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May 20, 2012
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Migraine Headache

Medical Author:
Amelito Malapira, MD
Medical Editor:
Joseph Carcione Jr, DO, MBA
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James H Halsey, MD

Migraine Headache Overview

Migraine headaches are one of the most common problems seen in emergency departments and doctors' offices. Migraines are due to changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels.

Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours and vary in frequency fromdaily to fewer than 1 per year. Migraine affects about 15% of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. More than 80% of people with migraines (called migraineurs) have other members in the family who have them too.

  • Different types of migraine headaches

    • Common migraine accounts for 80% of migraines. There is no "aura" before a common migraine.

    • People with classic migraines experience an aura before their headaches. Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights or jagged light images). Classic migraines are usually much more severe than common migraines.

    • Status migrainosus is a migraine that does not go away by itself.

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Migraine Headache - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What are your migraine headache symptoms?

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Migraine Headache - Effective Treatments

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What kinds of treatments have been effective for your migraine headache?

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Migraine Headache

Migraine Headache in Children »

Migraine Headache in Children Overview

Migraine headaches are the most common acute and recurrent headache pattern experienced by children. These often incapacitating experiences are noteworthy for their sudden onset and accompanying symptoms of nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and relief by sleep. Doctors focus on ruling out other serious diseases or conditions when they first examine migraineurs (people who have migraines). Treatment consists of finding and avoiding trigger factors in the environment, giving immediate pain relief, and taking preventive drugs.

Migraineurs may present with an array of various signs and symptoms. During a migraine episode, patients often endure the sudden onset of a severe headache located around the eyes, in the forehead region, or in the temples. Some children experience vision changes ("auras") during a headache. A sick feeling in the stomach or vomiting is common. Many children avoid bright lights, loud noises...

Read the Migraine Headache in Children article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Migraine Headache »

Migraines are severe, throbbing headaches frequently located in the temples or frontal head regions.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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