Search for any health
topic on HealthMash:
 | ||
What is Migraine?
Nontraditional therapies may be helpful if you have chronic headache pain: Acupuncture. In this treatment, a practitioner inserts many thin, disposable needles into several areas of your skin at defined points. A number of clinical trials have found that acupuncture may be helpful for headache pain.; Biofeedback. Biofeedback appears to be especially effective in relieving migraine pain. This relaxation technique uses special equipment to teach you how to monitor and control certain physical responses related to stress, such as muscle tension.; Massage. Massage may help reduce the frequency of migraines. And it can improve the quality of your sleep, which can, in turn, help prevent migraines.;...
Read more on www.mayoclinic.com
Also known as Migraines, Migraine Headache, Migraine Headaches, Sick Headache, Migraine Disorders, Abdominal Migraine, Abdominal Migraines
Migraine information from trusted sources:
Migraine
A migraine is a very painful type of headache. People who get migraines often describe the pain as pulsing or throbbing in one area of the head. During migraines, people are very sensitive to light and sound. They may also become nauseated and vomit. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men. Some people can tell when they are about to have a migraine because they see flashing lights or zigzag lines or they temporarily lose their vision. Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Migraine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Migraine is a debilitating condition characterized by moderate to severe headaches, and nausea, about 3 times more common in women than in men. ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Migraine << Frequently Asked Questions << womenshealth.gov
May 1, 2008 ... Migraine information from the US Department of Health and Human Services. Read more on
www.womenshealth.gov
Migraine Auras - What Are Migraine Auras?
Mar 29, 2010 ... Many time migraine headaches are preceded by some sort of visual disturbance known as migraine auras. They usually occur anywhere from 20 ... Read more on
headaches.about.com
Migraine Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments and Causes ...
Migraine information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and prognosis. Read more on
www.wrongdiagnosis.com
Migraine Headache in Children Causes, Triggers, Types, Symptoms ...
Migraine headaches are the most common acute and recurrent headache pattern experienced by children. These often incapacitating experiences are noteworthy ... Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Natural Remedies for Migraine Relief
Feb 24, 2007 ... Learn about natural remedies for migraine relief, including herbs, supplements, and acupuncture. Read more on
altmedicine.about.com
Migraine Headache: eMedicine Neurology
Nov 19, 2010 ... Overview: Although migraine is a term applied to certain headaches with a vascular quality, overwhelming evidence suggests that migraine is ... Read more on
emedicine.medscape.com
Guide to Ocular Migraines (Ophthalmic or Eye Migraines ...
Ocular migraines, also called ophthalmic migraines or eye migraines, cause unusual vision symptoms. Read this complete explanation, with advice on what to ... Read more on
www.allaboutvision.com
Migraine Headaches: Ways to Deal With the Pain -- familydoctor.org
Learn about the different kinds of migraine headaches, and their symptoms and treatments. Read more on
familydoctor.org
Contents
Causes
Although much about the cause of migraines isn't understood, genetics and environmental factors seem to both play a role.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Complications
Diagnosis
Migraines can often be treated at home using over-the-counter medication and self-help techniques. However, you should see your GP if you feel that painkillers such as paracetamol are not working, or if you experience any of the things listed below.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Exams and Tests
Your doctor can diagnose this type of headache by asking questions about your symptoms and family history of migraines. A complete physical exam will be done to determine if your headaches are due to muscle tension, sinus problems, or a serious brain disorder.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Lifestyle and home remedies
Medical advice
Call 911 if:You are experiencing "the worst headache of your life"; You have speech, vision, or movement problems or loss of balance, especially if you have not had these symptoms with a migraine before; Your headaches are more severe when lying down; The headache starts very suddenly; Your headache patterns or pain change; Treatments that once worked are no longer helpful; You have side effects from medication, including irregular heartbeat, pale or blue skin, extreme sleepiness, persistent cough, depression, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, cramps, dry mouth, or extreme thirst; You are pregnant or could become pregnant -- some medications should not be taken when pregnant
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Outlook (Prognosis)
Every person responds differently to treatment. Some people have rare headaches that require little to no treatment. Others require the use of several medications or even occasional hospitalization.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
Preparing for your appointment
You're likely to start by seeing your primary care provider first. If appropriate you may be referred to a neurologist or other physician who specializes in headache medicine.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Prevention
Although there is no cure for migraine, it is possible to bring the condition under control. This can be achieved through treatments and also by taking preventative measures.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Risk factors
Support Groups
Symptoms
Migraines usually begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. A typical migraine attack produces some or all of these signs and symptoms: Moderate to severe pain, which may be confined to one side of the head or may affect both sides; Head pain with a pulsating or throbbing quality; Pain that worsens with physical activity; Pain that interferes with your regular activities; Nausea with or without vomiting; Sensitivity to light and sound
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Treatment
There is currently no cure for migraine. However, a number of treatments can be used for the symptoms of migraine, mostly in the form of medicines. It may take time to work out which is the best treatment for you. You may have to try different types of medicines or different combinations before you find the most effective ones.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk