How Do You Know If You Have A Migraine Headache And Just What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

One of the commonest migraine symptoms is an acute throbbing pain that is usually situated on one side of the head close to the area of the temple. Migraine headaches are also frequently accompanied by other symptoms that can include sensitivity to noise and light, nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Migraines are relatively common and affect about 10% of the population of America, or over 28 million Americans. They are also far more commonly experienced by women rather than men (about three times more women suffer from migraine) and can also be see sometimes in children.

Although migraines are so common and frequently very painful with attacks lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days, only roughly half of all sufferers ever consult their physician and the rest choose to suffer in silence.

It had long been thought migraines were caused by a of dilation of the blood vessels in the head but, despite the fact that there is no general consensus, medical opinion seems to be moving away from this theory in favor of a genetic cause for this problem. It is now believed that the condition are produced by the interaction of brain chemicals like serotonin with the nerve cells. Currently however the truth of the matter is that we are really not sure what cause migraines.

There are in fact two forms of migraine, the first of which is referred to as 'classical migraine', which is characterized by an accompanying 'aura'. In this case the term 'aura' refers to visual light effects which are experienced just prior to the start of a headache including things like flashing lights and bright light spots. In some people a total loss of vision can be experienced for some minutes before the start of the headache.

The second type of migraine headache is a migraine with no prior symptoms of an 'aura'.

In exactly the same way that we do not know what causes a migraine headache, we also have very little idea about just what gives rise to an attack, although there are some factors which do appear likely to trigger an attack. For example, getting too much sleep seems to be one factor, as does missing meals or eating certain foods like cheese.

Hormonal factors are also thought to influence both the onset and severity of attacks and this is evidenced the increased incidence of migraines among women. This in part is thought to be because of the effect of estrogen on the blood vessels and it has been noted in some studies that there is a link between contraceptive pills (which contains estrogen) and migraine headaches.

Just to confuse matters however studies have also demonstrated that simple everyday activities like climbing stairs can trigger a migraine attack, as can exposure to heat or cold, loud noises, flashing lights and occasionally stress.

Luckily, there are several migraine treatments available, though no single treatment is really effective in all cases. Over-the-counter medications are however seldom effective and, if you are unlucky enough to suffer from migraines, then you would be best advised to seek the help of your physician in finding a solution that works for you.

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