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Migraines are painful, sometimes debilitating headaches that often are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise and smell. These throbbing headaches usually occur on only one side of the head, although the pain can shift from one side of the head to the other, or can occur on both sides simultaneously.
Migraines involve changes in chemicals and blood vessels in the brain, which trigger pain signals leading to headache and other symptoms.
These are common migraine triggers:
- Consuming certain substances such as chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), red wine and caffeine
- Getting too much or not enough sleep
- Fasting or skipping meals
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- Changes in the weather or barometric pressure
- Stress or intense emotions
- Strong odors or cigarette smoke
- Bright lights or reflected sunlight.
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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a
doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about a health
condition, contact your doctor.
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Talk with your physician about a treatment plan and other ways to reduce the severity and prevent recurrence of your headaches, such as:
- Identifying and avoiding triggers that cause your headaches
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding overuse of pain relievers to reduce rebound headaches
- Carrying medications with you to promptly treat an emerging headache
- Trying medications with minimal side effects, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs)
- Exercising regularly, eating healthful foods and managing stress
- Working with your physician to identify the best treatment for your headaches.
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The proper treatment for migraines depends on several factors, such as the frequency of the migraine and its cause. Treatment may include education, counseling, stress management, biofeedback and medications.
Often doctors recommend:
- NSAIDs — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen)
- If NSAIDs do not effectively treat migraines, your doctor may suggest prescription medications that prevent or treat migraines
- Nontraditional treatments, such as acupuncture or the herb “feverfew,” may be added to medication treatment to help reduce pain or the frequency of migraines. However, more research is needed to confirm the benefits of these alternative therapies.
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For more information on migraines, login
to WebMD and visit the Headache Condition Center.
Other helpful resources include:
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