Women have migraines three times more often than men, according
to the National Headache Foundation (NHF).
A migraine is a severe, debilitating form of headache that
typically appears as a throbbing ache near the side of the
forehead.
After tension headaches, migraines are the second most common
kind of headache.
Migraines differ from other types of headaches because they
often are more severe and may be accompanied by other
symptoms.
Migraines are typically felt on only one side of the
head.
They can last from four hours to more than three days.
This kind of headache is usually chronic, occurring repeatedly
throughout one's lifetime.
Migraines are considered a type of vascular headache because,
in addition to nerves and chemicals, they involve the blood vessels
in the brain. Migraines are most likely caused by an abnormal
trigger of chemicals that cause these blood vessels to swell.
Migraines occur most often between ages 15 and 55.
More than 29.5 million Americans experience migraines.
You are much more likely to have migraines if migraine
sufferers are in your immediate family. According to the NHF, 70 to
80 percent of migraine sufferers have a family history of
migraines.
An aura is a cluster of warning symptoms that may appear before
the headache occurs. These may include visual disturbances such as
sensitivity to light, tunnel vision and eye pain. The aura may
develop 20 minutes to an hour before a migraine.
An aura is a cluster of warning symptoms that may appear before
the headache occurs. These symptoms may include visual disturbances
such as sensitivity to light, tunnel vision and eye pain.
The aura may develop 20 minutes to an hour before a migraine
but is not always present.
The most common kind of migraine is migraine without
aura.
Many foods have been linked to migraines, including chocolate,
red wine, cheeses, processed meats and foods with the preservative
MSG. Caffeine and alcohol have also been implicated.
The many other possible triggers of migraines include noise,
light, hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, stress and intensive
physical activity.
There is no known cure for migraines, but they can be
treated.
Treatments include medications such as painkillers, blood
pressure drugs (antihypertensives), seizure medications
(anticonvulsants), antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives and
drugs used primarily to fight headaches, such as triptans. Some
medications are used to prevent or halt an attack, others to ease
the pain of an attack.
Other treatments include biofeedback, cold therapy (e.g., an
ice pack), cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management,
relaxation exercises and self-hypnosis.
Research shows that injections of the anti-wrinkle treatment
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) might hold promise for treatment of
migraines and several other disorders. Some preliminary data
indicates some improvement with headaches with occipital nerve
injection, especially if headaches are starting from the back of
the head or neck.
Methods that can help prevent migraines include finding and
avoiding triggers, exercising regularly, following a healthful
diet, maintaining a regular sleep pattern and practicing relaxation
techniques.
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