Headache at Its Worst: The Pain of Migraines

Approximately 26 million American – 70% of them women – suffer from migraine headaches.  These excruciating episodes can incapacitate the sufferer for hours or days, and can have a tremendous impact on his or her quality of life.

A migraine headache is classified as an episodic, recurrent, throbbing headache that is usually on one side of the head.  A migraine can last for several hours to several days, and is often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting.  There are two types of migraines:  Classic and Common.  A classic migraine is a migraine that is preceded by visual disturbances (flashing lights, jagged line, distorted images), and neurological symptoms (numbness or weakness on one side of the body, severe dizziness, difficulty speaking).   A common migraine is simply a migraine that sets in without indication.  However, many common migraine sufferers do have subtle indications that a headache is looming several hours before the migraine begins. 

The exact cause of migraine headaches is not understood.  Experts do know that migraines are hereditary, with 60% of adults with migraines and 90% of children with migraines reporting a family history of the condition.  The primary reason for migraine pain is widely believed to be abnormal constriction and dilation of blood vessels surrounding the brain.  One theory blames changes in the trigeminal nerve system – a major pathway in the brain - and another suspects that imbalances in the brain chemical serotonin might be the culprit.

Whatever the exact cause may be, something must trigger a migraine attack.  Triggers, however, don’t cause the pain, but rather activate a chemical imbalance that already exists.  Between 8% - 25% of people with migraines consider a particular food to be a trigger.  Common trigger foods are:  alcoholic beverages, pickled foods, chocolate and food additives such as monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrate, aspartame and caffeine.

If you have severe headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as acetaminophen, like Tylenol, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), like Motrin or Nuprin, you should see your doctor.

A doctor can usually diagnose migraines based on your medical history and physical exam.  If your headaches are unusual or come on suddenly, the doctor may recommend tests such as x-rays or a MRI to rule out any other serious conditions, like a tumor.  However, most headaches do not signal another serious medical condition.