Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered
bodily perceptions, headaches, and nausea. Physiologically, the
migraine headache is a neurological condition more common to
women than to men. Etymologically, the French word migraine
derives from the Greek hemicrania (half skull) and the Old
English megrim (severe headache). A migraine headache preceded
by neurological symptoms that may include visual disturbances
such as scintillations — sensation of flashing lights or lines —
or a blind spot; also known as classic migraine. Migraine
headaches are one of the most common problems seen in emergency
departments and doctors' offices. Migraines are due to changes
in the brain and surrounding blood vessels. Migraine headaches
typically last from 4-72 hours and vary in frequency from daily
to fewer than 1 per year. Migraine affects about 15% of the
population. Three times as many women as men have migraines.
More than 80% of people with migraines (called migraineurs) have
other members in the family who