Migraine headache is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. It is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men.

Migraine headache is caused by a combination of vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels. During a migraine attack, the temporal artery enlarges.

Migraine is a chronic condition of recurrent attacks. Most (but not all) migraine attacks are associated with headaches. Sometimes the pain can be located in the forehead, around the eye, or the back of the head. An estimated 40%-60% of migraine attacks are preceded by premonitory (warning) symptoms lasting hours to days. The symptoms may include sleepiness, irritability, fatigue, depression or euphoria, yawning, and cravings for sweet or salty foods Migraine is often under-diagnosed and under-treated.

There is no cure for migraine. Nevertheless, there are numerous interventions that may help restore an improved life for migraine sufferers. These measures should consider the various aspects of the particular patient’s condition

Tags: Headache, Migraine, Sleepiness

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