by Cheryl Jones

Created on: March 08, 2009

A migraine is not just another headache. Migraine is characterized by specific symptoms and, although an attack may last as long as 4 days, effective therapies are available to shorten the attack and alleviate the intense pain.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is an intense headache characterized by throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine attacks, if untreated, last from 4 hours to 4 days and often recur even when treated. In some people, the headache is preceded by an aura, or visual disturbances such as flashing lights or stars, halos around objects, blurred vision, or even temporary loss of sight. Sufferers may also experience tingling or numbness in the hands or tongue or a metallic taste. Other signs of an impending migraine are nasal congestion, excessive yawning, and dizziness. However, most migraine sufferers do not experience any of these signs.

The migraine process begins when a trigger causes certain arteries in the brain to constrict, reducing the blood flow and oxygen supply. This constriction causes the aura. It also triggers other arteries to dilate to offset the lack of oxygen. As the arteries dilate, they press against the trigeminal nerve, causing the intense, localized pain of the migraine. The migraine continues until the arteries return to their normal size.

Migraines are diagnosed based on the person's history - people with migraines often have a family history of allergy, asthma, or migraine - as well as physical examination and neurological tests. Physicians will rule out other possible causes of headache, such as allergies, sinus conditions, or brain abnormalities such as an aneurysm or tumor.

Migraine Triggers

Many factors may trigger the migraine process, and they are unique to each person and may even vary from migraine to migraine. The most common include:

- Foods, such as cheese, processed meats, soy products, wine (especially wine containing sulfates), and caffeine, although caffeine is effective in alleviating migraines in some people

- Environmental factors, such as weather changes or pollen

- Physical exertion, including intercourse, although regular exercise is recommended for migraine prevention

- Hormonal changes

- Stress

- Lack of sleep

- Bright lights or glare

- Hunger

A headache diary will help sufferers identify their own triggers. To be most helpful, a headache diary should include as much information as possible about the circumstances of

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