine profile. 

5. Treatment Drugs: Your doctor may ask you about your migraine treatment medications, and these include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), triptan, a combination of NSAID/triptan, an herbal supplement, or do you wait for your migraine to pass on its own? Your doctor will also want to know how many times you take the medication per week, if it's at the onset of your migraine if it is tolerable and effective. By better understanding the nuances of your medication, your doctor will better be able to form a unique migraine profile. Perhaps, she will be able to decipher whether you may be suffering from medication overuse headache, in addition to your migraines, or if the side effects are limiting their use. 

6. Prevention Drugs: There are some migraine preventative medications, including blood pressure medication, called Inderal, an antidepressant called Elavil, and an anti-seizure medication called Topamax, among others, are full of side effects and require months before a benefit is seen. Botox is also a reasonable option for chronic migraine therapies, approved by the FDA for treating episodic and chronic migraines. Aimovig (erenumab); Ajovi (fremanezumab); Emgality (galcanezumab) are injectables, targeting a protein that plays a major role in migraine pathogenesis, called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These drugs have many advantages, but they are only approved if a person has not tolerated prior preventive medications.

7. Underlying Medical Conditions: Your medical history is a major factor when considering your migraine care. For instance, compare a healthy person suffering from migraines, versus a person with multiple medical problems like uncontrolled high blood pressure and kidney disease. Even if they do share similar migraine symptoms and disabilities, the treatment plan will differ based on these underlying medical problems. A thoughtful discussion with your doctor is required when sorting out a person's migraines from alternative or additional symptoms. It is also possible, that what people consider to be their usual migraines, are actually headaches occurring as a result of another condition, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease. Certain health conditions, like obesity, may also worsen your migraines. 

8. Lifestyle: Your daily habits and general lifestyle can affect your migraine experience, be they triggers, contributors, or interacting with therapies. Your doctor may want to know if you consume caffeine or alcohol on a weekly basis, whether you exercise, and what your usual daily meal plan is like. They may ask if you engage in mind-body therapies, like yoga or meditation, and what medication you take, including supplements and vitamins. They'll also want to know if you see a primary care physician regularly. 

Whatever may be causing your migraines, know that it is important to see a headache specialist, just be sure to write down the factors that comprise your personal migraine profile and know that there is no right or wrong feeling or answer. The best thing to do is to be honest. Read more about why migraines happen here.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Learn How to Diagnose and Treat a Skin Bump

Skin lumps, also known as lipomas, are any areas of skin that have become abnormally raised, either on the surface or protruding from underneath. Somebody with a lipoma has an abnormal lump, ulcer, bump or sore, and it might also be an abnormally colored area on the skin's surface. Common skin lumps include warts, moles, actinic keratosis, and skin infections. While some may be a cause for concern, many types of skin lumps are benign. Keep reading to learn more about them.

The symptoms of lipoma

 There are various kinds of skin lipomas, but they usually have distinct characteristics. They are most commonly found on the back, neck, and shoulders, but may also appear on thighs, arms or your abdomen. If you suspect that you have one it will usually:

*be pale and colorless 

 

• grow slowly 

 

• be soft to the touch 

 

• be located just under your skin 

 

• move easily when prodded

The Risk Factors of a Lipoma While the cause of lipoma development is still unknown, there are a number of risk factors that can increase your susceptibility: 

• a family history of lipomas 

• being aged between 40 and 60 

• Cowden syndrome 

• Gardner's syndrome 

• Madelung's disease 

• adiposis dolorosa 

 

Diagnosing a Lipoma 

Lipomas are usually diagnosed through a physical exam. It should move easily when touched, feel soft and pain-free. Sometimes, a dermatologist may take a biopsy of the skin bump to send to the lab for testing and to rule out the possibility of cancer. This is done because a lipoma looks quite similar to a liposarcoma which actually is cancerous, but is usually painful and quick-growing. Further tests though CT scans and MRI are usually only needed when there is a suspicion of a liposarcoma.

Treating a Lipoma  

A lipoma that’s left untouched will not typically cause any problems. However, you can get it removed if it is bothering you or getting in the way of your day-to-day activities. The 3 most common treatment options are: 

 

Steroid injections - By injecting steroids into the affected area, the lipoma should drastically shrink, however it will not be removed entirely. 

 

Liposuction - This procedure works by sucking the fat out of a lipoma in order to reduce its size. 

 

Surgery - The most common procedure is to simply have the entire lipoma surgically removed. Once this takes place, the chance of it growing back is slim. 

 

The Outlook For Someone With a Lipoma 

Since a lipoma is a benign tumor, there is no real risk of one suddenly turning cancerous. Additionally, it will never spread through any surrounding tissues or muscles, and it certainly is not life-threatening. All in all, the outlook for someone with a lipoma is incredibly positive.

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Understanding and Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. This can lead to pain, swelling, and in severe cases, can cause clots to break free and travel to vital organs, such as the lungs, leading to life-threatening complications. Recognizing the factors that increase the risk of DVT and adopting preventive measures is crucial for maintaining vascular health.

Risk Factors for DVT 

 

Here are the factors that can elevate your risk of developing DVT

 

 Previous Blood Clot: 

Individuals who have experienced DVT are at a heightened risk of recurrence.

 

Family History: 

 A genetic predisposition to DVT is significant. The risk is further amplified if both parents have a history of the condition. 

 

Age: 

The likelihood of DVT increases with age, particularly for those over 40. 

 

Prolonged Immobility:  

Extended periods of immobility, such as bed rest due to hospitalization or long-duration flights, can significantly increase the risk of DVT. When muscles are not active, blood flow in the deep veins of the legs slows down, making it easier for clots to form. This is why it's crucial to take breaks, move around, and stretch regularly during prolonged sitting or when confined to a bed or chair for extended periods. 

 

Gender and Age: 

Men aged between 45 and 60 are slightly more susceptible to DVT. However, women's risk may increase during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. 

 

Genetic Factors: 

Genetic predispositions play a significant role in the risk of developing DVT. Conditions such as Factor V Leiden mutation increase the blood's tendency to clot. While a single genetic factor may not cause DVT on its own, in combination with other risks, it can significantly increase the likelihood of clot formation. Knowing family history and discussing genetic testing with a healthcare provider can help assess and manage this risk. 

 

 Pregnancy and Hormone Therapy: 

Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy or from hormone-based medications can increase clotting risk. Apart from pregnancy, other conditions and medications that alter hormone levels can also elevate DVT risk. This includes hormone replacement therapy and certain types of birth control. The increased estrogen can make the blood more prone to clotting. It's essential for individuals undergoing these treatments to consult with their healthcare providers about their specific risk and possible preventive measures. 

 

 Clotting Disorders: 

Inherent blood clotting disorders can lead to abnormally thick blood.

Obesity: 

Obesity is a significant risk factor for DVT. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can exert additional pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs, impeding blood flow back to the heart. This can lead to blood pooling and clot formation. Furthermore, obesity alters the chemical composition of the blood, increasing its propensity to clot. Managing weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of DVT and improve overall health. 

 

Health Conditions:  

Diseases like heart disease, lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer can elevate DVT risk. 

 

Injury or Surgery:  

Physical trauma, such as a bone fracture or muscle injury, can damage blood vessels and lead to clot formation. Similarly, surgeries, particularly those involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs, can increase the risk of DVT due to immobility during recovery and potential damage to blood vessels. Taking preventive measures, such as using compression stockings or medication for blood thinning as recommended by healthcare providers, can help reduce this risk. 

 

Chronic diseases:  

Certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of DVT. These diseases can alter blood flow, contribute to inflammation, and affect the blood's ability to clot. For instance, cancer and its treatments can increase clotting factors in the blood, while heart disease can lead to reduced mobility and blood flow. Managing these conditions with the guidance of healthcare professionals is crucial for minimizing DVT risk. 

 

Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) not only disrupt the digestive tract but also contribute to a systemic inflammatory response. This state of heightened inflammation can increase the risk of blood clot formation. Managing inflammation through appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes is crucial.

Strategies to Lower DVT Risk 

While some risk factors for DVT cannot be modified, several strategies can help mitigate the risk: 

 

Avoid Prolonged Immobility: 

Stand, stretch, or walk at least every 2 hours. Perform simple leg exercises even while seated. If you work at a desk or engage in activities that require sitting for extended periods, integrate short breaks into your routine. Use a timer as a reminder to stand up or stretch every hour. Even minimal movements, such as ankle circles or foot pumps, can stimulate blood flow in your legs.

Post-Surgery Mobility: 

After surgery, particularly operations involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs, it's crucial to start moving as soon as medically advised. Gentle exercises, like ankle pumps, knee bends, and leg lifts, can be performed even in bed. These movements help in maintaining circulation and preventing blood clots. 

 

Medical Consultation:  

Discuss with a healthcare provider about the potential need for blood thinners or compression stockings if at high risk. 

 

Travel Precautions: During long flights or car rides, make it a point to stand or walk around every couple of hours. Choose seats that offer more legroom when possible, and perform seated exercises like foot lifts or knee bends. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and staying hydrated are essential, while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration. 

 

Stay Active: 

Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health and plays a key role in preventing DVT. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling improve circulation and vein health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Even those with limited mobility can find suitable exercises to keep blood flowing efficiently. 

 

Health Management:  

Addressing obesity, quitting smoking, and managing chronic diseases are crucial steps in reducing DVT risk. 

 

Lifestyle Adjustments: 

For individuals who are overweight, losing weight can significantly reduce the pressure on veins in the legs and improve blood flow. Quitting smoking is also crucial, as smoking affects blood circulation and increases the risk of clotting. Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease through medication, diet, and exercise is vital in reducing the risk of DVT. 

 

Proactive Health Checks:  

For those with a high risk of DVT, regular check-ups and screenings can be lifesaving. This includes monitoring for any signs of clotting disorders, reviewing medication impacts, and assessing the need for preventive measures like compression garments or anticoagulants.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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