Migraine
Information Page |
NINDS is part of the
National Institutes of
Health
Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Migraine?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus
What is Migraine?
The pain of a migraine headache is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. It is
often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine is three times more common in
women than in men. 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. People with migraine tend to have recurring attacks
triggered by a lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, or hormonal irregularities (only in women). Anxiety, stress, or relaxation
after stress can also be triggers. For many years, scientists believed that migraines were linked to the dilation and constriction
of blood vessels in the head. Investigators now believe that migraine is caused by inherited abnormalities in genes that control
the activities of certain cell populations in the brain.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
American Council for Headache Education 19 Mantua Road Mt. Royal, NJ 08061 achehq@talley.com http://www.achenet.org Tel: 856-423-0258 800-255-ACHE (255-2243) Fax: 856-423-0082 |
National Headache Foundation 820 N. Orleans Suite 217 Chicago, IL 60610-3132 info@headaches.org http://www.headaches.org Tel: 312-274-2650 888-NHF-5552 (643-5552) Fax: 312-640-9049 |
Migraine Research Foundation 300 East 75th Street Suite 3K New York, NY 10021 info@migraineresearchfoundation.org http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org Tel: 212-249-5402 Fax: 212-249-5405 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated July 31, 2008