| What is a Migraine? |
Migraine is a benign and recurrent syndrome of severe headache associated with vomiting, nausea, and /or other symptoms of neurological dysfunction. Migraines can manifest with different symptoms. Some people suffer with migraine which are preceded by visual phenomena called auras. Seeing flashes of lights, cloudiness in the eyes or jagged lines can all be signs of an aura. People have auras about 15 to 30 minutes before the headache begins. However, most people suffer from migraine without auras. |
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| Why does one develop migraine? |
Most migraine run in families, therefore researchers believe the reason people develop migraines is genetic. |
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| What are the signs and symptoms of a migraine headache? |
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Throbbing or pulsating head pain |
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Pain in one side of the head usually, but sometimes on both sides |
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Nausea and vomiting |
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Sensitivity to light and sound |
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Blurred vision |
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Flashes of light / zigzag lines / blind spots in front of eyes |
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Depression |
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Tingling in the tips of arms and legs |
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Thirst, drowsiness |
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| What is the length and frequency of migraine headaches? |
A migraine headache can last from 4 to 72 hours, but the frequency with which it occurs varies from person to person. People might have migraine several times in one month or as low as twice in year. |
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| What triggers migraine headaches? |
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Exposure to various environmental factors precipitates or triggers, individual migraine episodes. |
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Certain foods like chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, aspartame, aged cheese, fermented food and processed food. |
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Skipping meals or fasting can also trigger migraine. |
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Increased stress or lack of sleep |
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Hormonal changes (esp. in women during menstruation) |
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Bright light or sun glare |
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Second hand smoke |
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Environmental Changes in temperature or air pressure or altitude |
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| Can children get migraine headaches? |
| Children as young as age one can get migraines which tend to last for a shorter time. |
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| Can migraine be cured? |
| NO. Migraine can be controlled by the right dosage of medication which leads to relief. |
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| What are the treatments available? |
Medications are available to reduce the pain once the migraine headache starts and to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. Pain relieving medications include Analgesics, Triptans, NSAIDs. Preventive medications include Beta-Blockers, some classes of Anti-Seizure medications, and Anti-Seizure medications, and Anti-Depressants. |
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| What are some common ways to prevent migraine headaches? |
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Avoid triggers like certain foods, smell and avoid skipping meals |
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Quit smoking |
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Exercise very regularly |
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Get enough sleep |
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Relax and reduce stress |
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| Are there any migraine mimics? |
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Rarely migraine can lead to stroke or blindness. |
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Rarely certain headaches can mimic migraine such as infections tumors or bleeds. |
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