Let me start out by saying that I, like millions of others, suffer from migraines. I had to wear sunglasses in elementary school during break, and still today being in the sun gives me a migraine. Looking at the computer for several hours and lots of other activities give me migraines. It seems like everything I do causes migraines!

What is a migraine? Wikipedia defines a migraine as "a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily perceptions, headaches, and nausea". Migraines are caused by enlargement of the blood vessels, and the temperal artery enlarges causing the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels. The typical symptoms are intense throbbing (or pounding) headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light and sound, cold hands and feet,and facial pallor, some sufferers (about 20%) also experience an aura such as flashing lights, and blind spots. Note: most individuals do not experience every symptom listed here. Also, some individuals with more complicated migraines experience fainting and vertigo (dizziness).

I find lying in a dark room with something over my eyes eases the pain of a migraine some. And yet, taking an over the counter migraine medication and taking a long nap usually helps.

There are lots of triggers for migraines. Here are a few migraine triggers: stress, sleep disturbances, fasting, hormones, bright and flickering lights, odors, cigarette smoke, alcohol, aged cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate, nitrates, aspertame, and caffeine.

 Here are some of my migraine triggers:

Sleep disturbances; staying up late.

Fasting; forgetting to eat until dinnertime.

Hormones

Bright and flickering lights; being in the sun, watching movies, and being on the computer.

Odors; such as perfume.

Cigarette Smoke

If you can find your triggers and try to avoid them, it can help reduce your migraines. Some people find getting more sleep, and not skipping meals, also helps.

Remember, these are just my observations. Always consult your doctor about any symptoms you may experience.