Migraines are disabling headaches that most likely stem from problems with the nerves and blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours. They may occur as often as several times a week to only once a year. People who have migraines are called migraineurs. Migraine headaches affect about 15% of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. Over 80% of migraineurs have family members who have migraines. The following types of migraine headache have been identified: • Migraine without aura (common migraine): This type accounts for 80% of migraine headaches. There is no aura before a common migraine. • Migraine with aura (classic migraine): This type is usually preceded by an aura and is usually much worse than a common migraine.Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights or jagged light images). • Status migrainosus: This is the term used to describe a long-lasting migraine that does not go away by itself.
What are Migraine Headaches? Answer: Migraine headaches are headaches that occur on one or both sides of the head. The severe pain associated with migraine headaches usually occurs in the area of the head, near the temples and sometimes behind one eye or ear. Some migraines, called classical migraines are associated with an aura which precedes the onset of the headache. Other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound often occur. Most migraine headaches begin in the morning, however, they can occur at any time of the day. The typical migraine headache lasts from a few hours up to one or two days, although some migraines last longer. Migraine headaches generally affect people between the ages of 15 and 55, although migraines are most common between the ages of 30 to 45. Migraines occur more often in women than in men. In fact, three out of four people with migraines are women and more than 50% of women who have migrain