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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Migraine

Migraine

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

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Alternate Names : Headache - Migraine


Definition

Migraine headaches are a type of 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.

Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. Most people, however, do not have such warning symptoms.

See also:

Pictures & Images

Migraine Headache
Migraine Headache

Vascular Headaches
Vascular Headaches

Migraine Cause
Migraine Cause

CT Scan of the Brain
CT Scan of the Brain

Central Nervous System
Central Nervous System

 
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A lot of people get migraines -- about 6 out of 100. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46, may run in families, and occur in women more often than men.

Migraines are classified as either "common" or "classic". Common migraines do not have any warning symptoms, while classic migraines do have a warning (the aura). Most migraine patients have the common type.

The exact cause of migraine is not known. Migraine headaches are related to problems with blood flow through parts of the brain. At the start of a migraine, blood vessels in certain areas of the brain constrict (narrow), leading to symptoms like visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness. Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), leading to increased blood flow in the brain and a bad headache.

Why these changes in the blood vessels (and blood flow) occur in the brain is not understood. Certain triggers, however, make it more likely for you to get migraines:

  • 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
  • Hormonal fluctuations (related to menstrual cycles or use of birth control pills, for example)
  • Tension headaches
  • Certain foods like those containing the amino acid tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, some fruits (avocado, banana, and citrus), monosodium glutamate (a food additive commonly called MSG), onions, dairy products, meats containg nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami), and fermented or pickled foods


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Definition
Migraine Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Migraine Symptoms & Signs
Migraine Prevention
Migraine Diagnosis & Tests
Migraine Treatment
Migraine Prognosis
Migraine Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Classic Migraine
Common Migraine
Mixed Tension Migraine
Stroke

Tests & Exams

EEG

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Review Date : 7/31/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/14/2002).

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 19 Jul, 2008