Migraines headaches are throbbing headaches that involve the brain's blood vessels. Pain is felt when these blood vessels dilate or contract in an excessive manner. Studies have shown that the dilation and contraction of these blood vessels are influenced by a chemical in our body called serotonin. A high level of serotonin in our blood will cause our blood vessels to contract or shrink. Conversely when the level is low, it will cause our blood vessels to dilate or expand. Different individuals react differently to these dilation and expansion. Keep in mind that any migraine will be as unique as the person suffering from it and that these migraine headaches symptoms will vary from one individual to the next.

To better understand why this is so, it is important to know that there are different classifications of migraines. For our purpose, we will group all these different classifications into two main types, namely the 'common migraine' and the 'classic migraine'

The 'common migraine' is a throbbing headache that may start slowly but can last anywhere between two to seventy-two hours. The pain normally manifest itself by starting at the back of the head and then slowly spreading over to one side of the head. This localized pain can also take place in the center of the temple or behind an ear.

The word 'migraine' is derived from the Greek word "hemikrania" which means half a skull. This description aptly describes a typical characteristic of migraine headache in that the pain is usually localized on one side. Common symptoms of this type of migraine headache are the blurring of vision, feeling nausea and perhaps vomiting, and sometimes a tingling or even numb feeling in the limbs. There is also an increased sensitivity to lights and sounds.

The 'classic migraine' is very similar to the 'common migraine' in its manifestation and practically follow the same pattern as the latter, There is, however, one big difference between the two types of migraines in that 'classis migraine' is normally accompanied by a collection of migraine headaches symptoms that are called an aura. This aura, as described by many sufferers, can include an appearance of flashes, spark-like lights, or bright stars. Vision typically becomes unclear.

Common symptoms of the classic migraines headaches in addition to the pain include the individual having difficulty in speaking, detecting of strange smells and experiencing weakness. These auras can last anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes before the headache starts. Sometimes they can overlap and at times the aura may occur but a headache doesn't.

Migraines can affect anyone but studies indicate that approximately three times as many women will get them as men. They are often found to run in families. The pattern of how often these headaches may occur vary greatly from one person to the next. Some may experience it only once or twice a year but others may suffer from it on a weekly basis. Children can also get migraines but the pain may may be more diffused instead of localized. These migraine headaches are normally accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness.

In recent years the incidence of migraines has increased dramatically, across the board, in all groups. Studies have shown that these migraine attacks can be prevented if timely intervention actions are taken before the attacks. Hence, it important for you to be aware of the wide spectrum of migraine headaches symptoms and to take necessary timely intervention to prevent the migraine headaches from happening.