Migraine Headaches

Relief from Migraine Headache Pain

Causes and symptoms of migraine.

Migraines are painful, sometimes debilitating headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, and smell. These throbbing headaches usually occur on only one side of the head, although the pain can shift from one side of the head to the other, or can occur on both sides simultaneously. Migraines involve changes in chemicals and blood vessels in the brain, which trigger pain signals leading to headache and other symptoms.

Causes

Migraines run in families, and a genetic link has been identified. However, it is not entirely clear why some people get migraines and others do not. Migraines seem to develop from overactive electrical impulses in the brain that increase blood flow and cause widening (dilation) of blood vessels and inflammation. This activates pain signals and other symptoms, such as nausea. The more inflammation there is, the more intense the migraine.

Although the exact cause of migraine headaches is not clear, a genetic factor has been identified. The mechanism that causes migraines appears to be a complex progression of biochemical and vascular changes in the brain. The sequence of events is poorly understood; however, it seems to involve widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain, triggering changes in brain chemicals, inflammation, and activation of pain signals.

Symptoms

Migraine headache symptoms vary and may occur with or without an aura (neurological disturbances prior to the headache). Common characteristics of migraine include:

• Throbbing or pulsating headache on one side of your head
• Moderate to severe headache intensity
• Worsening of headache with routine physical activity
• Nausea, vomiting, or both
• Sensitivity to light and noise, and sometimes smells

A migraine aura may occur within 30 minutes before a migraine begins. Auras typically involve visual disturbances such as blind spots, wavy lines, or flashing lights, or tingling in your hands. Less commonly, aura causes numbness in your arms, shoulders, or face, problems putting the right words in order, or weakness on one side of your body.

There are several types of migraine headaches, each with unique features.

It can be difficult to distinguish migraines from other types of headaches. Sinus headache or tension headaches have similar symptoms as migraines. Unlike other headaches, however, migraines usually occur on one side of your head, although the side that is affected can shift with each new attack. Migraines are also often accompanied by sensitivity to light and noise.

Migraines can be disabling. If they prevent you from performing your daily tasks, working, or going school, you should seek help from a doctor. Most people experience only temporary disability from migraine attacks.

Migraines may occur along with many other conditions such as asthma or depression. More serious conditions, such as tumors or infections, can also cause migraine-like symptoms. Headaches due to more serious health problems are rare.

To schedule a referral or appointment, please call our migraine pain management specialists in Schaumberg and Chicago at 847-352-5511 or use our online appointment request form today!