Migraine: What Is it?
One of the myths associated with Migraine is that it is
simply a very bad headache. Migraine is actually a
genetically-based disease. A headache is only a
symptom of that disease.
One of the myths associated with Migraine is that it is
simply a very bad headache. Migraine is actually a
genetically-based disease. A headache is only a
symptom of that disease.
Migraine has many symptoms including visual
disturbances, sensitivity to sound and light, severe
headache, nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to feel
and touch, and vertigo. During an attack, Migraineurs,
people who suffer from Migraine, may also have
problems speaking and remembering the correct
words for what they're trying to say. One Migraine
episode can last hours, days, or weeks, leaving the
Migraineur virtually disabled for that period of time.
disturbances, sensitivity to sound and light, severe
headache, nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to feel
and touch, and vertigo. During an attack, Migraineurs,
people who suffer from Migraine, may also have
problems speaking and remembering the correct
words for what they're trying to say. One Migraine
episode can last hours, days, or weeks, leaving the
Migraineur virtually disabled for that period of time.
The exact cause of Migraine is still uncertain, but it is
known to be an inherited disease. People who have a
parent with Migraine have a 50% chance of also
suffering Migraine. The most prevalent theory of the
cause of Migraine is that chemical changes in the
blood vessels supplying the brain and its coverings
cause constriction (narrowing) and dilation (widening)
of the blood vessels. Contrary to Migraine myth, the
cause of Migraine is not psychological.
known to be an inherited disease. People who have a
parent with Migraine have a 50% chance of also
suffering Migraine. The most prevalent theory of the
cause of Migraine is that chemical changes in the
blood vessels supplying the brain and its coverings
cause constriction (narrowing) and dilation (widening)
of the blood vessels. Contrary to Migraine myth, the
cause of Migraine is not psychological.
A Migraine attack is induced by various triggers, some
controllable and some not. Controllable triggers
include bright light, various foods, and alcohol.
Uncontrollable triggers include weather patterns and
menstrual cycles. The triggers that cause Migraine
are many and vary from person to person.
controllable and some not. Controllable triggers
include bright light, various foods, and alcohol.
Uncontrollable triggers include weather patterns and
menstrual cycles. The triggers that cause Migraine
are many and vary from person to person.
Some Migraine episodes come on very quickly, with
little or no warning. In 30 to 40% of patients, a period
called the prodrome occurs hours or days before the
attack. During the prodrome, mood changes,
increased frequency of urination, food cravings, stiff
neck, and other symptoms may be experienced.
Sometimes, medications taken during this period can
help avert the attack. Unfortunately, patients
sometimes either don't notice or misunderstand the
symptoms of the prodrome. The prodrome may be
followed by an aura, symptoms that can last for up to
an hour just prior to the headache stage of an attack.
Symptoms that can occur during the aura include
visual disturbances; hypersensitivity to light sound,
odors, touch and feel; vertigo; and speech
disruptions. Again, if the aura occurs and is noticed,
sometimes medications taken at this time can head
off or lessen the severity of the ensuing headache.
The headache itself varies in characteristics, and
usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours. The period after the
headache is called the postdrome, and can last up to
24 hours after the headache ends. Symptoms that
persist through the postdrome include, moodiness,
lack of concentration, and weakness.
little or no warning. In 30 to 40% of patients, a period
called the prodrome occurs hours or days before the
attack. During the prodrome, mood changes,
increased frequency of urination, food cravings, stiff
neck, and other symptoms may be experienced.
Sometimes, medications taken during this period can
help avert the attack. Unfortunately, patients
sometimes either don't notice or misunderstand the
symptoms of the prodrome. The prodrome may be
followed by an aura, symptoms that can last for up to
an hour just prior to the headache stage of an attack.
Symptoms that can occur during the aura include
visual disturbances; hypersensitivity to light sound,
odors, touch and feel; vertigo; and speech
disruptions. Again, if the aura occurs and is noticed,
sometimes medications taken at this time can head
off or lessen the severity of the ensuing headache.
The headache itself varies in characteristics, and
usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours. The period after the
headache is called the postdrome, and can last up to
24 hours after the headache ends. Symptoms that
persist through the postdrome include, moodiness,
lack of concentration, and weakness.
In addition to medications to treat the symptoms of
Migraine, there are several classes of drugs being
used to help prevent Migraine episodes. In addition,
alternative and complementary methods such as
acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation
techniques are being employed both as preventatives
and as treatments during episodes.
Migraine, there are several classes of drugs being
used to help prevent Migraine episodes. In addition,
alternative and complementary methods such as
acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation
techniques are being employed both as preventatives
and as treatments during episodes.
Migraine is a genetically-based, disabling, under-
diagnosed, under-treated, and often misunderstood
disease. As research into cause, treatment, and
prevention continue, Migraineurs have more choices
and hope now than they did before.
diagnosed, under-treated, and often misunderstood
disease. As research into cause, treatment, and
prevention continue, Migraineurs have more choices
and hope now than they did before.
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