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Migraine Headache | www.dailyrx.com

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Migraine headaches affect 6% of men (9 million) and 18% (27.5 million) of women in the United States. Migraines are typically on one side of the head, and produce a pulsing, debilitating pain, often along with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last anywhere from a few hours to over a few days. Sometimes patients experience an aura, or a perception of strange light or smells that indicate the headache is coming. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although it is generally considered that nerve pathways and neurotransmitters are involved. Many migraine sufferers have triggers that cause headaches, such as stress, hunger, or fatigue, among many others. Diagnosis is made by severity, headache characteristics, and how often they occur. Treatment is either acute (NSAIDs, ibuprofen, naproxen) or preventative (Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax). Anti-depressants (Effexor, Cymbalta, amitryptylene) and anti-convulsants (Depakote, Neurontin, Topamax) have also been shown to be preventative.