Migraine headaches cause severe pain that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. This eMedTV resource discusses these headaches in detail, including their causes, triggers, symptoms, and treatment options.
This eMedTV article explains that while there are several different types of migraines, the most common types are migraine with aura and migraine without aura. This page covers some of the various forms of migraines and how they differ from each other.
As this eMedTV page explains, the cause of migraine headaches could potentially be associated with blood flow changes in the brain, an imbalance of brain chemicals, or genetics. This page offers an overview of each of these possible causes.
People with migraines often have a moderate-to-severe headache affecting one side of the body. This eMedTV page describes other common migraine symptoms (like a lack of appetite), as well as the "auras" some people have before their migraines start.
Physical, psychological, and environmental factors that can cause migraines are known as migraine triggers. This eMedTV segment offers a list of common triggers of this type of headache, such as stress, anxiety, and bright light or loud noise.
There are only a small number of people who have migraines that are triggered only by food. This eMedTV segment lists various food triggers and explains how to determine if they are causing a migraine attack for you.
This eMedTV page describes tests that a healthcare provider may use to make a migraines diagnosis, such as a physical exam, MRIs, and CT scans. This page also lists some of the conditions besides migraines that can cause headaches (such as sinusitis).
Pain relief and preventing migraine attacks are the primary goals of migraine treatments. This page on the eMedTV Web site describes these treatments in detail, including medications, biofeedback training, and stress reduction, among others.
This eMedTV page explains that, for most people, there is no special "migraine diet" that can decrease the chances of developing migraines. But this article describes dietary changes you can make if you have migraines that seem to be triggered by food.
Pain relief and the prevention of future migraine attacks are the goals of migraine treatment. This eMedTV resource discusses in detail the different migraine medications that are available, including triptans, NSAIDs, caffeine, and antidepressants.
Some people with migraines may experience as much benefit from acupuncture as from traditional drugs. This eMedTV page discusses the results of research studies on preventing migraines with acupuncture, including tips on finding a practitioner.
Biofeedback for migraines can be beneficial in teaching people how to control body function indicators. This eMedTV page explains how biofeedback for migraines can help you control factors like blood pressure, temperature, and brain waves.
Research involving feverfew for migraines has produced mixed results. This page on the eMedTV site discusses the results of these studies, as well as some possible side effects of feverfew and precautions to be aware of before taking it.
As this eMedTV page explains, migraine prevention starts with understanding triggers and finding healthy ways to cope with stress. This article explains how lifestyle changes, medications, and alternative therapies can help prevent this type of headache.
As this eMedTV page explains, 3 out of every 4 people with migraines are women -- and migraines in women tend to be more painful and longer-lasting. This page covers factors that can contribute to migraines in women (such as using oral contraceptives).
During pregnancy, migraine treatment may oftentimes be administered differently. This article from the eMedTV library offers precautions and tips for women who are handling both pregnancy and migraines.
Certain medical conditions can interfere with a person's work, and migraines can be one of them. This eMedTV page list things an employer can do to accommodate an employee with migraines (for example, changing the lighting in the employee's cubicle).
This eMedTV page explains the importance of keeping a migraine diary, a tool with which to document the frequency and severity of migraines, as well as the factors that may play a role in developing migraines. This article also provides a sample diary.
Learning how to better manage stress can be an integral part of preventing migraines. This eMedTV page explains various approaches to preventing and managing stress-related migraines, such as getting enough sleep and doing yoga or exercise.
