Headache

Migraine Headaches

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Migraines generally are diagnosed by the symptoms you describe to your doctor, for there is no medical test that can specifically diagnose migraines. Your doctor will ask you about the severity, frequency and duration of your headaches as well as other symptoms you experience and any medications you take.

If your headache is associated with flashing lights, blindness or numbness on one side of the head, it is called "classic" migraine or migraine with "aura." Only 20 percent of people with migraines have auras.

Migraines can be triggered by certain factors including the following:

• Diet -- Certain foods seem to trigger migraines in some people. Alcohol, especially red wine; the sugar substitute aspartame; caffeine; monosodium glutamate (MSG), a seasoning; foods that contain tyramine, such as aged cheeses; and preserved meats with nitrates and nitrites may cause migraines.

• Sleep -- Too much or too little sleep can trigger a migraine in some people.

• Hormones -- Many women with migraine headaches have attacks linked to their menstrual cycles. Fluctuating estrogen may play a role. Menstrual migraines can be more debilitating, difficult to treat and last longer than other migraines. This condition may worsen in early pregnancy, but then improve in later pregnancy. Migraines typically subside as women age. Oral contraceptives or estrogen-replacement therapy can provoke or worsen migraines in some women.

• Stress and Anxiety -- Emotional stress or daily pressure can trigger a migraine attack in some people/ In turn, managing the stress in your life could help alleviate migraines. To reduce stress, it might help to complete large jobs in small increments over time instead of all at once. Learning to relax and "let go" of events beyond your control also may help. Exercise and meditation can modestly improve migraine pain.

• Environmental Factors -- Migraine headaches can be triggered by environmental conditions including weather or temperature changes, glaring or fluorescent lights, computer screens, strong odors and high altitude.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007