One of the commonest migraine symptoms is an intense throbbing pain that is generally located on one side of the head close to the area of the temple. Migraines, unlike normal headaches, are also often accompanied by additional symptoms that can include sensitivity to light and noise, nausea and occasionally vomiting.

Migraines are relatively common and affect about 10% of the population of the United States, or in excess of 28 million Americans. They are also far more commonly experienced by women rather than men (about three times as many women suffer from migraine headaches) and can also be see sometimes in children.

Although migraines are so common and often very painful with attacks lasting anything from a few hours to several days, only roughly half of all sufferers consult their physician and the rest choose to suffer in silence.

Migraines had long been thought to be resulted from a of dilation of the blood vessels in the head but, even though there is no general agreement, medical opinion seems to be changing in favor of a genetic basis for this problem. It is now believed that migraine headaches are produced by the interaction of brain chemicals such as serotonin with the nerve cells. Currently however the truth is that we are really not sure what cause a migraine headache.

In fact there are two forms of the condition, the first of which is known as 'classical migraine'and is characterized by an associated 'aura'. In this case the term 'aura' refers to visual light effects that are experienced immediately prior to the arrival of a headache including things like flashing lights and bright light spots. In some people a complete loss of vision can be experienced for several minutes before the arrival of the headache.

The second type of migraine headache is simply a migraine with no 'aura'.

Just as we do not really know what causes a migraine, so too we have little idea about exactly what gives rise to an attack, though there are a variety of factors which do appear likely to trigger an attack. For example, too much sleep appears to be one factor, as does missing meals or eating particular foods like cheese.

Hormonal factors are also believed to influence both the onset and severity of attacks and this is evidenced the higher incidence of migraines in women. This in part is thought to be because estrogen affects the blood vessels and some studies have noted that there is a link between the contraceptive pill (containing estrogen) and migraines.

Just to confuse matters however studies have also shown that everyday activities like climbing a flight of stairs can trigger a migraine attack, as can exposure to loud noises, cold and heat, flashing lights and occasionally stress.

Fortunately, there are a variety of migraine treatments available, although no single treatment is really effective in all cases. Over-the-counter medications are however rarely effective and, if you are unlucky enough to suffer from migraines, then you are best advised to seek the help of your physician in finding an answer that works for you.

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