What is a migraine?
Q: What is a migraine?
A: A migraine is a medical condition which usually causes a pounding, throbbing headache on one side of the head. The pain may be very bad and hurt so much that a person may have a hard time doing anything. While most people who have migraines get a headache, not everyone does. There are different kinds of migraines, and some do not cause a headache but do have other symptoms. Most migraines cause a headache and nausea and might make the person dizzy or very sensitive to bright lights or loud noises.
Q: What are "auras"?
A: Auras are changes in vision that some people experience before they start having migraine headaches. They may see funny patterns, have blurry vision, or may not be able to see at all. Other senses can change before or during a migraine as well, and the person may sense funny smells or tastes.
Q: How long do migraines last?
A: Migraines usually last between four and 72 hours.
Q: What is the difference between episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM)?
A: Episodic migraine (EM) occurs when someone has had fewer than 15 days with headaches in any given month whereas chronic migraine (CM) occurs when someone has had more than 15 days with headaches in any given month over an extended period of time. Some people who start off getting episodic migraines may start to get chronic migraines later on as well.
Q: What is CGRP?
A: CGRP stands for "calcitonin gene-related peptide". It's a protein that causes inflammation around the brain which leads to migraines when it is released around the brain area.
Q: Are there any risk factors associated with having migraines?
A: Yes, being female is one risk factor as well as having family members who had/have migraines previously/currently also increases your chances of developing them yourself too.
Q: Are there any trigger factors associated with getting migraines?
A: Yes, for females in particular one main trigger factor appears to be when their estrogen levels either drop too low or fluctuate up and down quickly over short periods of time
