Migraine Research
A migraine headache produces severe and intense pain that frequently recurs and usually affects only one side of the head. Women are more affected than men, and in many instances it recurs frequently, then suddenly stops. It might not reappear for weeks or months or longer. When the arteries to the brain constrict and then dilate, it activates pain receptors that cause the pain, but the cause that makes the arteries constrict is not known. It could be a low level of an important substance in the blood.
When the headaches are mild, relief may be received from over the counter pain relievers There are natural herbal remedies that have helped many people get relief from both mild and severe cases. When the migraine is severe to the extent of eliminating any normal activities, other medication and remedies should be under a doctor's care. There are many people who suffer from migraine attacks who never see a doctor; however, without treatment a migraine could last for several hours or many days. There are drugs that under a doctor's direction may prevent an attack of migraine because there is usually a warning period (called prodrome) of a migraine and in that period drugs may be taken for prevention.
