Migraines

Migraines are severe, throbbing headaches and may or may not be accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, or other symptoms. It’s estimated that over 10% of the population in the United States suffers from migraine headaches. More women suffer from migraine headaches than men. Migraines are among the most serious classification of headache.

Research suggests that migraines are vascular headaches caused by excessive dilation or contraction of the brain’s blood vessels. Research also suggests that in women, migraines may be linked to fluctuations in hormone levels. Migraines may occur weekly or only several times a year. There is some evidence that may suggest migraines have a genetic component.

Not all painful headaches are migraines. Migraines have certain distinct features distinguishing them from other types of headaches. Look at the below characteristics to see of you have a true migraine or one of the two types most commonly confused with migraines: tension headaches and cluster headaches.

Migraine headaches can last anywhere from four to 72 hours, can involve one or both sides of the head, usually are quite painful. Migraines are typically accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, sound or smells.

Cluster Headaches can last anywhere from thirty to 90 minutes, are on one side of the head and very painful (more painful than migraines)

Tension Headaches can last anywhere from two hours to days, occur on both sides of the head and involve a mild or moderate pain.

If you suspect that you are getting a migraine headache, you should make an appointment with your doctor. He or she can then refer you onto a specialist, a neurologist.