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Migraine Headache Introduction |
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Migraine headaches
are recurrent episodes of head pain.
These particular headaches are
characterized by pulsatile and
unilateral pain, long durations, and
are often associate with nausea,
vomiting, and/or a sensitivity to
light (photophobia). [1]
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It is theorized that migraine
headaches are caused by
the vasodilation of the blood vessels in
the head. Although its exact mechanism
of action is unknown, platelet
aggregation, serotonin metabolism,
inflammatory prostaglandins, and
histamine production are all thought to
play a role in the development of
this condition. [2]
Migraines can be
classified into three types: common,
classic, and complicated.
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Common migraines:
account for 80% of migraines, last
1-3 days, have frontal and one-sided
pain, and no other symptoms.
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Classic
migraines: account
for nearly 10% of all cases, last 2-6 hours,
are unilateral, have an aura, and
may present with nausea, vomiting,
and pallor.
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Complicated
migraines: account for 10% of
cases also, last for an extended
period of time, pain can be present
anywhere and may even be absent.
Additionally, there is an aura,
vertigo, faintness, and mild
neurological impairment, such as
temporary loss of speech and
paralysis. [3]
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Migraine Symptoms and Statistics
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Migraines may
be preceded by a prodromal period of
depression, anorexia, irritability,
and restlessness. 10-20% of
migraines also present with
conditions caused by prodromal auras. An
aura is an irreversible change in
vision, motor, or language skills
perceived by the patient and others. The aura usually appears 1 hour
before the onset of the migraine.
Migraines usually follow a
pattern, but can present on
different sides of the head. Attacks
can be a daily occurrence or be
sporadic in nature, only affecting
persons 3-4 times per
year. Pain is described as a throbbing
or pounding sensation that can last from hours to days. [4]
Besides pain,
individuals with migraines may be
subject to nausea and vomiting. They
may also experience vertigo
(dizziness), fainting, double
vision, and numbness or tingling in
a limb. In extreme cases, individuals
can have speech deficits, limb
paralysis, and palsy's of the
cranial nerve III. [5]
Migraine
Statistics:
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It is estimated
that 28 million Americans suffer
from migraines. This equates
to 1 in 9
persons suffering from a specific
form of migraine headache; or 1
out of every 4 households..
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It is also
estimated that as many as 14
million cases of migraine remain
undiagnosed. 75% of
individuals (
21 million) suffering from
migraines are women. [6]
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The most common
ages of occurrence are between 10
and 40, while most migraines
usually resolving by age 50. This fact may be,
in large part, due to menopause
in women (with women being the
largest group affected). 50% of
individuals with migraines have a
strong family history of the
condition. [7]
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Learn More About
Migraine |
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