Migraine (type of headache)

Description A common type of he...

Description

A common type of headache. The typical migraine headache is throbbing or pulsating, and often is associated with nausea and intolerance to light and sound. Many people experience an aura, usually visual changes, before the headache. The headache is usually intense and often incapacitating and is frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting and an intolerance to light (photophobia). Migraines are believed to be triggered by brain chemicals, but their exact cause of these headaches is not known. Migraines often first occur during the teenage years and are more common in women. Patients who have family members with migraines are at increased risk to develop these headaches.

Symptoms

Severe headache (throbbing, pounding, pulsating), nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound. An aura may precede the headache consisting of seeing stars or zigzag lines, tunnel vision, or a temporary blind spot.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out other causes of the headaches may be done.

Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Other Specific Tests: Lumbar puncture

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Neurology

Treatment

Therapy depends on the severity of the headaches. Several different types of medications may be used including: ergots like dihydroergotamine, ergots with caffeine (Cafergot); and/or triptans like sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). They can be taken orally, nasally or as a self-injection. Medications to help prevent the frequency and severity of migraines include certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure drugs.