Migraines are classified differently from headaches, which come and go. It’s a recurring headache characterized by throbbing, pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. These migraines can be accompanied by motion sickness, dizziness, and vomiting; sensitivity to light, sound, and smells; and even blurred or distorted vision. It’s generally understood that symptoms can last an average of 4 to 72 hours, but it varies from person to person. Many people experience headaches that go away within an hour, but it’s not uncommon for people to experience extreme fatigue and be unable to do much of anything throughout the day.

Migraines are commonly believed that they are caused by the inflammation around the blood vessel in the brain, particularly where the meninges are located. Affecting over 12% of the U.S. adult population, migraines are notably three times more prevalent in women than men. Migraines often run in families and can begin as early as elementary school, but it is generally believed that most migraines begin in early adulthood. However, practical observations reveal that migraines can impact individuals across various age groups.

Unlike common pain, migraines are known to be a neurological condition that can be frightening and disabling for many people. As such, migraines are a top reason to see a neurologist, and it’s important for those who experience them to get tested to rule out other potential causes. While migraines have long been thought to be caused by inflammation of blood vessels in the brain, newer research suggests that the problem may lie in the central nervous system rather than the blood vessels. While we don’t know the exact cause, it’s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental elements.

When you look at the symptoms that accompany migraine, they are similar to those that occur when there is a problem in the brainstem. The primary categories impacted are visual, sensory, and speech. People who suffer from migraines often experience visual disturbances in one eye, numbness and tingling in the arm or face, and speech and language impairment, which can be very frightening.

Dr. Seymour Diamond, who serves as the Executive Director of the National Headache Foundation, said that with new tech, scientists have found a possible main reason for migraines. They think it might be because a part of the brain near the top of the neck, called the brain stem, isn’t working right. This can make blood vessels near the brain swell up, which then starts a migraine.