Migraine headaches can be debilitating, result in lost hours at work and time spent away from friends and loved ones. Migraines are quite common, as studies estimate 12 percent of the United States population experiences them.
The Cleveland Clinic says researchers aren’t certain about what causes migraines, but studies indicate genetics play a role in their severity and frequency. Migraines occur when nerves in blood vessels send pain signals to the brain. This releases inflammatory substances into the head’s nerves and blood vessels. Migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head, states the Mayo Clinic. This is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Attacks may last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
When suffering a migraine, people want to alleviate symptoms as quickly as possible. These options, courtesy of the Association of Migraine Disorders¨, may be helpful when a migraine strikes.
