Migraine Headache FAQs

1. A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow
2. Surprising Migraine Triggers Slideshow
3. Take the Migraines Quiz

• 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 on Migraines

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 a signifigant percentage of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. Most 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 most migraine headaches. There is no aura before a common migraine.
• 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).
• Status migrainosus: This is the term used to describe a long-lasting migraine that does not go away by itself.

Although migraine headaches are excruciating, they are seldom life threatening. They are harmful to a person's quality of life, however. They sometimes cause depression and/or anxiety disorders, especially if the headaches are uncontrolled by medication or other therapies. Doctors conduct thorough examinations and tests of persons with migraine headaches in order to rule out truly life-threatening possibilities like tumors or bleeding in the brain.

Not all severe headaches are migraines. Headaches can be warnings of more serious conditions. The following signs (what doctors find) or symptoms (what patients report) are reasons for concern:

• Headaches associated with other neurological (relating to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves) signs or symptoms (for example, diplopia [seeing double], loss of sensation, weakness, ataxia [clumsiness])
• Headaches that have an abrupt onset (come on very fast)
• Headaches that do not go away, especially if they last longer than 72 hours
• Headaches that first occur after age 55 years
• Headaches that develop after head injury or major trauma
• Headaches accompanied by a stiff neck or fever
• Headaches in a person who does not have a clear family history of migraine headaches

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