Subtle Migraine Symptoms

Migraine pain is complex, and so are the signs and symptoms that let you know you’re experiencing more than just a headache. A few early warning signs begin even days or hours before a migraine hits you, and other common symptoms like nausea occur along with the migraine pain. 

As frustrating as migraines are, they are also unique to the individual. Each person experiences them differently. The key to understanding yours, says Neurologist Winnie Lim Khoo MD FPNA is to “pay attention to your environment and see what triggers the headaches.” 

1. You’re Yawning.  This may be the easiest clue for others to catch.  Unless you are really sleep deprived or it’s late at night, yawning is a wide-open sign that your brain is craving more oxygen because it’s not getting enough.  No, honey, you’re not boring me – have a migraine is on it’s way.

2. You’re Exhausted.  Is it life or is it a migraine?  We all seem to live in a perpetual state of exhaustion.  Those women who have lived through a pregnancy know how to feel the difference between ordinary tiredness and unexplicable exhaustion.  If you can’t explain it another way, this could be your first clue.

3. You’ve Gotta Go – Now.  Lots of things cause you to want to urinate like now, such as caffeinated drinks, alcohol, UTI’s and certain medication. It’s also an early warning sign of an incoming migraine attack.  If you have this symptom plus a few others, pay attention.

4. Your Neck Aches. A prevailing myth in migraine circles (perpetuated by every chiropractor who wants to fix your migraines by adjusting your alignment) is that neck pain is a trigger for migraine pain.  It’s not, according to Dr. Winnie Lim Khoo – Neurologist.  It’s just a symptom of the migraine starting in the premonitory phase.   Sure, it could be from sleeping wrong or craning your neck, but it could be your first migraine clue.

5. Light Bothers You.  Sunglasses and a hat are not enough – that light feels blinding to you, and just ordinary to those around you. Unless you’re a celebrity hiding from the papparazzi in a grocery store, any need to wear shades indoors should be a clue to you.  flourescent bulbs inside grocery stores and big box retailers suddenly feel irritating.

6. You Can Smell Like a Bear.  Yes, it sounds like a cool superpower.  You ask “can’t you smell that?” to those around you, referring to the gas fumes, food aroma, garbage odor or cleaning products that suddenly overwhelm you.

7. Noise Echoes in Your Head.   Like the conversation that travels along the concave roof lines of Grand Central Station, you can hear things you wouldn’t otherwise be able to hear.  Or maybe the music on the radio or sound on the TV feels thunderous to you and ordinary to those around you. After these things happen, a migraine can proceed into the aura phase in about a third of patients. 

Migraine Trigger

Alcohol 

Be careful at cocktail parties! Beer, red wine, sherry, and vermouth contain large amounts of tyramine, one of the most powerful migraine triggers. A bigger reason to steer clear of booze is that any type of alcohol causes dehydration, which is a major cause of headaches. If you’re drinking, it’s always a good idea to alternate alcoholic drinks with water — but if alcohol is a trigger for your migraines, it’s best to refrain completely.

Preservatives 

Hot dogs are canned meats all contain nitrites, another common trigger for migraines. Used mostly as a preservative and for added flavor, nitrites are also found in sausages (including chicken, turkey and soy sausages), jerky (beef and turkey), corned beef, or other foods that have been cured, smoked, pickled, or canned. To stay safe, look for nitrite-free varieties of these items at the grocery store and steer clear of them when dining out.

Sulfites

Sulfites, another preservative, are commonly found in most dried fruits (including prunes, figs, and apricots), wine (white and red), and many processed foods. Check labels carefully to avoid this sneaky migraine trigger.

Common Additives

Many other food additives are also known to increase the chances for a migraine. Check labels carefully and avoid foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), yeast extract, hydrolyzed or autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP), sodium caseinate, and kombu extract (often used in Japanese foods).

Caffeine

People with sensitivity to caffeine can develop migraines after drinking coffee, black tea, soft drinks, or other caffeinated beverages. But caffeine can also be used to stop a migraine that is just beginning — that’s why many over-the-counter migraine medications contain caffeine. Test your personal response to caffeine: If it gives you headaches, avoid it.

What Makes a Headache a Migraine?

Almost everyone gets headaches. You might feel throbbing in the front of your head during a cold or bout with the flu, for example. Or you might feel pain in your temples or at the back of your head from a tension headache after a busy day. Most regular headaches produce a dull pain around the front, top, and sides of your head, almost like someone stretched a rubber band around it.

A migraine is different. Neurologist – Dr Winnie Lim Khoo define it as a recurrent headache that has additional symptoms. The pain is often throbbing and on one or both sides of the head. People with migraines often feel dizzy or sick to their stomachs. They may be sensitive to light, noise, or smells. Migraines can be disabling, and teens with migraines often need to skip school, sports, work, or other activities until they feel better. If you have migraines, you are not alone.

Neurological Exam

Neurological Examination is an evaluation of a person’s nervous system that can be performed in the doctor’s office. It may be performed with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers, and usually does not cause any pain to the patient.

During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient’s health history with special attention to the current condition. The patient then takes a neurological exam. Typically, the exam tests mental status, function of the cranial nerves (including vision), strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist determine if the problem exists in the nervous system and the clinical localization.

Localization of the pathology is the key process by which neurologists develop their differential diagnosis. Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis and ultimately guide therapy and appropriate management. Many symptoms that may occur would involve: weakness, numbness, tingling, headaches, dizziness, and poor sleep.

The major areas of the exam, covering the most testable components of the neurological system, include:

1. Mental status testing (covered in a separate section of this web site)
2. Cranial Nerves
3. Muscle strength, tone and bulk
4. Reflexes
5. Coordination
6. Sensory Function
7. Gait

Information are provided by author, Dr Winnie Sharon Lim Khoo : Adult Neurologist in Manila, Philippines

Neurological Disorder

Neurological disorders are as follows:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Sleep Disorders
• Headaches
• Epilepsy
• Migraines
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Pinched Nerves
• Strokes
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Seizures
• Numbness
• Peripheral Neuropathies
• Movement Disorders
• Parkinson’s Disease

Details provided by author, Dr Winnie Sharon Lim Khoo an Adult Neurologist in Manila, Philippines

Spiritually Fit

 

Discover the qualities of a healthy spirit and take steps to exercise your faith.

Spiritual health brings satisfaction and happiness, just as physical health does. But you can’t get healthy spiritually by joining a spin class or running a marathon. Spiritual health requires spiritual exercises.

In a letter to his young assistant Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Exercise yourself toward godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). The Apostle compared physical fitness with spiritual fitness. “Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit. Bodily fitness has a certain value, but spiritual fitness is essential, both for this present life and for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

For spiritual growth, nothing can take the place of prayer–simply spending time with God, thanking him for his gifts to you, praising him, asking for guidance, admitting your sins and asking forgiveness and help.

You will grow as you set a good example–“in speech and behavior, in your love and faith and sincerity” (1 Timothy 4:12). And “keep a critical eye on yourself” (verse 16). From time to time, ask yourself how you are doing spiritually–and take the steps necessary to continue growing.

Here’s how you can check your own spiritual health:

1. A spiritually healthy person has a definite goal. 
Abraham’s goal was to reach the land God had in store for him. Paul’s goal was to reach the whole known world for Christ. What is your goal for this month? This day? Think big–God will help you!

2. A spiritually healthy person is realistically humble. 
Paul, probably the greatest saint of all time, called himself “less than the least of all saints” (Ephesians 3:8). He reminds us not to feel self-important with the question “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). St. Teresa called herself “a pencil in the hand of God.”

3. A spiritually healthy person is confident. 
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

4. A spiritually healthy person is optimistic. 
They believe God is on their side and all will be well. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Take steps today to become more spiritually fit!

http://www.guideposts.org/faith-in-daily-life

Mentally Fit

How to keep brain mentally fit?

1. Keep your brain active. Read the papers, solve crosswords, figure out puzzles, socialize, and keep contact with people.

2. Discuss the kinds of medication you are using with your family doctor. Some medicines (including sleeping pills) and certain combinations of medicines may adversely affect your memory

3. Eat healthy. Lack of variety in your food may lead to vitamin deficiency, which can lead to memory problems. Some researchers say that the use of turmeric reduces the risk of AD. Others think a diet high in fruits, vegetables, cereals, but low in meat and dairy products helps.

4. Drink in moderation. The older you get, the less your brain can cope with alcohol.

5. Take plenty of exercise. Improved blood circulation reduces the risk of disorders such as vascular dementia.

6. See your Neurologist (Brain, Spinal Cord & Nerve Specialist) if you feel that you- or one of your loved ones- isn’t behaving or thinking normally.

Physically Fit

Why is it Important to Be Physically Fit?

People who are physically fit are also healthier, are able to maintain their most optimum weight, and are also not prone to cardiac and other health problems. In order to maintain a relaxed state of mind, a person should be physically active. A person who is fit both physically and mentally is strong enough to face the ups and downs of life, and is not affected by drastic changes if they take place.

How Can You Become More Physically Fit?

Becoming physically fit requires a change in life style as well. You will have to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your life and also eat healthier. By avoiding junk foods, fizzy drinks, bad habits like smoking and alcohol and by getting adequate amount of rest, you will be able to become physically and mentally fit. Just by eliminating all these food substances from your life, no matter how temporarily, you will allow your body to detox and become stronger. Make sure that you spend more time outdoors in the sun, and fresh air and take part in more healthy activities. Fishing, bicycling, swimming, hiking, and even playing foot ball with your kids should be a part of your physically fit lifestyle.

What Are the Advantages of Being More Active?

By becoming more active you can increase your body”s fitness levels and also avoid health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure from developing. Exercise is also good for your joints and makes your body stronger overall.

Exercise for Health

Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing to exercise? Check out these seven ways exercise can improve your life.

No. 1: Exercise controls weight  

Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don’t need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can’t do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores.

No. 2: Exercise combats health conditions and diseases 

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and   concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

 No. 3: Exercise improves mood 

Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

No. 4: Exercise boosts energy

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.

No. 5: Exercise promotes better sleep 

Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.

No. 6: Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life 

Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there’s more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise.

No. 7: Exercise can be fun

Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.

The bottom line on exercise

Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/ #exercise #health ##healthylifestyle #neurologist #neurologistphilippines #winnielimkhoo #winniesharonlimkhoo #drwinnielimkhoo #medicaladvice #consultation #manila #philippines

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.

A healthy balance diet by Dr Winnie Sharon Lim Khoo

A healthy balance diet is the key to getting it right. This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Most adults are overweight or obese. That means many of us are eating more than we need, and should eat less. And it’s not just food: some drinks can also be high in calories. Most adults need to eat and drink fewer calories in order to lose weight, even if they already eat a balanced diet.

The balance diet plate shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet, people should try to eat: 

• plenty of fruit and vegetables
• plenty of starchy foods, such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta
• some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein
• some milk and dairy foods
• just a small amount of food and drinks that are high in fat and/or sugar

Fruit and vegetables are a vital source of vitamins and minerals. It’s advised that we eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. There’s evidence that people who eat at least five portions a day have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

Having a sliced banana with your morning cereal is a quick way to get one portion. Swap your mid-morning biscuit for a tangerine, and add a side salad to your lunch. Have a portion of vegetables with dinner, and snack on dried fruit in the evening to reach your five a day.

Fats and sugar are both sources of energy for the body, but when we eat too much of them we consume more energy than we burn, and this can mean that we put on weight. This can lead to obesity, which increases our risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke.

Try to cut down on foods that are high in saturated fat and have smaller amounts of foods that are rich in unsaturated fat instead. For a healthy choice, use just a small amount of vegetable oil or reduced fat spread instead of butter, lard or ghee. When having meat, choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat.

Sugar occurs naturally in foods such as fruit and milk, but we don’t need to cut down on these types of foods. Sugar is also added to lots of foods and drinks such as sugary fizzy drinks, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, pastries, ice cream and jam. It’s also contained in some ready-made savoury foods such as pasta sauces and baked beans. #healthydiet #balancediet #diet #healthy #healthylife #healthyfood