Migraine Headaches

Migraine is thought to be a disorder that results in the swelling and contraction of blood vessels that causes the head to throb, causing the surrounding nerves to feel pain. Some experts believe that migraine is a neurological disorder, but no one really knows for sure. However what is known is that the brain chemical seratonin drops during a migraine, and they also believe that environmental stimuli can cause an imbalance in these brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which might start the process of the swelling of the blood vessels.

The sufferer experiences severe pain, sometimes accompanied by blurred vision, nausea and vomiting. They have neurological symptoms, such as seeing flashing lights, or complaints of tingling on the face and in the limbs.

As a sufferer of migraines myself, I have found that lying down in a dark room without any sound helps, and sometimes when I am so sick with the nausea, I feel better to just go ahead and let myself throw up.

The sufferer experiences great discomfort in bright light or in noisy areas, where there sound is above normal range. He or she will have pain that lasts from 4 to 72 hours and the pain may range from sharp knife-like stabbing pains, to a dull throbbing ache.

Migraine headaches may begin at any age, however young women are more susceptible to the attacks. Migraines tend to run in families. The triggers for migraines can vary with each person afflicted with the disorder.

"Fortunately, management of migraine headache pain has improved dramatically in the last decade. If you've seen a doctor in the past and had no success, it's time to make another appointment. Although there's still no cure, medications can help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches and stop the pain once it has started. The right medicines combined with self-help remedies and changes in lifestyle may make a tremendous difference for you."