Migraine Headache FAQs

• What are migraine headaches?
• How dangerous are migraine headaches?
• What causes migraine headaches?
• What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
• Who gets migraine headaches?
• Should a person with migraine headaches see a doctor?
• What tests are done for people with migraine headaches?
• How are migraine headaches treated?
• What can be done to prevent migraine headaches?
• Will migraine headaches eventually go away on their own?
• For More Information
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• Authors and Editors

What are migraine headaches?

Migraines are disabling headaches that most likely stem from problems with the nerves and blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours. They may occur as often as several times a week to only once a year. People who have migraines are called migraineurs.

Migraine headaches affect about 15% of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. Over 80% of migraineurs have family members who have migraines. The following types of migraine headache have been identified:

• Migraine without aura (common migraine): This type accounts for 80% of migraine headaches. There is no aura before a common migraine.
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• Migraine with aura (classic migraine): This type is usually preceded by an aura and is usually much worse than a common migraine. Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights or jagged light images). 
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• Status migrainosus: This is the term used to describe a long-lasting migraine that does not go away by itself.