University Headache Center

Migraine Q & A

For the millions of Americans, a headache isn’t something that goes away with an aspirin and a glass of water. People who experience migraines may have disabling levels of pain that can last from hours to days. Dr. Loretta Mueller, the director of the University Headache Center at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine, is a widely published expert on the causes and treatment of headache pain. Recently, she took time to answer a few questions about chronic headaches.

Who gets migraine headaches?

Dr. Mueller: More than 30 million Americans get migraines, including about 18 percent of women, six percent of men and four percent of children. In fact, about one out of every four U.S. households has a migraine sufferer.

What causes migraines?

Dr. Mueller: There is no single definitive cause of migraines. For about 60 percent of women, migraines are related to their menstrual cycle, indicating a link between migraines and hormonal changes. But for other individuals, the “trigger” of a migraine can vary. Some common migraine triggers include bright lights, physical exertion, changes in sleep patterns and certain types of food.

How do you identify headache trigger?

Dr. Mueller: Keeping a “headache diary” that includes the date, time, length, severity and symptoms of the headache, any possible food or environmental causes as well as a note about the effectiveness of any medication is a good way to identify migraine triggers. Common food triggers include ripened or aged cheeses, alcohol and preservatives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and those used in hot dogs and lunch meats. I also recommend limiting the amount of citrus fruits, figs, raisins and papayas you eat and to staying away from nuts, peanut butter, pizza, sourdough bread and crackers containing cheese or chocolate.

How are migraines treated?

Dr. Mueller: More than 90 percent of patients with migraine experience some level of disability with their attacks and half require bed rest when migraines strike. Despite that, fewer than 60 percent of individuals with migraines have their headaches diagnosed as such by a physician. As a result, they often end up trying to treat their migraines by taking over-the-counter medications that do little to help and, in some cases, actually worsen their headaches. The good news is that today we have several excellent medications that can help. Some can be taken as a daily medication to reduce headache frequency, decrease headache intensity and/or allow for better management if a migraine does strike. Others can be taken at the onset of a migraine to provide pain relief and to shorten the duration of an attack.

Originally published in The University Doctor's MedicaLink - 05/08