A migraine is a common type of headache that may have a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. In many people, a throbbing pain is isolated to one side of the head. Some patients suffering from migraines have warning symptoms, known as auras, before the actual headache begins.
The diagnosis for a Migraine usually includes the following criteria:
5 or more headaches within a 3 month span – each lasting between 4 and 72 hours
At least two of the following:
- Pulsating sensations
- Unilateral pain
- Moderate to severe discomfort
- Pain aggravated with exertion
And one of the following symptoms:
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Types of Migraines include:
Episodic – defined as less than 15 migraine headaches per month
Chronic – defined as 15 or more migraine headaches per month
Episodic migraine with aura
Chronic migraine with aura
Chronic migraine without an aura