CONDITIONS

NEUROLOGY: MIGRAINES & STROKES

Headaches and migraines can range from mild to severe, be occasional or recurring and may be a sign of a serious underlying condition. In some cases, headaches can become migraines, which are more painful and come with disorientation, visual distortions nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch. While these symptoms may be an indication of other conditions, it is best to see your physician if suffer from chronic migraines.

Migraines can be caused by stress, insufficient sleep, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture and even a strong smell or loud noise. In some cases, a mini stroke can be mistaken for a migraine since the symptoms are so similar. A stroke is caused when blood flow to the brain is cut off. When this happens part of the brain doesn't receive oxygen-rich blood causing the tissues to die. Although a mini-stroke is less severe than a normal stroke, it can cause damage nonetheless. A sudden severe headache or migraine can also be a sign of a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness on one side of your body
• Partial or complete paralysis one side of your body
• Decreased alertness
• Blurry vision
• Poor cognitive abilities
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness

If you have noticed these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you and suspect a stroke is a cause, you should seek emergency care.