What is a migraine headache?

A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head, or around the eyes. The headache gradually gets worse. Just about any movement, activity, bright lights, or loud noises seem to make it hurt more. Nausea and vomiting are common during a migraine.

Migraines may happen only once or twice a year, or as often as daily. Women are more likely to have migraines than men.

There are different types of migraine headaches. The most common types of migraines are classic migraines and common migraines.

Classic migraines start with a warning sign, called an aura. These types of migraines are also called “migraines with aura.” The aura often involves changes in the way you see. You may see flashing lights, colors, a pattern of lines, or shadows. You may temporarily lose some of your vision, such as your side vision.

Symptoms of migraines

Possible symptoms of migraines include:

• Intense throbbing or dull aching pain on one side of your head or both sides
• Pain that worsens with physical activity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in how you see, including blurred vision or blind spots
• Being bothered by light, noise, or odors
• Feeling tired and confused
• Stopped-up nose
• Feeling cold or sweaty
• Stiff or tender neck
• Lightheartedness
  
• Tender scalp

What causes migraines?

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes migraines. It appears that migraine headaches may be caused in part by changes in the level of a body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays many roles in the body, and it can have an effect on the blood vessels. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels constrict (shrink). When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate (swell). This swelling can cause pain or other problems. Another aspect that is being studied is that migraine headaches go along with a spreading pattern of electrical activity in the brain.

What are some migraine risk factors and triggers?

Some things make you more likely to get migraine headaches (these are called “risk factors”). Other things may bring on a migraine (these are called “triggers”).

Common migraine risk factors include the following:

• Family history: You are much more likely to have migraines if one or both of your parents had migraines.
• Sex: Women are more likely than men to have migraines.
• Age: Most people have their first migraine during adolescence, but migraines can start at any age, usually before age 40.

Common migraine triggers include the following:

• Food and drink: Certain food and drink (see list below) may cause migraines. Dehydration and dieting or skipping meals may also trigger migraines.
• Hormone changes: Women may experience migraines related to their menstrual cycles, to menopause, or to using hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy.
• Stress: Stress may trigger migraines. Stress includes feeling overwhelmed at home or work, but your body can also be stressed if you exercise too much or don’t get enough sleep.
• Senses: Loud sounds, bright lights (such as flashing lights or sunlight), or strong smells (such as paint fumes or some perfumes) may trigger migraines.
• Medicines: Certain medicines may trigger migraines. If you think your migraines might be related to your medicine, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine.
• Illness: Infections, such as the cold or the flu, may trigger migraines, especially in children.

How are migraines diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose migraines by the symptoms you describe. If the diagnosis is not clear, your doctor will perform a physical exam. Your doctor might want to do blood tests or imaging tests, such as an MRI or CAT scan of the brain. These tests can help ensure there are no other causes for the headache. You may also be asked to keep a “headache diary.” This can help your doctor identify the things that might cause your migraines.

Migraine treatment

There are 2 types of medicines for migraine treatments. One type, called “abortive,” focuses on stopping the headache from becoming severe and relieving the headache pain. You should start this type of treatment as soon as you think you’re getting a migraine. The other type, called “prophylactic or preventive” includes medicines that are taken every day to reduce how often headaches occur.

Talk to your doctor about which of these two types of medicine is best for you like Rizact, Sumitop, Topaz. Some people use both types. Nonprescription and prescription medicines that are used often or in large doses may cause other problems.