What is a Migraine Headache?

Approximately 8.7 million women and 2.6 million men in the United States suffer from migraine headaches. Migraines are a complex disorder with two major types: migraine without aura and migraine with aura.

Migraine without aura (seeing something that really isn't there) is the most common type. The period before the onset of the headache (prodromal period), is not sharply defined but may involve symptoms such as generalized swelling, pale skin, upset stomach, vomiting, and irritability. This period may last between several hours to several days before the headache. The headache itself may also last several hours to days and is described as a steady throbbing pain on one side of the head.

Migraine with aura(seeing something that really isn't there)involves a sharply defined aura that may last 10-30 minutes before the headache starts. An aura is a sensation of light or warmth that lets you know a migraine is starting. The most common type is called scintillating scotomata, which is seeing flashing lights before your headache. The headache may also have tingling or burning sensation, weakness, numbness, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, upset stomach, vomiting, irritability, and sensitivity to light or sound. This type of migraine usually peaks in one hour and lasts for several hours.

There are many things that can bring on a migraine and these are different for everyone. Some possible triggers of migraines include stress, excitement, bright light, menstruation, alcohol, certain food, fatigue, irregular sleep, or missed meals.

The exact cause of migraine is unknown but an evidence show that nerves, blood vessels, and chemicals in the body are all involved. The prodromal period involves the blood vessels becoming narrow and less blood flowing through. The headache involves the blood vessels becoming dilated and more blood flowing through. This stretching of the blood vessels is what causes pain. Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, is thought to be the main culprit in migraines. Serotonin can cause blood vessels to narrow. High levels of serotonin have been found in the brain just before a migraine and low levels were found during the headache itself.