Migraines are chronic and disabling headaches that affect 12 percent of the American population. While there is no cure, there are several treatments that are often effective at reducing the pain and frequency of headaches.

Identification

According to the National Institute of Health, the symptoms of a migraine headache are pulsing or throbbing, usually on one side of the head, and a sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also experience nausea or vomiting. Migraine headaches may last for hours or even days.

Types

Some migraines are preceded with an aura. This is described as flashing or zigzag lights or a temporary loss of vision.

Features

Migraines are often triggered by stress, anxiety, lack of food or sleep, exposure to light or hormonal changes in women. Women experience migraines three times as often as men. Migraines may begin in childhood, says the Mayo Clinic, but most often occur in people ages 30 to 60.

Treatment

There is no cure at this time for migraine headaches, but there are treatments that can help reduce the pain. Over the counter medications including aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be somewhat helpful. However, regular or daily use can make the headaches worse. Prescription medications, called triptans, may be more successful at treating the pain.

Prevention

Although nothing is 100 percent effective, there are several prescription treatments that can be taken daily to reduce the number of headaches or lessen the pain of an attack. The American Headache Society says the most common of these are blood pressure medications, antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

Source:

American Headache Association

Mayo Clinic

National Institute of Health

More Information:

American Migraine Foundation