We don't fully understand all the causes of migraine headaches. We do know that they are related to changes in the blood flow within the vessels that supply blood to the head and brain. Migraines tend to run in families, and usually first show up in the teen or young adult years. They are more common in women and often occur during, or right before, a woman's menstrual period.
A typical migraine causes a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. The pain builds up during an attack and can last for several hours. Sometimes migraine pain covers both sides of the head and is a dull pain.
Symptoms that accompany migraine headache include:
- seeing stars, flashes or zigzags
- blurred vision
- photosensitivity (bright lights hurt the eyes)
- feeling sick to your stomach
- loss of appetite
- being at a loss for words
- numbness or tingling or
- weakness or clumsiness
A migraine headache can be triggered by:
- stress
- lack of sleep
- skipping a meal
- using alcohol
- taking birth control pills
- changes in the weather
- chocolate
- red wine
- MSG
- food preservatives or
- caffeine
The changes or foods that bring on a migraine are likely to be different for each person. It helps to try to identify what happens before a migraine headache starts, what 'happens' to start the headache, and then try to avoid those things in the future. Counseling or relaxation techniques for reducing stress may be useful in preventing attacks.
If a migraine should occur, it might be helpful to rest in a dark, quiet room. Cool compresses to the forehead may help. Over-the-counter medicines may be used to relieve the pain, however, carefully review the label directions and precautions for other health considerations before taking. Contact your physician before taking any pain relievers if you have high blood pressure.
If simple measures do not help, a healthcare provider can prescribe a medication that may help control the pain associated with a migraine headache.
Last Reviewed 2005
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIL File HEAD4632.RF2 VRS# 4632 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.
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