MIGRAINE
A periodic headache, generally with other symptoms
such as nausea and disturbed vision, that almost
incapacitates the individual for as long as the
headache lasts. It is not known why some individuals
have migraine headaches or what triggers them.
Susceptibility to migraine headaches tends to
run in families, suggesting that there may be
some inherited or genetic aspect of the disorder.
In some cases foods have been found to provoke
attacks. In many cases migraines seem to be unrelated
to any of these factors. The nature of the headache
varies from person to person. Some of the symptoms
which occur are nausea, vomiting and sometimes
diarrhea. Bright lights are unbearable, and the
individual may have some visual disturbance, usually
worse in one eye. The image is sometimes described
as misting over or a zig-zag distortion. The pain
is intense, starting at one side of the forehead
and gradually spreading. The eyes may be bloodshot.
The pain can be centered on one side of the head
or the other, and in some cases between the nose
and eye, and both the nose and eyes tend to run.
Although a migraine cannot be cured, it can be
relieved. Contact your doctor if you suspect you
have this disorder.
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