What Is Migraine? Migraine is a disorder characterized by repeated attacks of severe headache. A migraine headache causes throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on only one side of the head. These headaches are often associated with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound; they generally last between four hours and three days. Migraine headaches, which are often misdiagnosed as sinus or tension headaches, are severe enough to interfere with sleep, work, and other everyday activities.
Migraine Triggers
Changes in emotional stress levels.
Increased stress at home or at work can trigger a headache, as can a reduction in stress, such as finishing an important project or going on vacation.
Certain foods and chemicals, including chocolate, alcohol, nuts, monosodium glutamate (MSG), aged cheeses, processed meats such as hot dogs or cold cuts, high levels of caffeine, and aspartame (the artificial sweetener in Equal and NutraSweet)
Hunger or dehydration, especially when caused by a skipped meal
Changing weather conditions, including barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature
Changes to sleep patterns, whether getting more or less sleep than normal
Bright lights, such as direct sunlight without sunglasses or light emitted from a movie screen
Loud sounds, such as construction equipment or a concert
Strong odors, such as excessive perfume, cologne, or air freshener
Intense physical activity including exercise, lifting heavy objects, or sexual activity
Hormonal changes in women, whether related to menstrual period, pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy for menopause
