Migraine

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Migraine headache

Vascular headaches

Migraine cause

CT scan of the brain

Central nervous system

Migraine

Definition:

A migraine is a type of primary headache that some people get repeatedly over time. Migraines are different from other headaches because they occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In most people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.

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Migraines are classified as either "with aura" or "without aura." An aura is agroup of neurological symptoms, usually vision disturbances, that serve as warning sign.Patients who get auras typically see aflash ofbrightly colored or blinking lights shortly before the headache pain begins.However, most people with migraines do notsuch warning signs.See also:

Migraine without aura (no warning symptoms)
Migraine with aura (visual disturbances before the headache starts)
Mixed tension migraine (features of both migraines and tension headache)

Alternative Names:

Headache - migraine

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A lot of people get migraines -- about 11 out of 100. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46 and may run in families. Migraines occur more often in women than men. Pregnancy may reduce the number of migraines attacks. At least 60 percent of women with a history of migraines have fewer such headachesduringthe last two trimesters ofpregnancy.

Until the 1980s, scientists believed that migraines were due to changes in blood vessels within the brain. Today, most believe the attack actually begins in the brain itself, and involves various nerve pathways and chemicals inthe brain. A migraine attackcan betriggered by stress, food, environmental changes, or some other factor. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by:

Allergic reactions
Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
Physical or emotional stress
Changes in sleep patterns
Smoking or exposure to smoke
Skipping meals
Alcohol or caffeine
Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills
Tension headaches
Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)
Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods

References:

Morantz C. Practice Guideline Briefs. Am Fam Physician. Mar 2005; 71(5); 1019-899.

Schroeder BM . AAFP/ACP-ASIM release guidelines on the management and prevention of migraines. Am Fam Physician. Mar 2003; 67(6): 1392, 1395-7.

Noble J, ed. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.

Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003.