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.