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Migraine

Migraine is a powerful headache that often happens with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Migraines can last from 4 hours to 3 days, and sometimes longer. The American Migraine Foundation estimates that more than 36 million Americans get them, women 3 times more often than men.
Migraine headaches are sometimes preceded by warning symptoms. Triggers include hormonal changes, certain food and drink, stress and exercise.
Migraine headaches can cause throbbing in one particular area that can vary in intensity. Nausea and sensitivity to light and sound are also common symptoms.
Preventive and pain-relieving medication can help manage migraine headaches.The cause of migraines is not yet known. It is suspected that they result from abnormal activity in the brain. This can affect the way nerves communicate as well as the chemicals and blood vessels in the brain. Genetics may make someone more sensitive to the triggers that can cause migraines.

The intense, throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and occasional nausea and vomiting are telltale signs of a migraine. But for someone going through their first experience with the torturous headaches, migraines are often not so easily pinpointed.One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells. These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. … When serotonin or estrogen levels change, the result for some is a migraine.

  • Turn off the lights. Migraines often increase sensitivity to light and sound. …
  • Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. …
  • Drink a caffeinated beverage.
Migraine