Migraine Basics - What is Migraine

Migraine is a painful neurological condition, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Some individuals can predict the onset of a migraine because it is preceded by an "aura," visual disturbances that appear as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or behind one eye or ear. Migraine is a form of headache which is severe and usually one sided, frequently associated with nausea and vomiting. Migraine is a frustrating chronic illness that is widespread in the population (10% diagnosed, 5% undiagnosed), with seriousness varying from a rare annoyance to a life-threatening daily experience. Migraine pain can be excruciating and may incapacitate you for hours or even days. The simplest treatment, applying warm hot water or cold water soaked cloths to the affected area of head, is contradictory hot or cold can either increase or decrease pain, though it is consistent in the same patient. These swollen blood vessels send pain signals to the brainstem, an area of the brain that processes pain information. The pain of migraine is a ýreferredý pain that is typically felt around the eye or temple area. Pain can also occur in the face, sinus, jaw or neck area. Diagnosis of migraine headache is made by establishing the history of the migraine-related symptoms and other headache characteristics as well as a family history of similar headaches. 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.