Headache and Migraine

What Is a Migraine?

These intense headaches can be triggered by a number of factors, including stress, noise, exertion, and certain medications or foods.

A migraine is a type of headache that causes an intense throbbing sensation in one area of the head.

It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound

In general, migraine headaches are very painful.

The American Headache Society (AHS) estimates that 28 million Americans ages 12 and older suffer from migraines.

According to the AHS, the vast majority of migraine sufferers — about 75 percent — are women and girls.

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Migraine Causes

The exact cause of migraines remains unknown, but research suggests that genetic and environmental factors may play a role.

For example, studies have linked changes in the brain stem and the trigeminal nerve, which mediates pain, to the onset of migraines.

Chemical imbalances in the brain may also be involved.

Researchers have found that serotonin levels drop during migraine attacks, causing the trigeminal system to release substances called neuropeptides, which cause headache pain.

Family history: The American Committee on Headache Education reports that between 70 and 90 percent of people with migraines have a family history of the condition.

Age: Migraine sufferers typically experience their first symptoms during adolescence, and most people who have migraines have had their first attack before they reach the age of 40.

Still, migraines can start at any time in life, depending on other factors.

Sex: During childhood, migraines typically affect boys more than girls, but this trend reverses during adolescence.

In adulthood, women are much more likely than men to experience migraines.

Menstruation and menopause: Women who experience migraines often do so immediately before, or shortly after, their menstrual period.

The frequency, severity, and duration of migraines may change during pregnancy or menopause.

Some women report that they experienced their first migraine attack during pregnancy or that their attacks worsened during pregnancy.

This suggests that estrogen and progesterone are factors in some women with migraines.

In general, migraines tend to be less common and severe after menopause

Migraine Triggers

In most people, there are triggers that can cause migraine attacks, such as:

• Certain foods and food additives

• Stress

• Light or noise

• Medications

• Physical exertion

• Disrupted sleep

-Studies have linked cheese as well as salty and processed foods with migraines. Missing or skipping meals can also trigger attacks.

-The aspartame (an artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate (MSG, a preservative found in many foods) can trigger migraines.

-Alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages have also been identified as potential migraine triggers.

-Not surprisingly, stress at work or home can cause migraines, as can extremely bright lights (such as sun glare), loud noises, and strong smells (from perfume, cleaning products, or secondhand smoke).

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, have been linked to migraines. Intense physical exertion may also trigger an attack.

-Finally, getting too little or too much sleep can trigger migraines in some people, as can jet lag

ines tend to be less common and severe after menopause

How Long Do Migraines Last?

A migraine attack will typically last from 4 to 72 hours.

Migraines can, however, last for several days.

The frequency of attacks varies from person to person. Some people experience migraines several times a month, others much less frequently.

Migraine Relief and Treatment

Migraine Medications

he-counter (OTC) pain relieversOver-t :This category includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and aspirin, as well as Tylenol (acetaminophen)

Triptans :These drugs are designed to block the pain pathways in the brain by constricting specific blood vessels.

Examples of triptans include:

• Axert (almotriptan)

• Relpax (eletriptan)

• Frova (frovatriptan)

• ns include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and muscle weakness.

Triptans aren't recommended if you're at high risk for a stroke or heart attack

Migraine Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies

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There are several things you can do on your own that may help relieve your migraine symptoms, including:

-Muscle relaxation exercises (such as meditation and yoga) -Reducing stress -Getting enough sleep -Keeping a headache diary

Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night is important, but don't oversleep. Doctors also recommend that you go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule.

If you feel a migraine attack coming on, try to rest in a dark, quiet room.

Icing the back of your neck and applying gentle pressure to the painful areas on your scalp may also help.

Keeping a headache diary can help you and your doctor learn more about what triggers your migraines, as well as what treatments are most effective.

There are also nontraditional or alternative therapies that may help you manage your chronic migraine pain, including

Acupuncture Biofeedback (a technique that aims to control certain bodily functions) Massage therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Vitamins (such as B12) and herbs