Migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.

In some people migraines occurs with warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. Aura is a group of symptoms, usually vision disturbance that serve as warning signs of a bad headache. However, some people do not have such warning signs.

Migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress, certain foods, environmental factors etc. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear.

The headaches tend to appear for the first time between the age of 10 and 46. Occasionally, migraines may occur later in life in a person with no history of such headaches. Migraines occur more often in women than men, and may run in families. Women may have fewer migraines when they are pregnant. Most women with such headaches have fewer attacks during the last two trimesters of pregnancy.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by:

• Alcohol
• Allergic reactions
• Bright lights
• Certain odors or perfumes
• Changes in hormone levels (which can occur during a woman's menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills)
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Exercise
• Loud noises
• Skipped meals
• Physical or emotional stress
• Smoking or exposure to smoke

Certain foods and preservatives in foods may trigger migraines in some people. Food-related triggers may include:

• Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
• Baked goods
• Chocolate
• Dairy products
• Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans
• Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
• Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
• Nuts
• Onions
• Peanut butter

Before the symptoms start there may be a stage of aura in some people which is a "warning sign" that a migraine is coming. The aura occurs in both the eyes and may involve any or all of the following:

• A temporary blind spot
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Seeing stars or zigzag lines
• Tunnel vision

Migraine headache characteristics:

• Dull or severe headache with pain felt behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck
• Throbbing, pounding, or pulsating headache
• Worse on one side of the head
• Start as a dull ache and gets worse within minutes to hours
• Lasts 6 to 48 hours

Occasionally there are following symptoms with headache

• Chills
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Problems concentrating, trouble finding words
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Sweating

Hangover symptoms of migraine

• Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp
• Increased need for sleep
• Neck pain

Your doctor will diagnose this condition after taking your detailed family history, symptoms and by conducting physical examinations. There is no specific test to prove that your headache is actually a migraine. However, your doctor may order a brain MRI or CT scan if you have never had one before.

If you have a migraine with unusual symptoms such as weakness, memory problems, or loss of alertness, an EEGmay be needed to rule out seizures.
A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) might be done.

There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by identifying and preventing factors which triggers your symptoms and to reduce associated symptoms of migraine.

Try to reduce your migraine symptoms in the early stage itself
by doing following:
• Drink water to avoid dehydration, especially if you have vomited
• Rest in a quiet, darkened room
• Place a cool cloth on your head

Many different medications are available for people to reduce the symptoms of migraines. Some of these medications are:
• Nausea medicines such as prochlorperazine
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen
• Sedatives such as butalbital
• Narcotic pain relievers such as meperidine
• Many different medications are available to cure migraine. See your Doctor for the correct prescription

You can prevent the migraine attack by identifying the triggers and avoiding them.

Here are certain tips for preventing migraines
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid artificial sweeteners and other known food-related triggers
• Get regular exercise
• Get plenty of sleep each night
• Learn to relax and reduce stress