The first time a migraine strikes, you may not know what is happening. That's because migraines can cause a number of unusual symptoms, from neurological disturbances to vision problems. In fact, there are some migraine symptoms that can mimic other conditions, making it difficult to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort. To get the best migraine pain treatment, you should consult a migraine chiropractor who specializes in this field. Here are six symptoms that may lead you to schedule an appointment.
1) Visual Disturbances
During a migraine, you may experience zigzag lines, flashing lights, or blind spots in your vision. While these issues can indicate an impending migraine attack, they can also be symptoms of retinal tears, glaucoma, and other eye conditions. If you experience visual disturbances that last more than a few minutes, it's important to make an appointment with a migraine chiropractor to rule out any other conditions.
2) Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can accompany a migraine attack, but they also can be symptoms of other medical conditions such as food poisoning or the flu. If you are regularly experiencing nausea and vomiting with no other accompanying medical issues, it's time to make an appointment with a migraine chiropractor.
3) Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common symptom of migraines, but it can also indicate a more serious medical issue such as spinal stenosis or cervical spondylosis. When you experience migraine-related neck pain, you may have discomfort before, during, or after an episode. Consider keeping a notebook or log of when neck pain occurs so you can give your doctor a clear picture of your symptom history.
4) Sensitivity to Sound and Light
Migraine sufferers often feel sensitivity to light and sound during an attack, which can make it difficult to function in normal environments. If you experience these symptoms separately from a migraine attack, there could be another underlying cause. Examples include Meniere's disease, ADHD, autism, and post-concussion syndrome.
5) Poor Concentration
It can be difficult to concentrate when your head is pounding or you're feeling nauseous—all common migraine symptoms. But if you experience poor concentration without any of these other things, it could be a sign of another neurological condition. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of scheduling an appointment with a migraine chiropractor for further evaluation.
6) Dizziness and Vertigo
Migraine sufferers can feel dizzy or faint during an attack. However, vertigo or dizziness that is not accompanied by any other migraine symptoms could be a sign of something more serious such as inner ear problems.
Migraines can be difficult to diagnose and manage without professional help, so don't postpone migraine pain treatment for too long. Schedule an appointment with a migraine chiropractor before your next migraine strikes.