Migraine headaches

Definition

Migraine headaches are severe, recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last from a few hours to several days and severely impact daily activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Migraines are believed to involve the trigeminal nerve and imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin.
2. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and sensory stimuli.
3. Drugs for treating migraines include triptans, ergotamines, and preventive medications like beta-blockers and anticonvulsants.
4. Non-pharmacological approaches such as lifestyle changes and avoiding known triggers are essential components of migraine management.
5. Patients with migraines should be monitored for medication overuse headache (MOH), which can result from frequent use of acute migraine treatments.

Review Questions

• What are common pharmacological treatments for migraine headaches?
• How do non-pharmacological approaches contribute to the management of migraines?
• What is medication overuse headache (MOH) and how is it related to migraine treatment?

Related terms

Triptans: A class of drugs used to treat acute migraine attacks by stimulating serotonin receptors.

Ergotamines: Medications used to treat migraine headaches by constricting blood vessels around the brain.

Beta-Blockers: Drugs often used as preventive treatments for migraines by stabilizing blood vessel activity.