Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are severe headaches that can last for hours or days. The pain can be so severe that the headache causes nausea and vomiting.
Sometimes migraines follow a disturbance in your vision. When this happens they are called ocular migraines. The symptoms of this are flashes of light, seeing zigzagged patterns, blind spots and bright spots or stars.
Migraines occur more frequently in women and are thought to be triggered by changing hormones, some foods, stress or bright lights.
Talk to your doctor to see what you can do to control your migraine symptoms and what you can do to prevent them.
Recently Answered
- Q What are migraines?
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Migraines, which are grossly under-diagnosed, are debilitating conditions that affect between 12 million and 24 million Americans, or 18 percent of women and 6 percent of men. They can last from several hours to several days. There are even some reported... Full Answer
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- Q Why do migraine headaches cause nausea?
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Dr. Egilius Spierings, NeurologyThis is why migraine headaches make you nauseated: 1. During a migraine headache, arteries in the head (especially in the temporal area) dilate. 2. The widened arteries stretch nerve fibers that encircle the arteries, causing them to send... Full Answer
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- Q When do migraines occur?
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Dr. Egilius Spierings, NeurologyMany migraine attacks occur in the evening or at night and, ironically, may be the result of the body's attempt to relax after the day's stresses. Blood vessels tighten in response to stress and widen during relaxation, and dilated blood vessels... Full Answer
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- Q What happens during a migraine attack?
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Dr. Dawn Marcus, NeurologyWhen a person with a lowered threshold to headache comes in contact with a trigger, a series of events begins. Sometimes migraine triggers are obvious, like drinking red wine, having your menstrual period, or having a stressful day; other times,... Full Answer
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- Q What chronic conditions are associated with migraine headaches?
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Certain conditions are found more frequently in migraine sufferers compared to people who do not suffer from migraines. Diagnosing these coexisting conditions is important for proper treatment. Strong evidence supports the coexistence of... Full Answer
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- Q Are people with migraines at risk for a stroke?
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People who have migraine with aura are at a slightly higher risk of stroke. The symptoms of migraine headaches are due to dilation of the blood vessels. Although the link between stroke and migraine isn't clearly understood, it may be connected to... Full Answer
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- Q Can someone with a history of migraine headaches participate in sports?
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There are several prescription medications available that can help an athlete manage his migraine headaches. As long as the migraines are managed, an athlete can participate in sports. However, if exercise triggers migraines, an athlete may need... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a link between migraines and hormones?
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Mia Lundin, Obstetrics & GynecologyVery much so. Shifting levels of estrogen, causing drop of the neurotransmitter serotonin often cause cyclical headaches. Read more in my book: Female Brain Gone Insane. Full Answer
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- Q Does the pattern of migraines remain same, or does it change over time?
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Migraine headaches typically fluctuate over time. Overall they tend to increase with time, but also may be affected by the environment and conditions like pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives. They also tend to get better in women after... Full Answer
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- Q What is the aura of a migraine?
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Some people get an early warning signal that a migraine is headed their way. Their migraines are preceded by an aura. The auras can be colored or white lights that flicker at the edge of sight, hallucinations, dark or blind spots at the edge of vision,... Full Answer
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