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Migraine is a type of headache. They aren't ordinary headaches. They are vascular headaches that occur when blood vessels surrounding the brain expand and cause pulsating pain. Migraines usually occur in episodes or "attacks." Attacks may last anywhere from 4 hours to as long as 72 hours. The pain of a migraine headache is generally moderate to severe and can disrupt normal activities. It may feel like it is throbbing or pulsating, and may be located on one side of the head. The pain is usually aggravated by activity and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. |
Women are three times as likely as men to suffer from migraines, probably due to hormonal changes they experience during menstruation and ovulation. In fact, 18% of all women are affected by this condition. Migraines are thought to affect up to 20% of the population. Studies have shown that up to 59% of women and 70% of men who suffer from migraine have never been diagnosed by a doctor.
Many people who experience migraines have pain and other symptoms so severe that they only want to lie down in a dark room and go to sleep. This, obviously, is very disruptive to their lives. However, migraine can be treated with medication. Today, there are a number of drugs available to either help prevent migraines or treat them after they begin.
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