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Migraine related information | Migraine FAQ: Answers to the top 75 migraine and headache questions DRUGS: Common drugs used to treat migraines TREATMENT: Lifestyle changes can make migraines more bearable Last Updated: 11/2/2004 Related Healthscout Videos Switching Off Headaches Eight Months on Topamax Eight Months on Topamax Preparing for Topamax More... Related News Articles • Health Tip: Help Prevent Childhood Migraines • Health Tip: Things That Trigger Migraines • Health Tip: Log Headaches in a Diary • What May Be Causing Your Child's Headaches More... Migraine A migraine is a severe form of recurring headache. The pain is generally concentrated on one side of the head. Although much about headaches still isn't understood, a key cause of a migraine is changes to the blood flow within the brain. Blood vessels of the brain supply it with oxygen and nutrients. Nerves, which are sensitive to pain, terminate in these vessels. Certain triggers dilation and constrict these vessels. The repeated dilation and constriction causes the nerve walls to stretch resulting in the discomfort of a migraine. Triggers that can cause a migraine Stress and anger Certain smells, fumes, tobacco smoke, light glare, weather changes. Monthly periods, birth control pills, estrogen therapy. Too much, too little or interrupted sleep. Hunger, fasting, specific foods or beverages. Certain medications Treatments include the symptomatic use of Aspirin, beta-blockers, tricyclics antidepressants, ergotamine derivatives, and selective-serotonin receptor agonists.