Migraines are a common recognized medical condition which involves a type of recurring, chronic headache. According to statistics, approximately 6 percent of all men and 18 percent of all women have suffered at least one migraine in a year.  In fact, approximately 30 million Americans suffer from migraines.  The condition is caused by abnormal brain activity which can be activated by certain factors such as food or stress.

Although anyone may suffer from migraines, they generally begin with people who are between 10 and 40 and become less frequent in individuals 50 and older.  Migraines affect approximately 11 out of every 100 people, and approximately ¾ of all individuals who suffer from migraines are female.  Some individuals may suffer a few migraines during their entire life, whereas others may suffer from several every single month.  Migraines also tend to run in certain families.

Migraines involve inconsistent characteristics and triggers vary greatly.  Some people will experience relief by applying cold or heat to the area of the head that is affected, but others will find that this only makes their migraine worse.

Migraines With Aura

Migraines are considered a neurological disease of persistent headaches, and they can be with aura or without aura.  This type of headache may be accompanied by other symptoms.  Many migraine sufferers suffer from an early symptom known as an aura, with visual aura being the most common.  Individuals may see zigzag lines, hallucinations, wavy images or bright lights around their field of vision or around objects.  They normally experience this neurological phenomenon called aura 10 to 30 minutes before the actual headache.

Migraines Without Aura

The most common type of migraine is one without aura which may occur on both sides or only one side of your head.  You may suffer from mood changes or feel tired the day before you get the headache.  Many people suffer from photophobia or light sensitivity, vomiting and nausea when they get a migraine without aura.

Migraine Therapies

There are various therapies specifically created to help people manage migraines.  You may need to test several before finding one that works for you.  The class of drugs called triptans may be effective, but resting in a dark, quiet room may also help.  Make sure you drink lots of fluids so you don’t become dehydrated, particularly if you are vomiting.

Migraine Medications

There are many medications available to help you relieve migraine symptoms, but their effectiveness depends on your particular case.  The following medications can be used to prevent migraines:

• Clonidine
• Calcium channel antagonists
• Ergonovine
• Methysergide
• Topiramate (Topamax)
• Valproic acid
• Amitriptyline
• Cyproheptadine
• Propranolol
• Carbamazepine

You may end up taking ergotamine tartrate preparations to constrict the arteries in your head with or without other drugs such as Fioricet, caffeine (Cafergot) or Phenobarbital.  Medications such as Propoxyphene can alleviate inflammation and pain and nausea can be treated with drugs such as Compazine and Reglan.

Migraine Treatment Options

You can treat migraines by focusing on treatment options that focus on prevention, controlling symptoms and avoiding certain triggers.  You should eat regular meals, limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol and develop regular sleeping patterns.  Self-hypnosis and visualization techniques may also help you to treat or even prevent migraines.  Physical therapy and massage therapy can also lower the intensity and frequency of your migraines.  If you suffer from jaw pain, try massaging that area.

If you suffer from typical migraines, you can take Triptans, Amidrine or certain serotonin receptor agonists such as Sumatriptan.  If your migraine is persistent and severe, you may experience relief with intravenous chlorpromazine.  Receiving an injection or suppository of anti-emetics may be required if you are vomiting as a result of migraines.  Botox is a surprising alternative that often relieves chronic or frequent migraines for patients.  Although ergot drugs are expensive, they may be used to prevent further migraines.  Once you determine which triggers cause your migraines, you need to make a concerted effort to avoid them.