Migraine Headaches
Migraines are disabling headaches that most likely stem from problems with the nerves and blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours. They may occur as often as several times a week to only once a year. People who have migraines are called migraineurs.
Types Of Migraines:
Migraine headaches affect a significant percentage of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. Most of migraineurs have family members who have migraines. The following types of migraine headache have been identified: Migraine without aura (common migraine): This type accounts for most migraine headaches. There is no aura before a common migraine; Migraine with aura (classic migraine): This type is usually preceded by an aura and is usually much worse than a common migraine. Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights or jagged light images); Status migrainosus: This is the term used to describe a long-lasting migraine that does not go away by itself.
Symptoms Of Migraines:
Headaches can be warnings of more serious conditions. The following signs (what doctors find) or symptoms (what patients report) are reasons for concern: Headaches associated with other neurological (relating to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves) signs or symptoms (for example, diplopia [seeing double], loss of sensation, weakness, ataxia [clumsiness]); Headaches that have an abrupt onset (come on very fast); Headaches that do not go away, especially if they last longer than 72 hours; Headaches that first occur after age 55 years; Headaches that develop after head injury or major trauma; Headaches accompanied by a stiff neck or fever and Headaches in a person who does not have a clear family history of migraine headaches.
Causes Of Migraines:
No one fully understands the exact cause(s) of migraine headaches. Many experts think that a migraine begins with abnormal brainstem (a part of the brain) activity that leads to spasm (rapid contraction) of blood vessels in the cerebrum (main part of the brain) and dura (the covering of the brain). The first wave of spasm decreases blood supply, which causes the aura that some people experience. After the first spasm, the same arteries become abnormally relaxed, which increases blood flow and gives rise to migraine headache pain. Certain chemicals normally found in the brain (namely, dopamine and serotonin) may be involved in causing migraines. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters because they transmit signals within the brain. Neurotransmitters can cause blood vessels to act in unusual ways if they are present in abnormal amounts or if the blood vessels are particularly sensitive to them.
