headache or migraine?

[kid]

On Monday I was at work but by lunchtime I had a terrible headache. Usually I can just get on with things even with a headache but it got to the point it really hurt no matter what I was doing and I just couldn't carry on with my job. I bought some Nurofen liquid capsules, the pain went away a bit but was still there for the rest of the day.
Again today, just before I was about to have lunch, I have another painful headache. I was moving DD's room around but it hurts dragging the bed and wardrobe around! I've eaten lunch and feel a a bit better, but I still haven't taken any tablets, I wanted to see if it could have been because I was hungry but I still don't know!

[Zephyrcat]

Hiya kid - have you got any other symptoms like being sensitive to light, having disturbed vision, feeling sick, numbness in your arms? They're all the symptoms I get with migrains although they do vary from person to person. It could also be a stress type headache which are really severe headaches localised to one place - ie behind your eye or something. Might well be worth checking it out with your doc

[marthamoo]

A migraine tends to be on one side of your head, you can often feel sick with them or have visual disturbances.

I often get a headache if I haven't eaten - low blood sugar I guess, and I tend to get a migraine when I have my period - they are definitely hormonal with me. They last a few days and painkillers take the edge off but don't make them go away.

Take some painkillers, stop shifting furniture round and have a lie down for a bit!

If the headaches persist I would get your eyes tested, and I would have your blood pressure checked.

[kid]

the pain is across my forehead and up into my hair (if that makes sense)
On my way back from the school this morning, not long before the pain started, I noticed something black like a big bit of fluff floating through my vision. I don't feel sick, the light does hurt a bit.

I'm meant to wear glasses for reading/writing but don't so I wonder if this contributes to the pain. I'm not at work today though so having a relatively easy day!

[suedonim]

The Migraine Association people are good. This is a checklist of symptoms that you may find useful. Hope you feel better soon.

[marthamoo]

Across the front of your head sounds like maybe you are squinting at things - try wearing your glasses and see if that helps. The visual disturbance is a classic indicator of a migraine.

[kid]

I have low blood pressure and pass out if I don't eat frequently!

How do they test if you suffer from migraines? Is it just by how you describe the pain to the Dr or something?

I've stopped shifting the furniture, mu nephew is having a sleep so I am here with a cup of tea.

[marthamoo]

There's no test - it's just the symptoms which determine whether it is a migraine or an ordinary headache.

Tea can be a trigger you know ?

[kid]

its my first cup today, so I can't blame that. Next you'll be telling me I shouldn't have chocolate

[suedonim]

Have you had a look at the link of symptoms I posted, Kid? That might help you come to a conclusion.

[kid]

Thanks Suedonim, I did look at them and had about 4 out of the 6 symptoms so it probably is a migraine. I just need to look at preventative steps now. I just read on their that dieting could be a factor and I have been on a diet for 3 weeks. I'm not giving up just yet on my diet!

The pain did go away by the time I collected the kids from school and has been fine since.

I wanted to know if it could be migraine as there are stronger pain relief available for them. I won't let it bother me at work, well if I can help it, I work in a Year 2 class so 29 noisey 6 year olds!

[suedonim]

Oh dear, a migraine and 29 six-year-old's definitely don't mix!! Pain relief is a matter of trial and error for most people, it's a case of seeing what works for you. It's probably worth a trip to your Dr just to get it checked out. Take care.