Migraine

A migraine is a common kind of headache that the pain is felt only on one side of the head. A migraine is caused by a combination of vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels. During a migraine attack, the temporal artery enlarges, it is an artery that lies on the outside of the skull just under the skin of the temple.

It may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and loud noises. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46 and may run in families. Migraines occur more often in women than men. Pregnancy may reduce the number of migraines attacks. At least 60 percent of women with a history of migraines have fewer such headaches during the last two trimesters of pregnancy.

There is no specific treatment for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by avoiding or altering triggers. When you get migraine symptoms, try to treat them right away for example rest in a quiet room and try placing a cool cloth on your head. The headache may be less severe.

What should migraine sufferers do? You have to avoid smoking, alcohol, exercise regularly, get enough sleep each night, don`t skip meals, limit caffeine consumption to less than two caffeine-containing beverages a day, and avoiding prolonged fasting,learn to relax and reduce stress to prevent migraine.