MIGRAINE

Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily perceptions, severe headaches, and nausea. http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/article.htm

Migraine is a severe headache which frequently occurs on one side of the head only. It is characterized by throbbing and associated with one or more of the following symptoms:

• Sensitivity to light 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Flashes or patterns of light may precede the headache.

Women are twice as likely as men to experience these headaches and some evidence suggests that migraine headaches are inherited. They can occur at intervals ranging from one day to several years. At the onset of migraine headache, blood vessels within the head constrict. This may cause a decease in blood flow to the surface of the brain. A dilation of blood vessel of the head and scalp then occurs, setting off a chain of reactions that result in the headache. Among some of the changes associated with migraine is reduced level of enkephalins, the brain's pain relieving chemicals.
Hormone level changes(such as those experienced by women during menopause or menstruation) and stress can precipitate migraine headaches in susceptible individuals. Several treatments have been successful in helping migraine sufferers. Such treatments include medications that thwart the excessive expansion of blood vessels and abort the attack and others which stabilize blood- vessel ton and prevent subsequent attacks.
If you suspect you have migraines, please endeavor to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.