Other terms
- Molecular Profiling
- Monoclonal Antibodies
- Mortality Rate
- Motility
- Mucopolysaccharidosis
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Mutation
- Myelogram
- Myocardial Infarction
- Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI)
- Myopia
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Migraines
What are Migraines? Migraines are the second most common cause of primary headaches, affecting over 12% of the American population, predominantly females. The symptoms can range from moderate to severe and can have a significant impact on the quality of life, making them one of the leading disabling conditions in the world.
What Causes Migraines?
Migraines are caused by interactions in genetic, anatomical, and environmental factors. Having a family history of migraines is a significant risk factor.
The pathomechanism of the disease has not been fully elucidated. However, several mechanisms have been implicated in the activation of the pain pathways of the brain and the neurovascular system of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). Increased levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), a protein that is involved in the transmission of pain signals, have also been found.
Common triggers of migraines include:
- Stress
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Weather changes
- Fluctuations of hormones during menstruation
- Consumption of red wine, cheese, and MSG.
Symptoms of Migraines
The symptoms of a migraine may last from a few hours to a few days and are often worse with activity. Common symptoms include:
- Presence of aura- sensory symptoms, such as changes in vision, taste, speech, and feeling of needles or numbness, that occur before the headache starts.
- Throbbing headache on one side of the head.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light or sound.
- Brain fog.
Source: Aguilar-Shea, A. L., & J, D. (2022). Migraine review for general practice. Atencion Primaria, 54(2), 102208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aprim.2021.102208
