Are migraines hereditary?
Yes, migraines have a tendency to run in families.
Four out of 5 migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. If one
parent has a history of migraines, the child has a 50% chance of developing
migraines, and if both parents have a history of migraines, the risk jumps to 75%.
What are the symptoms of migraines?
The symptoms of migraine headaches can occur in various combinations and include:
Type of pain
The pain of a migraine can be described as a
pounding or throbbing. The headache often begins as a dull ache and develops
into throbbing pain. The pain is usually aggravated by physical activity.
Severity/intensity of pain
The pain of a migraine can be described as mild,
moderate, or severe. Untreated the headache will become moderate to severe
Location of pain
The pain can shift from one side of the head to
the other, or it can affect the front of the head or feel like it’s affecting the whole head.
Duration of pain
Most migraines last about 4 hours, although severe
ones can last up to a week.
Frequency of headaches
The frequency of migraines varies widely among
individuals. It is common for a migraine sufferer to get 2-4 headaches per
month. Some people, however, may get headaches every few days, while others only
get a migraine once or twice a year.
Associated symptoms
- Sensitivity to light, noise and odors
- Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Sensations of being very warm or cold
- Paleness (pallor)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea (rare)
- Fever (rare)
Warning signs
Symptoms that signal the onset of a migraine are used to describe two types of migraine dysfunction:
- Migraine with aura (formerly known as "classic" migraine)
- Migraine without aura (formerly known as "common" migraine)
"Aura" is a physiological warning sign that a migraine is about to begin.
What are the symptoms of migraines with aura?
Migraines with auras occur in about 15-20% of
migraine sufferers. An aura can occur before, during, or after the pain occurs
and last from 15 to 60 minutes. The symptoms always last less than one hour. Visual auras include:
- Bright flashing dots or lights
- Blind spots
- Distorted vision
- Temporary vision loss
- Wavy or jagged lines
There are also auras that can affect the other senses.
These auras can be described simply as having a "funny feeling," or the person
may not be able to describe the aura. Other auras may include ringing in the
ears (tinnitus), or having changes in smell (such as strange odors), taste, or touch.