Migraines
Migraine is a neurological disease characterized by flare-ups generally referred to as "migraine attacks." The pain from a migraine is typically one-sided, though it may encompass the whole head, or move from side-to-side as the migraine progresses. Additionally, the pain from a migraine is usually described as throbbing and moderate to severe in intensity. The headache is usually increased on movement of the head. Migraines are frequently accompanied by nausea/vomiting and either photophobia (excessive sensitivity to light) or phonophobia (excessive sensitivity to sound), causing the sufferer to seek a dark, quiet room for recovery.
In migraine with aura, formerly called classical migraine, the headache phase is preceded or accompanied by a group of specific symptoms called aura, most commonly experienced as a visual disturbance prior to the attack. Aura usually lasts less than 60 minutes, and in those who suffer migraine with aura there is generally little time between the onset of aura and the onset of the attack. Migraine without aura, formerly called common migraine, in contrast to migraine with aura, lacks any manifestations associated with headache. Some experience aura without migraine, a condition formerly called amigrainous migraine or optical migraine, now usually called acephalalgic migraine. Although sometimes comparable in severity, the symptoms of migraine differ from those of other vascular headaches.
For further information:- The American Headache Society (AHS) is a professional society of health care providers dedicated to the study and treatment of headache and face pain.
- Pain Center online is a clearinghouse of information on migraines and headaches.
- Headaches on About.com offers general information about the various kinds of headaches.
- "Mind Over Migraine" is an educational initiative designed to empower people with migraine to manage their migraine attacks and gain more control.
Last modified: 2006-10-18
