What is a migraine headache?
Frequently Asked QuestionsRecent scientific evidence suggests that migraine headaches begin with a release of proteins by nerve endings in the fibrous outer covering of the brain (called the dura mater) resulting in the dilation of the cranial blood vessels following an initial contraction. During a migraine, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain exacerbates the pain. Unlike most other types of headache, migraines may have many additional symptoms. Migraines are sometimes preceded by visual auras.
Related QuestionsWhat is a migraine aura?
Frequently Asked QuestionsMost often a migraine aura consists of disturbances such as flashing lights, visual distortion, and spots before the eyes.
Related QuestionsWhat is Migraine?
Headache Pain Migraine Relief : FAQ'sMigraine headaches are commonly assumed to be the most painful of all headaches. They certainly are among the worst, but it is difficult to rate and compare the level of pain of headaches. Migraines are caused by the sudden change of the diameter of arteries to the inside of the skull, and are treated with medication (see ergotamines) which reverse this change. You will find more detail, and alternative treatments in “Headache Solutions”
Related QuestionsInfo on Imitrex - Migraine Pain Relief FAQ at RxPriceCheck.c...A migraine is a complex of symptoms experienced due to expansion (dilation) of blood vessels on the surface of the brain causing the area around them to become inflamed and irritate nerve endings. Migraines are due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Up to 14 million Americans suffer from migraines most of whom are undiagnosed. Migraines are most likely to occur in your 30's.Related Questions
What causes migraine headaches?
Frequently Asked QuestionsMigraines may be caused by a number of things. Frequently the cause is unknown, but triggers may include stress, anxiety, depression, particular foods or alcohol. Hormones are also common triggers - many women experience migraines with changes in their estrogen levels during menstruation.
Related QuestionsHow many people are affected by migraine headaches?
Frequently Asked QuestionsIt is estimated that 32 million Americans, or nearly 12% of the population, suffer from migraine headaches. According to the American Council for Headache Education nearly 6% of all men and upwards of 18% of all women suffer from migraine headaches. Approximately half of the 32 million migraine sufferers are misdiagnosed and 30-40% of patients treated are still without relief.
Related QuestionsIs it a migraine or sinus headache?
Frequently Asked QuestionsMigraine headaches are often confused with sinus headaches because migraine pain often occurs in the sinus region. If your headache is caused by sinus blockage, such as an infection, you will probably have a fever or nasal discharge.
Related QuestionsAre there different types of migraine?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe two most prevalent types of migraine headache are migraines with aura and migraine without aura, the latter of the two being more common.
Related QuestionsWhat are migraine headaches?
Quality Health | Migraine HeadachesMigraines are painful, throbbing headaches that last from 4 to 72 hours. When you have a migraine, it may be so painful that you are not able to follow your normal routine or do your usual activities. But even though they make you feel bad, migraines do not cause long-term damage. Migraines are a disease. You cannot just "will them away." Talk to your doctor about your migraines. There are treatments that can help you manage them.
Related QuestionsWhat can trigger a migraine?
Quality Health | Migraine Headachescopy; 1995-2006, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
Related QuestionsShould I take medicine to prevent migraine headaches?
Migraine HeadachesMigraines run in families, and a genetic link has been identified.1 However, it is not entirely clear why some people get migraines and others do not. While the cause of migraines is not well understood, it seems to involve widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain, which triggers changes in brain chemicals, inflammation, and pain.1 Migraine headache symptoms vary and may occur with or without a warning sign called an aura.
Related QuestionsWHY IS MIGRAINE SO UNDERDIAGNOSED?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe top neurologists today admit that Migraine is grossly misunderstood and misdiagnosed. For example, according to noted neurologist Dr. Joel Saper, "Migraine is a serious and underestimated health problem. . . patients with Migraine are shunted along an assembly line of misdiagnosis, undertreatment, or frank mismanagement. They are subjected to unnecessary procedures and preventable consequences.
Related QuestionsHow can I stop my migraine?
Headache - One Stop Health Advice :: AcuMedicIt should be emphasized that emotions - stress, worry, depression, etc. can also act as triggers to headaches and migraines. It is therefore essential to maintain good emotional balance, even if that means some form of psychotherapy. Foods are often mentioned as significant triggers, but their importance is much less relevant in the face of stress and biochemical imbalances. If all else has failed, you may decide to turn to preventive medication with a physician's assistance (see below).
Related QuestionsWhat foods are linked to migraine headaches?
Frequently Asked QuestionsFoods known to trigger migraine headaches include alcohol, especially red wine; foods with tyramine, such as aged cheese; foods containing nitrates, including cold cuts and bacon; chocolate; drinks containing caffeine; and foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG). Surprisingly, however, there are few, if any, blinded studies confirming these commonly held conclusions.
Related QuestionsHeadache and Migraine - F.A.Q.Migraine is a type of headache which generally affects only one side of the head. Its causes are not yet clear, but several hypotheses have been offered to explain its origin. What is certain is that it is a circulatory disorder. Migraine mostly affects women, and often occurs with the start of the menstrual cycle. In 50% of cases it is hereditary. Individuals between 30 and 40 years of age are most often affected.Related Questions
Health Tip: What's Behind My Migraine?
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Related QuestionsIs there any possibility that migraine headaches could be connected with the thyroid malfunctioning?
Thyroid Foundation of Canada Home Page | patient education |...True migraine headaches are not caused by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. However, both high and low levels of thyroid hormones can aggravate any kind of headache. Once the thyroid tests have been normal for several weeks, then any persistent headaches cannot be attributed to the thyroid status. Top
Related QuestionsWhat is migraine? What causes it, and how can I treat it?
National Headache Foundation: Headache FAQGenerally, migraine begins as a dull ache and then develops into a constant throbbing and pulsating pain that you may feel at the temples, as well as the front or back of one or both sides of the head. The pain is usually accompanied by a combination of nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Some people (about 15% of migraine sufferers) experience an aura before an attack. The cause of migraine is believed to be chemical reactions in the brain.
Related QuestionsWhat is the link between migraine and hormones?
National Headache Foundation: Headache FAQHormones initiate and regulate many of your body's functions, keeping your body in balance within a constantly changing environment. When the levels of hormones in your body are unbalanced - during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause - it can lead to a migraine attack. In fact, about three quarters of all women with migraine report that their attacks are related to the menstrual cycle. Click here for more information.
Related QuestionsWhat are acute medications for migraine?
National Headache Foundation: Headache FAQAcute medications - sometimes referred to as acute abortive medications - are used to treat the pain of the headache after it has started. Examples of acute abortive medications include over-the-counter medications, NSAIDs, ergots, and triptans. Click here for more information.
Related QuestionsWhat are preventive medications for migraine?
National Headache Foundation: Headache FAQPreventive medications for migraine - sometimes referred to as "prophylactic" treatments - are used to reduce the frequency, severity, and length of migraine attacks. Most preventive migraine medications were initially developed to treat other diseases, such as seizures, depression, or hypertension. Examples of preventive medications include antiepileptic medications, antidepressants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Related QuestionsHow do I know whether to use MigraSpray daily or just when I get a migraine?
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou take over-the-counter or prescription drugs more than twice per week for migraine relief Otherwise for treatment, MigraSpray may be used as directed for treatment at the earliest sign of a migraine.
Related QuestionsIs a migraine headache simply a severe headache?
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. There are other forms of headaches such as tension headaches, which may actually be as severe as some migraines. The following symptoms may accompany migraine headache: Slurred speech Some of these symptoms may also be indicative of other more serious conditions. If you are not certain that you are a migraine sufferer consult your physician.
Related QuestionsDo you Have Tension or Migraine Headaches?
Heartburn, Acid Reflux, Drugs, and Low IronSome times tension and migraine headaches occur from conditions you are not aware of. Here are some areas that cause headaches and what you can do to eliminate these sources. Here is some information you need to know about remedies for heartburn. Your first step in dealing with heartburn is to stop creating it. Here are some tips you need to know to do that and two natural remedies that can cure your heartburn.
Related QuestionsWHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE WITH MIGRAINE?
Frequently Asked Questionsexample of the experience of one Migraine sufferer: My Migraines are typically preceded by nausea, and are followed by a severe, throbbing pain on one side of my head. If I don't catch the Migraine in time, I must lie down in a silent, dark room. It becomes difficult to keep any medication down, and I then have to let the Migraine take course. My Migraines are not accompanied by aura, and typically last around 6 to 10 hours.
Related QuestionsWhat triggers a migraine?
FAQ Migraine HeadacheMany things can trigger a migraine, including emotional stress (anxiety, excitement, shock, etc.), physical or mental fatigue, changes in routine, penetrating odors, certain foods, high blood pressure, bright sunlight, very hot baths, hormonal fluctuations, and alcohol.
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