About Migraine
Migraine headaches are a debilitating neurological disease and a major public health problem affecting more than 31 million Americans. Three times more women than men suffer from migraines, which tend to have a strong family link and occur between 15 and 55 years of age.
Migraine Triggers and Symptoms
Migraines can be triggered by a number of elements including stress, environmental factors and certain foods. Migraine pain occurs when blood vessels on the surface of the brain swell causing mild to severe pain around the eyes, sinus, jaw or neck. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, blurriness or visual disturbances and sensitivity to light and sound.
Most migraines last between four and 24 hours, but some last as long as three days. According to published research, 63 percent of migraine sufferers experience between one and four migraines per month.
What makes migraines different from a regular headache?
There are a few distinguishing factors that separate a migraine from a normal headache – primarily a migraine is diagnosed based on the severity of the pain, and the symptoms that accompany it, especially nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Talk to your healthcare provider about what treatment is right for you.
Why do I feel nauseated when I have a migraine?
Experts don't know exactly why symptoms like nausea and vomiting occur with a migraine. Dr. Newman shares current theories from the medical community.
If I'm nauseated during a migraine, how does that affect treatment?
During a migraine attack, most patients will suffer from one or more significant gastrointestinal (GI) problems, which include nausea, vomiting and difficulty digesting. These GI issues can cause patients to avoid using oral medications and interfere with how the medication is absorbed in your body. According to a survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation, up to 90 percent of migraine patients have experienced nausea and 59 percent have experienced vomiting with a migraine. Of these respondents, 48 percent reported that the nausea or vomiting impacted when or how they take migraine medications.
Talk with your health care provider regarding diagnosis and treatment of migraine and migraine-related nausea.
Links to Resources
"My migraine-related nausea ruins my day. I can't do anything except hope that tomorrow is better."
Lori tells us she has at least six migraines per month, with migraine-related nausea every time. A typical migraine for Lori lasts between four and six hours, and sometimes a full day or more. Here, she shares her experience with MigraineNausea.com.
Migraine Expert and Migraineur, Dr. Larry Newman
"Migraine is more than just a headache. Nausea and vomiting are some of the most commonly reported associated symptoms, and in a large part, may be the most disabling."
If you are experiencing migraine-related nausea, talk to your healthcare provider. The information above is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical care.