If you have ever experienced the debilitating pain of a migraine, it’s certainly a pain you won’t soon forget.

Migraine headaches are very different from the more common stress or sinus headaches and can hamper your ability to function normally for hours or days – even with proper medical treatment. In fact, some neurologists consider tension headaches to be mild migraines.

While there have been several theories over the years as to the medical triggers at work behind a migraine, current theories suggest nerve fibers in the brain stem release proteins into the blood circulation at the back of the head. It is believed that these proteins may cause inflammation of the blood vessels, in turn triggering sensory neurons that send pain signals to the brain.

The symptoms for migraines usually vary, but they can include a throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head – pain so excruciating as to disrupt the sufferer’s normal routine, induce nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and/or sound and visual disturbances such as “auras.” An aura may or may not appear visually at the onset of a migraine. Some sufferers have described a shimmering haze that begins as a single point of bright light and gradually expands to the whole visual spectrum. Other auras have manifested as temporary speech problems, confusion or a tingling or numbing sensation in the arms, legs or face.

The American Medical Association estimates 26 million Americans suffer from migraines today. And, your chances of having a migraine are greatly increased if your parents have them as well. According to medical research, women are more likely to suffer from a migraine, especially around their menstrual cycles.

Migraines have numerous triggers, items or activities that can put you at higher risk of the pain. They include chocolate, red wine, aged cheese, caffeine (or a withdrawal from the substance), processed meat, lentils, snow peas, monosodium glutamate (a flavor enhancer often associated with Chinese food), changes in barometric pressure or weather, perfumes, insecticides, carbon monoxide, skipped meals, altered sleep cycles, stress, depression, changes in altitude, bright light and excessive noise.

If you believe you suffer from migraines and exhibit the classic symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor just to be certain. While the chances are slim, the headaches could have more serious causes like a tumor. A complete physical exam including CT scans, vision exams and possibly a lumbar puncture to obtain a sample of your spinal fluid may be necessary.Veteran sufferers of migraines already know the benefit of prevention and the early steps to ward off their impending pain. At the onset of the first symptoms of the pain, take a pain reliever (either over-the-counter such as Aleve® or Excedrin Migraine® or prescribed like Imitrex® Nasal Spray, Zomig® or Amerge®), avoid light and noise, apply a cold compress to your head and try to take a nap.

If you prefer a more natural solution, you can try the herb feverfew as a preventive measure. According to studies in the United Kingdom during the 1980s, some people who regularly suffer from migraine attacks found some relief in the herb. For the studies, patients who chewed fresh feverfew leaves or took capsules of dried, ground leaves experienced fewer and less-severe pain. However, the herb has no medicinal value once a migraine is in full swing. Be aware, however, that feverfew leaves may cause irritation or ulcers of the lips, tongue and lining of the mouth. If you are allergic to chamomile, chrysanthemum and other members of the daisy flower family, stay away from this herb as well. As with any medication, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before trying feverfew, especially if you are pregnant or taking prescribed drugs.

If you suffer migraine pain periodically, try keeping a calendar or diary. Make notes showing what you ate, what you were doing and your state of mind prior to the onset of the pain. This simple exercise can prove quite valuable to you and your doctor in deciphering what triggers your headache.

Another common problem for migraine sufferers is a rebound or “bounce-back” headache. If you experience headaches often, and take pain relievers for more than three days a week, your body may adapt to the drugs. Over-using pain medications, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can also lead to more complicated medical problems besides rebound pain.

With proper education and treatment, your head’s aching days could be numbered!

Sources: The American Medical Association at www.ama-assn.org; Prevention’s Healthy Ideas at www.healthyideas.com; Mayo Clinic’s Health Oasis at www.mayohealth.org; Johns Hopkins’ InteliHealth at www.intelihealth.com.