Migraine is a neurological disorder that generally involves recurring headaches. Other symptoms may occur with the headaches. Migraines are often classified based on whether they include an early symptom called an aura. Most migraines do not have this aura stage.

See also:

• Headache
• Migraine
• Migraine with aura

Migraine headaches affect about 11 out of 100 people. They are a common type of chronic, recurring headache. They most commonly occur in women and usually begin between the ages of 10 and 46. In some cases, they appear to run in families.

A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress, food, or some other factor. The exact chain of events is not known. However, it seems to involve various nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. These changes affect the flow of blood in the brain and surrounding membranes.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by:

• Allergic reactions
• Bright lights and loud noises
• Relaxation after a period of physical or mental stress
• Prolonged muscle tension (or tension headache)
• Lack of sleep
• Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
• Missed meals
• Specific foods
• Alcohol
• Menstrual periods
• Birth control pills

Foods that have been associated with migraine in some people include those containing the amino acid tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, some beans), chocolates, nuts, peanut butter, fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit), onions, dairy products, baked goods, meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats), foods containing monosodium glutamate (an additive in many foods), and any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods.

Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing, pulsating headache
  • Usually worse on the sides of the forehead
  • May be on only one side of the forehead
  • May be severe or dull
  • Commonly lasts 6 to 48 hours
• Dizziness
• Feeling that the room is moving (vertigo)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

The symptoms after an attack may include:

• Dullness
• Need for more sleep
• Neck pain

A migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache, but only rarely includes any early warning symptoms. (See migraine with aura.)

A health care provider should be consulted to rule out other disorders that may be causing the headache. This is especially true if the headache:

• Disturbs sleep
• Occurs whenever the person is active
• Is severe (especially in a previously well person) or persistent
• If other symptoms accompany the headache (such as drowsiness, vision changes, changes in movement or sensation, seizures, changes in alertness, nausea and vomiting, or other symptoms)

Migraine headache may be diagnosed by the health care provider based on the pattern of symptoms, history of migraines in the family and response to treatment. A physical examination will reveal no detectable abnormalities.