What Are Migraine Headaches
Migraine is a neurological disorder that generally involves recurring headaches. Other symptoms may occur with the headaches. Migraines are often classified based on whether they include an early symptom called an aura. Most migraines do not have this aura stage.
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 is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system. In developed countries migraine affects about 10-15% of people.
- A migraine is a type of headache that usually happens in episodes or "attacks".
- It may feel like it is throbbing or pulsating and may be located on one side of the head.
- The pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. It may be so severe that the patient has to lie down in a darkened room and wait for it to pass.
- Some migraine sufferers have a warning 'aura', lasting up to 1 hour before the headache starts, which often causes problems with eyesight; for example, flashing lights, zig-zag lines and blank spots when trying to concentrate on something. Such attacks preceded by an aura are called 'classical' and account for about only 20% of migraines.
- Migraines without aura are called 'common' and account for about 80% of migraine attacks.
- Some people also suffer from other warning symptoms, such as numbness or tingling on one side of the face, around the mouth or down one arm.
There are also other types of migraine that are less common than the ones described above.
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 headache only generally affects only one side and has 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 headaches. 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 headaches 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.
Understanding What Are Migraine Headaches Recommended Resources:
University of Chicage Medical Center
University of California, San Francisco
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