The causes of migraine is not fully known yet, but experts attributed it to the dilation of blood vessels in the scalp, which stimulate the nerve endings.

Migraine is a common and extremely painful headache that typically occurs on one side of the head, often begins at puberty or early adulthood, runs in families and tends to recur.

More women than men suffer from migraines (about 75% of the cases), usually before menstruation, with the attacks tapering off after menopause. Migraine is classified into two:

1) Common Migraine (no warning signs) – Its common symptoms are: a) Pain usually felt on one side of the head. It gradually builds up to throbbing intensity and is aggravated by movement, light or noise. b) Nausea c) Vomiting.

2) Classic Migraine (with warning signs) – a) An aura (unusual sensation) coming about twenty minutes before the headache, b) The symptoms may include nausea, c) Vomiting, d) Enlarging blind spots, e) Flashing or zigzagging light, f) strange noises or smell, g) Numbness of one side of the body, h) same symptoms of the common migraine but the onset of pain is more abrupt, i) Sensitivity to light, g) In rare cases, paralysis of one side of the body.

Factors that trigger the occurrence of migraine are the following: a) Stress(i.e. anger, changes in climate, distress, overexertion, shock) b) Certain kinds of beverages, food and food additives(i.e. alcohol, chicken liver, citrus fruits, mono sodium glutamate, nitrites, red wine) c) head injury d) sensory stimulation (i.e. bright lights, blaring sounds) e) Overexertion f) Hunger g) Hormonal imbalance, oral contraceptives.

Here are the things you can do to help alleviate the situation: a) Lie down and sleep or rest in a dark, quiet room. b) Apply an ice pack to the painful area. c) Take a cold shower. d) Take simple pain killers. e) Try to identify the factors that trigger the headache and avoid them. f) Consult a doctor if the pain is unbearable or if the recommended measures offer no relief.

Here is what your doctor can do for you: a) Rule out serious underlying causes of headaches. b) Prescribe stronger pain killers. c) Prescribe prophylactic (preventive) medicine for migraine. d) Prescribe medicine to stop the migraine.