allaboutmigraine.com

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For some, migraines are infrequent. On the other side of the spectrum are people who have frequent recurrences and whose lives can be debilitated by pain. Fortunately, progress is being made in migraine management. Although an individualized treatment approach is often necessary, most people can be helped.

Migraine headaches are severe, usually one- sided headaches that often occur with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. People often describe migraine headaches as throbbing or piercing. The pain may range from mild to terribly severe.

Although migraine headaches are usually one- sided, there may be pain on both sides of the head. In some people, the pain may switch sides each time they have a migraine.

Migraine headaches sometimes occur with an aura, a group of symptoms that usually develop 5 to 30 minutes before a migraine begins. Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, distortion, in the size or shape of objects, or blind or dark spots in your field of vision are the most common symptoms of an aura.

Founded in 1965, the Migraine Trust is a UK-based medical research and patient support charity dedicated to the advocation and promotion of public consciousness on the causes and effects of migraine. Over £3 million have been invested in 130 research projects aimed to advance the diagnosis and treatment of migraine. The Trust also offers services such as a helpline and a written inquiry service for questions and concerns about migraine, and several publications such as factsheets and regular newsletters which have in-depth discussion on topics related to migraine. These publications can also be supplied to health professionals who, in turn, can distribute these free copies to their patients.