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.

Causes: 
A migraine can be disabling — with symptoms so severe, all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down. Up to 17 percent of women and 6 percent of men have experienced a migraine.

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. 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.

A migraine attack can be triggered by stress, food, environmental changes, or many other factors. Here are just a few more triggers.
Allergic reactions,bright lights, loud noises, certain odors or perfumes,physical or emotional stress,changes in sleep patterns,smoking or exposure to smoke,not eating right and Alcohol.
Women need to know that their migraines and their period are related.

Symptoms: 
You will feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating. They can be worse on one side of the head. They can last 1 to 72 hours but it varies person by person and day by day.
Other symptoms are nausea,vomiting,sensitivity to light or sound,loss of appetite and energy.

Warning signs (auras) that can precede a migraine include seeing stars or zigzag lines, tunnel vision, or a temporary blind spot. Not all migraines are the same. Most people experience migraines without auras.
If you do experience an aura it will be about 15 to 30 minutes before your headache begins. Auras may continue after your headache starts or even occur after your headache begins. When you're experiencing an aura, you may:

• See sparkling flashes of light
• Perceive dazzling zigzag lines in your field of vision
• Experience slowly spreading blind spots in your vision
• Feel tingling, pins and needles sensations in one arm or leg
• Rarely, experience weakness or language and speech problems
• 

Tests to diagnose:  
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 our headaches are not due to tension, sinus inflammation, or a more serious underlying brain disorder. During the physical exam, your doctor might not find anything 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.

Treatment: Return to top

Unfortunately there is no easy  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.

To try to figure out what might be causing your migraine, keep a headache diary. Keep track of everything you do and eat every day. Eventually there is a chance you will find the trigger. It might be something you have eaten or a combination of foods. If the kids are driving you crazy and it comes on it could be stress related.

I know with my wife one of the triggers was caffeine. So everyone’s worse fear of not drinking that morning cup or two of coffee can come true. When you look into how many foods and beverages have caffeine you will be amazed. So it is very important to be aware of exactly what you are putting into your body, including over the counter medicines which might have caffeine in them.

Here are just a few things to try when you feel a migraine coming on:
Rest in a quiet, darkened room.
Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
Try placing a cool cloth on your head.

Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin are often helpful, especially when your migraine is mild. (Be aware, however, that chronic usage of such pain medications may result in rebound headaches.) If these don't help, ask your doctor about prescription medications.

See your doctor so you can talk about which prescriptions might work for you. It will be trial and error so try to be patient. Just make sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are taking because of obvious risks.

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.

Help yourself: Return to top
There are many things you can try to help ease the pain of a migraine. Here are just a few ideas.

• Meditation and yoga don't require any equipment. You can learn them in classes or at home using books or tapes. Or spend at least a half-hour each day doing something you find relaxing — listening to music, gardening, taking a hot bath, reading or just anything that you find relaxing.
• Aromatherapy studies has shown signs that it could help. It is another way to help you relax also.
• If possible, rest in a dark, quiet room when you feel a headache coming on. Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the back of your neck and apply gentle pressure to painful areas on your scalp.

Nontraditional therapies may be helpful if you have chronic headache pain:
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.