An estimated 23 million of us report having them. Intense pain, nausea, and vision problems, including sensitivity to light, are the hallmarks of migraines. Some people report muscle weakness, tingling in the face or hands, speech problems, and visions of flashing lights or lines prior to the headache. In rare instances, the pain and other symptoms become so severe that hospitalization is needed. And to further complicate the migraine picture, some patients have many of the traditional migraine symptoms without the actual headache.
Researchers continue to seek answers on why three times as many women as men have migraines.
Children also can suffer from these headaches. Often more than one family member will have migraines, but the hereditary link is still under investigation. And contrary to some beliefs, there is no conclusive link between migraines and certain personality traits. Possible triggers of migraines are being explored. Food, weather changes, fatigue, flashing lights, scents, and other factors are all possible triggers.