Migraine Headaches

What is a migraine headache?

A migraine headache is a headache marked by intense pain. Migraines are more typical in women, with approximately three times as many women suffering from the headaches as compared with men. Some triggers that have been associated with migraines include stress, caffeine consumption, fatigue, irregular sleeping or eating patterns, and menstrual cycles.
 

What are some symptoms of migraine headaches?

Migraines are easily recognizable by the intense, pounding pain that gets worse when a person stands up or walks around. Migraine sufferers tend to be sensitive to light during the headache, and light can trigger nausea and vomiting, although these symptoms can occur separately from light sensitivity. Sufferers may feel dizzy, experience loss of appetite, or feel sudden fatigue.

Some migraine sufferers experience what is called an “aura”, which commonly presents itself as a visual impairment. People may have blind spots, see wavy lines, or even temporarily lose their vision completely shortly before experiencing a migraine. There are also non-visual auras, including a ringing in the ears, smelling strange things that are not there, or simply a strange feeling.
 

What are some treatment options for migraine headaches?

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease the pain of a migraine headache, although prescription strength pain relievers may be advised by a doctor. Frequent migraines may require a medication that stops migraines, such as abortive medications, which are to be taken as soon as a sufferer feels a migraine coming on, or preventive medications, which are taken daily to keep migraine headaches from occurring in the first place. If nausea is a problem, anti-nausea medication may be prescribed.

If migraine headaches are frequent and severe, a doctor may suggest monitoring physiological symptoms to find the trigger of the headaches. This process, known as biofeedback, can teach people to adjust their physical responses to avoid migraine headaches.