Migraine headache
The most common type of vascular headache involving abnormal sensitivity of arteries in the brain to various triggers resulting in rapid changes in the artery size due to spasm (constriction). Other arteries in the brain and scalp then open (dilate), and throbbing pain is perceived in the head. The tendency to migraine is inherited and appears to involve serotonin, a chemical in the brain involved in the transmission of nerve impulses that trigger the release of substances in the blood vessels that in turn cause the pain of the migraine. These nerve impulses cause the flashing lights and other sensory phenomena known as an aura that may accompany a migraine. Not all severe headaches are migraines and not all migraines are severe.
Factors known to make migraines worse in some patients include stress, food sensitivities, menstruation, and the onset of menopause. Most patients will feel better if they lie down and avoid bright lights. Prevention measures can include taking preventative medication (usually an antispasmodic) and avoiding any known migraine triggers. Medication is also available that can ease the pain of a current migraine.
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- Migraine, abdominal
An attack of abdominal pain that may be preceded by a migraine aura and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and cognitive disturbance.
- Migraine, classic
Migraine with aura. Accounts for no more than most 20% of migraines. See Migraine.
- Migraine, ocular
A migraine involving the eyes that results in distortion of visual images, accompanied or followed by headache. An ocular migraine usually affects only one eye at a time. Image distortion generally begins in the center of the image and then moves to one side. Images ‘gray out’ or look wavy, and sight may be lost […]
- Migraine, ophthalmic
Migraine involving the eyes but without headache. Migraine, due to a spasm of blood vessels in the brain, usually causes a headache. Flashes of light may appear as jagged lines or “heat waves” in one or both eyes and often last 10-20 minutes, sometimes without a headache. This is termed ophthalmic migraine, or migraine without […]
- Migraineur
A person who has migraine headache. Borrowed from the French.