migraine
A migraine is a severe neurological disorder that affects the head. More than 10% of people in the UK are thought to suffer from this condition, which often comes on suddenly and without warning.
Not to be confused with a headache, migraines are extremely painful to the point of being debilitating. Sufferers normally have to abandon whatever they are doing and seek refuge in a darkened room having taken painkillers.
Migraine episodes typically last 15 - 60 minutes at a time, weakening and disorientating the sufferer. Some people find that they cannot return to their normal activities for up to 3 days after the attack because of continued problems or relapses. Sufferers commonly report seeing flashing lights and zigzag patterns in front of their eyes. A tingling sensation around the face is also felt by many.
Migraines are thought to be caused by an excessive release of serotonin into the blood vessels around the brain. What triggers this release is not entirely understood, although several theories have been put forward. Most likely migraines are probably caused by any number of situations in people who are predisposed to the disorder. This might include tiredness, stress, changes in air pressure and eating certain types of food.
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