Migraine is a type of chronic (recurrent), severe headache that is frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and/or sensitivity to sound (phonophobia). Some people may also experience a visual disturbance (aura) before the headache and other symptoms begin, where the visual field becomes blurred, distorted or flickering lights, zig-zag lines or blind spots appear. Speech may also become impaired due to a reduction of the blood supply to the word store. Attacks can last between 4 and 72 hours.
It is thought that migraines affect almost 6 million people in the UK, with three times as many women affected than men. They are most common in people aged between 25 and 55, but can also develop in children and adolescents.
This section takes a look at the different causes, types and symptoms of migraine headaches, and offers some useful advice on how they may be diagnosed and treated.
Favourites (IE)
Print This
Email This
