| A migraine is a very bad headache that tends
to recur. With a migraine, you may feel nauseated and might
vomit. The pain is usually on one side of your head and you
may be very sensitive to bright lights and noises. Moving around
can make the headache feel worse. There are many forms of migraine
headaches. Classic and common are the two major varieties. |
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| HOW SERIOUS ARE MIGRAINES? |
| Possibility for Remission |
| For many people, migraines eventually go into remission and sometimes disappear completely, particularly as they age.
Estrogen decline after menopause may be responsible for remission in some older women. One study reported that the
following people with migraines (called migraineurs) have a better chance of remission:
Those with a family history of migraine with aura.
People with migraine that are not triggered by light.
People with no other primary headaches.
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| Risk for Stroke |
| Studies have found that migraine or severe headache is a risk factor for stroke in both men and women, especially
before age 50. About 19% of all strokes occur in people with a history of migraine. Migraine with aura carries a higher
risk for stroke than without auras. |
| Emotional Disorders and Quality of Life
days. |
| Anxiety (particularly panic disorders) and major depression are strongly associated with migraine. In one 2000 study,
for example, 47% of migraine patients had depression. There does not appear to be any causal relationship, although
headache and emotional disorders may have some common biologic factors. |
| Migraine and Pregnancy |
Effect of Pregnancy on Migraine. In one study, pregnant women with tension or migraine headaches experienced 80%
fewer headaches, usually after the end of the first trimester.
Effect of Migraine on the Pregnant Woman or Fetus. Migraine headaches do not pose any added risks during pregnancy
to the mother or the fetus, although women with migraine may be at higher risk for having smaller (but not premature)
babies. |
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