Migraine headaches affect about 11 out of 100 people. They are a common type of chronic, recurring headache. They most commonly occur in women and usually begin between the ages of 10 and 46. In some cases, they appear to run in families.

A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress, food, or some other factor. The exact chain of events is not known. However, it seems to involve various nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. These changes affect the flow of blood in the brain and surrounding membranes.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by:

Allergic reactions
Bright lights and loud noises
Relaxation after a period of physical or mental stress
Prolonged muscle tension (or tension headache)
Lack of sleep
Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
Missed meals
Specific foods
Alcohol
Menstrual periods
Birth control pills

Foods that have been associated with migraine in some people include those containing the amino acid tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, some beans), chocolates, nuts, peanut butter, fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit), onions, dairy products, baked goods, meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats), foods containing monosodium glutamate (an additive in many foods), and any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Throbbing, pulsating headache

Usually worse on the sides of the forehead
May be on only one side of the forehead
May be severe or dull
Commonly lasts 6 to 48 hours

Dizziness
Feeling that the room is moving (vertigo)
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue

The symptoms after an attack may include:

Dullness
Need for more sleep
Neck pain

A migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache, but only rarely includes any early warning symptoms

Migraine headaches are a neurological syndrome that causes painful headaches. It is literally a common condition that is more common to affect women population than men.

The typical migraine headaches only generally affect only one side and have pulsating feeling that can last from four to seventy two hours.

Aside from the throbbing pain in the head, migraine sufferers also complain of nausea and vomiting. They also exhibit sensitivity to light and noise.

Accordingly, one third of those who suffer from migraine had experience of having a preceding aura. Auras exhibited are like a strange light or unfavorable smell.

There are some foods or events that trigger the migraine. For some chocolates, cheese and alcohol can trigger an episode of migraine while for some stress or menstruation is their biggest trigger.

The exact cause of migraine headaches is still unknown but the general theory of its cause is the disorder that affects the serotonergic control system. Genetic factors is also a big factor that contributes to migraine likewise hormonal level is also a plus factor that is why more women are affected by migraines than men.

Migraine treatment starts with simple painkillers and anti-emetics for the nauseous feeling of migraine sufferers.

If the migraine got worse, doctors may consider preventative drugs. In addition if the foods are the triggers of migraine, doctors will advise the patient to avoid the triggering foods to prevent the attack of the migraine.