Migraine symptoms
Migraine is a brain disease characterized by attacks of pounding headaches usually on one side of the head. There are different types of migraines. Sometimes at the beginning of an attack, you may see spots in front of your eyes or feel tingling in your body. This is called migraine with aura. Migraine can also occur without aura, in which case there is only a headache. The headache attacks can last from four hours to three days. During a migraine attack, you may also experience headaches, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. If you are not sure whether you have a migraine, we recommend you make an appointment with your GP.
Types of migraines
On average, migraine is three times more common in women than in men. This is because women have varying levels of the hormone estrogen due to the menstrual cycle. These varying levels of estrogen can cause migraine. We speak of menstrual migraine when you suffer from migraine 2 days before your period until day 3 of your period. If you suffer from migraine at other times besides menstruation, it is called menstruation-related migraine. Chronic migraine is diagnosed when you suffer from headaches more than 15 days per month, including 8 days with migraine. Please note that the cause of chronic migraine is often the long-term use of painkillers.
What is the cause of migraines?
Science has not yet determined the exact origin of migraine. What is known is that migraineurs are generally more sensitive to certain stimuli that can trigger migraine attacks. These stimuli can come from outside or inside the body. For example, too much caffeine intake, relaxation after a period of stress, weather changes and an irregular sleep rhythm. Avoiding the stimuli to which you are sensitive can prevent migraine. Are you curious about which stimuli you may be sensitive to? Then take this test to find out how you can prevent migraines.
Are you curious about how migraine is treated and how to prevent them? Then read our other pages: Treatment and Prevention
If you have any further questions about the website, we recommend you contact your physician.