Overview

Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily experiences, painful headaches, and nausea. It is a common condition which affects women more frequently than it does men.

The typical migraine headache is one-sided and pulsating, lasting 4 to 72 hours. Accompanying complaints are nausea and vomiting, and a heightened sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) and noise (hyperacusis). Approximately one third of people who experience migraine get a preceding aura, in which a patient may sense a strange light or unpleasant smell. Patients often describe triggers they feel precipitate an episode of migraine, such as certain foods and beverages (like chocolate or alcohol), stress or menstruation. In some migraine types there are typical features but the headache remains absent, and in children abdominal pain may be a prominent feature.

Although the exact cause of migraine remains unknown, the most widespread theory is that it is a disorder of the serotonergic control system. Genetic factors may also contribute. Studies on twins show that genes have a 60 to 65% influence on the development of migraine. Fluctuating hormone levels show a relation to migraine in several ways: three quarters of adult migraine patients are female while migraine affects approximately equal numbers of boys and girls before puberty,[citation needed] and migraine is known to disappear during pregnancy in a substantial number of sufferers.

The treatment of migraine begins with simple painkillers for headache and anti-emetics for nausea, and avoidance of triggers if present. Specific anti-migraine drugs can be used to treat migraine. If the condition is severe and frequent enough, preventative drugs might be considered.

The word migraine is French in origin and comes from the Greek hemicrania, as does the Old English term megrim. Literally, hemicrania means "half (the) head".

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Different Causes of Migraines

Migraine headaches is a general health problem that several people face. This condition is contrasting from the usual head aches that we might experience because they are much more painful and can last for a longer period of time. This health problem can be found in kids - but is more common in adults.

Precisely what induces a migraine is not known. Several physicians differ on this subject because they believe that people can feel the pain connected with this health condition in various ways and at different extremes. It is feasible for people to have migraine headaches that are induced by other diseases or infections - but this can be rare.

The most likely cause of this condition come from the protective mechanism in an individual that is responding to an outside environmental distress. In other words distinct types of foods, heat, the lack of sleep, lack of food, and stress can induce them. Other individuals can have them because their brother, mother, or other close family member hurts from them also.

Migraines are often separated into two classes; primary and secondary. Primary migraines are not induced by bacteria, viruses, and other such organisms that can be impacting a person's organs or other internal structures. The most average kinds that are categorized as primary are; tension, rebound, and cluster. Secondary kinds are stimulated by a disease or health problem that is affecting other areas of the body.

Individuals who manage with this problem on a common basis will commonly take particular medication that is prescribed to them by their physician or is bought over the counter. Unfortunately this medication may not incessantly work.

It is best for them to avert physical activity and to lay down in a dark and quiet room. Too much light and sound can aggravate the problem and stimulate the pain that will make it much worse. Not only will individuals troubled from migraines have a sensitivity to light and sounds - but they may also have blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.



Autor: Naomi West Naomi West
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Naomi is a freelance writer, wife, and a full time mother. Each day she spends her time writing on exciting new topics to help people ... ...

Learn how Stress Migraines can affect your whole day and the other Causes Of Migraines that you should avoid.


Added: July 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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