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One of the most common migraine symptoms is an intense throbbing pain that is usually situated on only one side of the head close to the temple. Migraines, unlike normal headaches, are also frequently accompanied by additional symptoms that can include sensitivity to noise and light, nausea and occasionally vomiting.

Migraines are fairly common and affect about 10% of the population of the United States, or over 28 million Americans. They are also far more commonly seen in women than in men (about 3 times more women suffer from migraines) and can also be see occasionally in children.

Although migraine headaches are so common and normally very painful with attacks lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days, only roughly 50% of all sufferers ever consult their doctor and the remainder choose to suffer in silence.

These headaches had long been thought to be were the result of a of dilation of the blood vessels in the head but, despite the fact that there is no general agreement, medical opinion appears to be changing in favor of a genetic cause for this condition. Current thinking is that migraine headaches are produced by the interaction of brain chemicals like serotonin with the nerve cells. Currently however the truth of the matter is that we really do not know what cause migraines.

There are in fact two different forms of the condition, the first of which is known as 'classical migraine'and is characterized by an associated 'aura'. In this case 'aura' refers to visual light effects which are experienced just prior to the arrival of a headache including such things as flashing lights and bright light spots. In a few people a total loss of vision may be experienced for some minutes before the start of the headache.

The second form of the condition is a migraine without the 'aura'.

In exactly the same way that we do not really know what causes a migraine headache, we also have very little idea about just what triggers an attack, though there are a number of factors which do seem likely to trigger an attack in sufferers. For example, too much sleep seems to be one factor, as does skipping meals or eating certain types of food such as cheese.

Hormonal factors are also thought to influence the onset and severity of attacks and this is evidenced the higher incidence of migraines among women. In part this is thought to be because of the effect of estrogen on the blood vessels and it has been noted in some studies that there is a connection between contraceptive pills (containing estrogen) and migraines.

Just to confuse matters however studies have also demonstrated that everyday activities such as climbing stairs can trigger a migraine attack, as can exposure to heat or cold, loud noises, flashing lights and occasionally stress.

Happily, there are a variety of migraine treatments available, although no one treatment is really effective in all cases. Over-the-counter medications are however seldom effective and, if you suffer from migraines, you would be best advised to ask your doctor for help in finding a solution which works for you.