All migraine headaches are characterized by severe pain and, in many cases, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cold hands and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks are intermittent and may last a few hours, a full day or longer. The main difference between a migraine with aura and a migraine without aura is that the migraine with aura gives the victim certain warning symptoms 10 to 30 minutes prior to onset. Soon after the aura, the headache begins. More than 70 percent of people with migraines have a family history of these headaches.
Woman are three times more likely than men to suffer from migraines.
Scientists agree that how you cope with anger, anxiety and tension can contribute to the onset of a migraine. Learning to relax and alleviate stress may help reduce the severity of an attack. Changing hormone levels during menstruation and ovulation also can provoke a migraine, as can irregular eating and sleeping patterns. Other suspect substances are food additives such as MSG and preservatives in smoked and processed meats. Even the odor of perfume, flowers or natural gas can lead to a migraine.