Classic Migraine
Alternate Names : Migraine - Classic, Migraine - with Aura
Definition
Migraine headaches are repeated or recurrent headaches, possibly caused by changes in the diameter of the blood vessels in the head. Most people with migraines do not have any warning before it occurs. However, in cases of "classic" migraine headache, a visual disturbance called an aura happens before the headache starts.
Classic migraine is different from "common" migraines (which have no warning sign or aura) or "complicated" migraines (which occur with speech, movement, or other problems in the nervous system).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Migraine headaches are a common type of chronic headache. They affect about 6 out of 100 people.
The causes of migraine are complex and somewhat controversial. One theory is that the symptoms are due to temporary changes in blood vessels. The blood vessels to the brain may become narrow, resulting in less blood flow to the brain. This could be what causes the visual changes before the headache.
Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), resulting in the severe headache. Classic migraine specifically refers to migraines preceded by visual symptoms.
Migraines occur in women more than men, most often between the ages of 10 and 46 years. In some cases, they appear to run in families.
Attacks of migraine headache may be associated with:
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Allergic reactions
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Bright lights
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Loud noises
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Physical or mental stress
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Changes in sleep patterns
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Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
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Missed meals
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Alcohol
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Caffeine
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Hormonal fluctuations (related to menstrual cycles or use of birth control pills)
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Other conditions
Foods associated with migraine include:
- Foods containing the amino acid tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, some beans)
- Chocolates
- Nuts and peanut butter
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Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
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Onions
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Dairy products
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Baked goods
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Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
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Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
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Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
True migraine headaches are not a result of underlying brain tumors or other serious medical problems. However, only an experienced physician can determine whether headache symptoms represent migraine or some underlying medical condition that requires further tests. This assessment can only be made after a review of a patient's history and a thorough neurological examination.
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