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This article is from the Vision and Eye Care FAQ, by grants@research.canon.com.au (Grant Sayer) with numerous contributions by others.

5.9.1 Introduction:

The following is an attempt to give an_introduction_only to this vast
subject with protean manifestations.

Migraine affects about 10% of the population. It affects all ages from
babies to adults although age does seem to have a protective quality.

The general mechanism seems to be a constriction of blood vessel(s) followed
by a dilation the the vessel. The aura (when present) accompanies the
vasoconstriction and the headache (when present), the vasodilation.

There are identifiable "trigger factors" notably:

1. certain foods. Caffiene (coffee, colas, chocolate), citrus fruits,
alcohol, nitritate and nitrites, aged cheese, and others.
2. hormonal changes esp. puberty, pregnancy, menopause and "the pill".
3. fatigue/stress. This can be physical (heat/cold) or emotional
4. bright lights
5. loud noises
6. trauma
7. refractive error

As well, there are cerain associations with migraine. Cyclic vomiting as a
child, car or motion sickness, a family history of migraine, drusen of the
optic nerve.

 

Continue to:

• prev: 5.9 Ocular Migraines:
• Index
• next: 5.9.2 Classification of migraine:

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