Migraines/Headaches Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system Migraine headache Show all 5 photos Migraine Definition A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head. Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, usually vision disturbances, that serve as a warning sign that a bad headache is coming. Most people, however, do not have such warning signs. See also: Migraine without aura (no warning symptoms) Migraine with aura (visual disturbances before the headache starts) Mixed tension migraine (features of both migraines and tension headache) Alternative Names Headache - migraine Causes, incidence, and risk factors A lot of people get migraines -- about 11 out of 100. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46 and may run in families. Migraines occur more often in women than men. Pregnancy may reduce the number of migraines attacks. At least 60 percent of women with a history of migraines have fewer such headaches during the last two trimesters of pregnancy. Until the 1980s, scientists believed that migraines were due to changes in blood vessels within the brain. Today, most believe the attack actually begins in the brain itself, and involves various nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. A migraine attack can be triggered by stress, food, environmental changes, or some other factor. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear. Migraine attacks may be triggered by: Allergic reactions Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes Physical or emotional stress Changes in sleep patterns Smoking or exposure to smoke Skipping meals Alcohol Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills Tension headaches Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami) Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods Symptoms Migraine headaches, which can be dull or severe, usually: Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating Are worse on one side of the head Last 6 to 48 hours Symptoms accompanying migraines include: Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light or sound Loss of appetite Fatigue Numbness, tingling, or weakness Warning signs (auras) that can precede a migraine include seeing stars or zigzag lines, tunnel vision, or a temporary blind spot. Continue reading this article

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Cluster headaches (4 images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cluster headaches affect one side of the head (unilateral) and may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose. The headaches occur repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks and then go away. Reviewer: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 09/10/2006

Migraine with aura (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Migraine is a neurological disorder that generally involves repeated headaches. Some people also have nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Most people with migraines do not have any warning before it occurs. However, some people have a visual disturbance called an aura before the headache starts. See also: Headache; Migraine; Migraine without aura. Reviewer: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/21/2006

Migraine without aura (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
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. See also: Headache; Migraine; Migraine with aura. Reviewer: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/21/2006

Mixed tension migraine (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Mixed tension migraine is a headache with features of both tension and migraine headaches. See also: Headache; Tension headache; Migraine with aura; Migraine without aura. Reviewer: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 03/05/2007

Headache (3 images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are extremely rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications. See also: Tension headache; Cluster headache; Migraine with aura; Migraine without aura. Reviewer: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/16/2006

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