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Alternative names Return to top
Headache - migraineDefinition Return to top
Migraine headaches are a type of headache that some people get repeatedly over time. Migraines are different from other headaches because they occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.
Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. Most people, however, do not have such warning symptoms.
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
A lot of people get migraines -- about 6 out of 100. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46, may run in families, and occur in women more often than men.
Migraines are classified as either "common" or "classic". Common migraines do not have any warning symptoms, while classic migraines do have a warning (the aura). Most migraine patients have the common type.
The exact cause of migraine is not known. Migraine headaches are related to problems with blood flow through parts of the brain. At the start of a migraine, blood vessels in certain areas of the brain constrict (narrow), leading to symptoms like visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness. Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), leading to increased blood flow in the brain and a bad headache.
Why these changes in blood vessels and blood flow occur in the brain is not understood. Certain triggers, however, make it more likely for you to get migraines:
Symptoms Return to top
Migraine headaches, which can be dull or severe, usually:
Symptoms accompanying migraines include:
Warning signs that a migraine is coming include seeing stars or zigzag lines, having tunnel vision, or temporary blind spot.
Symptoms that may linger even after the migraine has gone away include:
Signs and tests Return to top
Migraine headache may be diagnosed by your doctor based on your symptoms, history of migraines in the family, and your response to treatment. Your doctor will take a detailed history to make sure that your headaches are not due to tension, sinus inflammation, or a more serious underlying brain disorder. On physical examination, your doctor is likely to find nothing wrong with you.
Sometimes an MRI or CT scan is obtained to rule out other causes of headache like sinus inflammation or a brain mass. In the case of a complicated migraine, an EEG may be needed to exclude seizures. Rarely, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) might be performed.
Treatment Return to top
There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by avoiding or altering triggers. When you do get migraine symptoms, try to treat them right away. The headache may be less severe.
A good way to identify triggers is to keep a headache diary. See headache.
When migraine symptoms begin:
Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin are often helpful, especially when your migraine is mild. If these don't help, ask your doctor about prescription medications.
Your doctor will select from several different types of medications, including:
Many of the prescription medications for migraines narrow your blood vessels. Therefore, these drugs should not be used if you have heart disease, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
If you wish to consider an alternative, feverfew is a popular herb for migraines. Several studies, but not all, support using feverfew for treating migraines. If you are interested in trying feverfew, make sure your doctor approves. Also, know that herbal remedies sold in drugstores and health food stores are not regulated. Work with a trained herbalist when selecting herbs.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Every person responds differently to treatment. Some people have rare headaches that require little to no treatment. Others require the use of several medications or even occasional hospitalization.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call 911 if:
Call your doctor immediately if:
Also, call your doctor if:
Prevention Return to top
If you get at least three headaches per month, your doctor may prescribe medication for you to prevent recurrent migraines.
Such prescription drugs include:
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |