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Migraine is a recurrent headache disorder with intense pain that may be unilateral (one-sided) and accompanied by nausea or vomiting as well as photosensitivity (sensitivity to light) and phonosensitivity (sensitivity to sound). The lifetime prevalence is 25% in women and 8% in men. Migraine also affects about 5% to 10% of children and adolescents. Some people who have migraine headaches experience an aura (temporary disturbance of the senses or muscles) in the minutes before the onset of pain. The aura may consist of seeing flashing lights, having numbness or tingling in the face or extremities, having a disturbed sense of smell, or having difficulty speaking. However, only about one-third of individuals who have migraine headaches experience auras. Migraines are painful but fortunately are not life-threatening. The June 24, 2009, issue of JAMA includes an article about migraine headache.

CAUSES

The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown. Current research suggests that . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Carolyn J. Hildreth, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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