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 one of several 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 an especially severe episode should visit the emergency room for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
An individual may experience telltale symptoms of an impending acute migraine before it actually occurs. Vision changes called auras often affect both eyes about half an hour before a migraine. Auras produce blurred or irregular vision, eye pain, and subtle feelings of nausea. Once a migraine really sets in, a person is likely to develop a dull, throbbing 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 confusing migraine may or may not cause a headache, but most episodes cause disorientation, cognitive failure, and vomiting. Several hours of sleep are enough to recover from this type of problem.
An acute migraine can usually be overcome within a few hours by resting, avoiding light and sound, drinking water, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. People who can fall asleep often begin to feel better when they wake up. A severe migraine may require a trip to the emergency room. Doctors and nurses can ask about symptoms, provide oral or intravenous medications, and perform diagnostic tests to look for underlying problems.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal obvious problems, such as brain tumors or contusions, which must be treated accordingly with surgery or medication. Most MRIs for acute migraines show no actual brain damage. Once the patient feels better, the doctor can prescribe medication and explain the physiology of an acute migraine. He or she explains the importance of recognizing warning signs, such as auras, and taking immediate action to prevent a minor headache from progressing to a full-blown migraine.
In some people, migraines become chronic problems involving frequent and long-lasting episodes. A person experiencing chronic headache should visit a neurologist for a complete examination. The doctor may take additional MRIs and an EEG to look for signs of seizure disorders, infections, and other conditions that may worsen the patient's migraines. People are often prescribed medications to take during attacks or daily for preventive care.