Symptoms and Complications
Migraine headaches are more severe and last longer than regular "tension" headaches. The pain is more localized, often concentrated over one eye. Severe headaches that affect only one side of the head are generally due to migraines. Migraine headaches are often associated with nausea and vomiting as well as hypersensitivity to light and noise. The headaches are often made worse by movement or bending over. As a result, migraine sufferers tend to lie still in a dark, quiet room and avoid any type of stimulation.
About 1 in 5 migraine sufferers experience an "aura" just before the headache comes on. Auras are visual effects that can include flashes of light, lines with vivid colors, or double vision. Occasionally patients may feel weak or slur their words. These symptoms usually disappear after 15 to 30 minutes, only to be replaced by crushing pain and, in some cases, severe nausea.
Migraine headaches should not be confused with rebound headaches. Rebound headaches can strike anyone who uses aspirin or other pain medications for headache pain more than 3 times a week. Sometimes they are called medication-induced headaches. The medicine works for a little while, but as it wears off, the pain comes back with a vengeance. If you turn to pain medications for relief, the vicious cycle often continues. The end result is a constant dull headache, affecting both sides of the head. It tends to worsen each time the pain medication wears off. If you think you might have rebound headaches, talk to your doctor about the best way to manage them.
A long-term study suggested that women with migraine have a higher risk of stroke. Migraine generally affects young people, and stroke is rare in this population. The relationship between migraine and stroke is still unclear and further studies are needed.