Migraine: What IS it?
One of the myths associated with Migraine is that it is simply a very bad headache. Migraine is actually a genetically-based disease. A headache is only a symptom of that disease.

Migraine has many symptoms including visual disturbances, sensitivity to sound and light, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to feel and touch, and vertigo. During an attack, Migraineurs, people who suffer from Migraine, may also have problems speaking and remembering the correct words for what they're trying to say. One Migraine episode can last hours, days, or weeks, leaving the Migraineur virtually disabled for that period of time.

The exact cause of Migraine is still uncertain, but it is known to be an inherited disease. People who have a parent with Migraine have a 50% chance of also suffering Migraine. The most prevalent theory of the cause of Migraine is that chemical changes in the blood vessels supplying the brain and its coverings cause constriction (narrowing) and dilation (widening) of the blood vessels. Contrary to Migraine myth, the cause of Migraine is not psychological.

A Migraine attack is induced by various triggers, some controllable and some not. Controllable triggers include bright light, various foods, and alcohol. Uncontrollable triggers include weather patterns and menstrual cycles. The triggers that cause Migraine are many and vary from person to person.

Some Migraine episodes come on very quickly, with little or no warning. In 30 to 40% of patients, a period called the prodrome occurs hours or days before the attack. During the prodrome, mood changes, increased frequency of urination, food cravings, stiff neck, and other symptoms may be experienced. Sometimes, medications taken during this period can help avert the attack. Unfortunately, patients sometimes either don't notice or misunderstand the symptoms of the prodrome. The prodrome may be followed by an aura, symptoms that can last for up to an hour just prior to the headache stage of an attack. Symptoms that can occur during the aura include visual disturbances; hypersensitivity to light sound, odors, touch and feel; vertigo; and speech disruptions.  Again, if the aura occurs and is noticed, sometimes medications taken at this time can head off or lessen the severity of the ensuing headache. The headache itself varies in characteristics, and usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours. The period after the headache is called the postdrome, and can last up to 24 hours after the headache ends. Symptoms that persist through the postdrome include, moodiness, lack of concentration, and weakness.

In addition to medications to treat the symptoms of Migraine, there are several classes of drugs being used to help prevent Migraine episodes. In addition, alternative and complementary methods such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques are being employed both as preventatives and as treatments during episodes.

Migraine is a genetically-based, disabling, under-diagnosed, under-treated, and often misunderstood disease. As research into cause, treatment, and prevention continue, Migraineurs have more choices and hope now than they did before.