Migraine (type of headache)

Description

A common but very special type of headache. The typical migraine is pulsating or throbbing, and often is associated with nausea and intolerance to light and sound. Many people experience an aura, visual changes, which are present prior the headache. The headache is usually intense and often making the patient incapable for normal functioning. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting and an intolerance to light (photophobia). It is believed that migraines are triggered by brain chemistry, but their exact cause is not known. Migraines often first occur during the teenage years and are more common in women. Patients who have family members with migraine are at increased risk to develop these headaches.

Symptoms

Severe headache (throbbing, beating, pulsating), nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sounds. An aura may precede the headache consisting of vision of stars or zigzag lines, vision of tunnels or temporary blind spots.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Tests for excluding causes of other symptoms may be done.

Tests

CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Additional analyses

Lumbar puntion

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Neurology

Therapy

Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Several different types of medicines may be used, including: dihydroergotamine, and/or triptans like sumatriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan, and zolmitriptan. They can be taken orally, nasally or in form of injection. Treatment for prevention of the frequency and severity of migraines may also include certain antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and anti-seizure drugs.