Migraines are a common type of vascular headache caused by abnormal sensitivity of brain arteries and changes in brain chemicals like serotonin. Migraines typically cause pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head as well as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms. They can be treated with pain relievers at onset of headaches or preventive medications taken daily to reduce frequency of attacks. Genetics and environmental triggers play a role in migraines.

1. MIGRAINE HEADACHES
Prepared by Marcus E. Britt

2. DEFINITION OF A MIGRAINE HEADACHE
 The most common type of vascular headache involving abnormal sensitivity of
arteries in the brain to various triggers resulting in rapid changes in the artery size
due to spasm (constriction). Other arteries in the brain and scalp then open (dilate),
and throbbing pain is perceived in the head. The tendency to migraine is inherited and
appears to involve serotonin, a chemical in the brain involved in the transmission of
nerve impulses that trigger the release of substances in the blood vessels that in turn
cause the pain of the migraine. These nerve impulses cause the flashing lights and
other sensory phenomena known as an aura that may accompany a migraine. Not all
severe headaches are migraines and not all migraines are severe.

3. CAUSES

4. CAUSES (CONTINUED)
 Although much about the cause of migraines isn't understood, genetics and
environmental factors appear to play a role.
 Migraines may be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the
trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway.
 Imbalances in brain chemicals — including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in
your nervous system — also may be involved. Researchers continue to study the role
of serotonin in migraines.
 Serotonin levels drop during migraine attacks. This may cause your trigeminal
system to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain's outer
covering (meninges). The result is headache pain.
Common migraine triggers include: hormonal changes in women, food, food additives,
stress, sensory stimuli, changes in wake-sleep pattern, physical factors, changes in
environment, changes in climate and medications.

5. SYMPTOMS
Migraines may progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache
(attack) and postdrome.
Prodrome
 One or two days before a migraine, you may notice subtle changes that signify an oncoming
migraine, including:
 Constipation
 Depression
 Food cravings
 Hyperactivity
 Irritability
 Neck stiffness
 Uncontrollable yawning
Aura
 Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light
 Vision loss
 Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg
 Speech or language problems (aphasia)

6. SYMPTOMS (CONTINUED)
Migraines may progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache
(attack) and postdrome.
Headache (attack)
 Pain on one side or both sides of your head
 Pain that has a pulsating, throbbing quality
 Sensitivity to light, sounds and sometimes smells
 Nausea and vomiting
 Blurred vision
 Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting
Postdrome
 The final phase, known as postdrome, occurs after a migraine attack. During this time you may
feel drained and washed out, though some people report feeling mildly euphoric.

7. TREATMENT
Migraine headaches are commonly treated with pain-relieving medications at the onset of the
headaches itself or with preventive medications usually taken on a daily basis to prevent
headaches from occurring.
 Pain-relieving medications are usually used in the form of some type of ibuprofen or
acetaminophen, but triptans are also used. Triptans work by promoting constriction of blood
vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain.
 Preventive medications are usually used in the form of cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, anti-
seizure drugs, botox and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
 In some extreme cases, opioid medications are used. These medications contain codeine and are
used for those who can’t take triptans, but because they contain narcotics are only used as a last
resort. In addition to opioids, there have also been a number of recent studies to determine if
cannabis may a viable form of treatment for migraine headaches.

8. STATISTICS
Statistics are based
on numbers recorded
in 2013.

9. REFERENCES
The Neurology & Headache Treatment Center (2008). How Migraines Work. Retrieved from http://www.headache-
treatment-options.com/how-migraines-work.html
Mayo Clinic Staff (2013, June 4). Diseases and Conditions – Migraine (symptoms). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/symptoms/con-20026358
Mayo Clinic Staff (2013, June 4). Diseases and Conditions – Migraine (causes). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/causes/con-20026358
Mayo Clinic Staff (2013, June 4). Diseases and Conditions – Migraine (treatment). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/treatment/con-20026358
Definition of Migraine headache (2013, August 28). Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4388
The Causes of Migraines (2012, October 14). Retrieved from http://www.livingwithmigraines.info/the-cause-of-
migraines-2/
James (2013, August 12). Headache and Migraine Population. Retrieved from
http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/headache-and-migraine-population/