MIGRAINE

Migraine is a form of headache that is severe and usually one sided, and it is frequently associated with nausea and vomiting. This is sometimes preceded by warning symptoms, which usually affect the eyesight and are known as an "aura".

People sometimes feel “not quite right” prior to a migraine (e.g., depressed, unusually happy or hungry), and in addition may suffer from visual changes (e.g., flashing, zig-zag lines, or a blind spot). Sometimes the symptoms are even more extreme.

The headache is usually one sided although it is not invariably the same side. Quite quickly nausea and vomiting may follow. The bowels may also be affected, and in children sometimes there is no headache but abdominal pain instead.

Each person is different but there are some "trigger" factors that are commonly involved:

  • Tiredness
  • Physical exhaustion
  • Stress
  • Climatic change
  • Hormones
  • Foods (e.g. caffeine, cheeses, chocolate, red wine)

Source: Medinfo®