SolveYourProblem Article Series: Headache Causes, Treatments & Relief
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What Is A Migraine Headache?

Migraines are throbbing headaches that are vascular in nature. This means that they involve the brain's blood vessels. These vessels may dilate or contract in an excessive manner. And this causes pain. A body chemical called serotonin may play a role in this as one of it's aspects is that when levels of it are high our blood vessels shrink and when the levels are low our blood vessels dilate.

When an individual describes his or her headache as a migraine it is possible that the symptoms may differ from someone else's. To better understand why this may be so, it is important to know that there are different classifications of migraines. There is however, two most usual types.

First, there is the 'common migraine'. This is a throbbing headache that may start slowly and can last anywhere from two to seventy-two hours. The pain can manifest itself by beginning at the back of the head and spreading over one side of the head. But it can also occur in the center of the temple or behind an ear.

Since the word 'migraine' is derived from the Greek work hemikrania - which means half a skull - it aptly describes a typical aspect of this headache in that it is usually localized on one side. As well, common migraines can include blurry vision, nausea and perhaps vomiting, and sometimes a tingling or even numb feeling in the limbs. There is also an increased sensitivity to lights and sounds.

Secondly, there is the 'classic migraine'. This follows the same pattern as a common migraine, however, it begins to manifest itself by a collection of symptoms that are called an aura. This aura, as described by many sufferers, can include an appearance of flashes, spark-like lights, or bright stars. Vision typically becomes unclear.

This can be accompanied by the individual having difficulty in speaking, detecting strange smells and experiencing weakness. These auras can last between 15 to 30 minutes before the headache starts. Sometimes they can overlap and at times the aura may occur but a headache doesn't. Keep in mind that any migraine will be as unique as the person suffering from it and that these symptoms will vary from one individual to the next.

Migraines can affect anyone but studies indicate that approximately three times as many women will get them as men. They're often found to run in families and the pattern of how often they may occur is as varied as there are people. Whereas someone may only experience it once or twice a year - others are facing it on a weekly basis. The reasoning behind the fact that more women seem to be affected is that some are caused by hormonal fluctuations. As many women can attest to - their monthly period usually heralds the start of one of these headaches. Doctors feel that this is due to the low estrogen levels at this time.

Children can get migraines too but the pain may manifest itself in conjunction with a pain that is diffused more than localized. And it can be accompanied by vomiting and dizziness. Migraines do seem to occur mostly between the ages of twenty to thirty-five and seem to diminish with age.

In recent years the incidence of migraines has increased dramatically, across the board, in all groups.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2009

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