Migraines are a very specific type of severe headache that are less common than the average “headache” referred to by most patients. They are the result of abnormal blood flow to the brain. They can almost be thought of as semi-controlled strokes. Divided into multiple categories and sub categories, they range from extremely painful to abnormal sensations in the head. Migraines can cause visual (referred to as “ocular migraines”) and hearing disturbances including sensations of nausea, vomiting, fainting, paralysis, altered states of consciousness, and many more varying symptoms.
The most painful category of migraines are usually felt as a pounding or piercing, pulse-like pain behind the eye or on one side of the head or face. Migraines can be spontaneous or triggered by visual stimuli like flashing lights, sounds, certain foods & beverages like those that contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG and any of its various names), variations in light, sleep pattern disturbances, hormones like those during cyclical flux as in menstruating women, stress, and many more.
