Migraines: Key Q&A

Reviewed By:
Vikas Garg, M.D., MSA

What causes migraines?

Migraines are caused by abnormal activity in the brain. This may be triggered by a number of factors. Although the exact process in which this occurs is unknown, the disorder appears to involve blood vessels, nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. Some researchers believe migraines are caused by imbalances in brain chemicals or changes in the trigeminal nerve in the face.

How do I know whether I have a migraine or another kind of headache?

A migraine is a severe, throbbing headache that is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness or chills. The pain is usually located at the side of the forehead. The most common form of headache, tension headache, consists of a dull, pressurelike pain over the head, neck and scalp. Usually it is not as severe as a migraine and does not involve other symptoms.

What other kinds of headaches are there?

There are more than 150 types of headaches on a list compiled by the International Headache Society. After tension headaches and migraines, the most common is a cluster headache. A cluster headache is a severe, chronic headache characterized by sharp, penetrating or burning pain on the side of the head. Unlike migraines and tension headaches, cluster headaches affect men more often than women.

Do symptoms usually occur before a migraine strikes?

No, most migraines occur without warning, but some people experience a cluster of symptoms called an aura about 20 minutes to an hour before a migraine occurs. And some patients experience vaguer symptoms a day or two before an attack, such as emotional or abdominal distress.

What does an aura involve?

These visual disturbances can include hallucinations such as flashing lights, sensitivity to light, blind spots, blurred vision, tunnel vision and eye pain. Some patients also have trouble talking or feel tingling in their face or arm.

Who is most likely to get migraines?

Women are affected three times as often as men. People with a family history of migraines are also at much higher risk. Migraines occur most often in people between the ages of 15 and 55.

What triggers a migraine?

These vary among individuals. Many possible triggers have been identified. They include foods such as chocolate, caffeine, red wine, cheese, nitrates in processed meats, the additive MSG, pickled or fermented foods, dairy, baked goods and onions. Other triggers include hormonal changes, light, stress, noise and sleep disturbances.

What can cure my migraines?

There is no known cure. However, migraines can be treated. Many medications are used to control symptoms, such as painkillers, blood pressure drugs and triptans. Many other therapies may offer relief, such as biofeedback, cold therapy, stress management, self-hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Is there anything I can do to prevent migraines?

Yes, in some cases. A good way to start is by listing triggers and avoiding these triggers. Other preventive methods that may help include keeping regular sleep habits, getting enough exercise, following a good diet and practicing relaxation techniques. As mentioned earlier, there are also some medications available to prevent attacks of migraine headache.