Extreme throbbing pain, especially in one side of the head, is referred to as migraine. It is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. A migraine patient is also sensitive to sound and light. It can last for a few hours. Sometimes, it also lasts for days at a stretch.

1. Worst states to live in for migraine patients
These states in the country are among the worst ones for migraine patients:

• Texas
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin
• Missouri
• Arkansas

2. Symptoms of migraine
Some of the common symptoms of migraine include constipation, stiffness in the neck, frequent yawning, mood changes, difficulty speaking, vision loss, eyes flashes, and numbness in the face or one side of the body. You may even feel throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light during a migraine episode. You may also feel extremely fatigued.

3. Triggers of migraine
Alcohol could trigger a migraine flare-up. Caffeine could also trigger migraines in some people. Similarly, stress is also one of the leading causes of migraine. Hormonal changes in both men and women (before and during menstrual cycles, during pregnancy, and during menopause when it comes to women). Even oral contraceptives can cause this condition in women. Certain people get affected by migraine due to the changes in weather. Bright light, whether natural or artificial, can be another cause of migraines in people. A migraine can also be prompted when there is a change in your sleeping pattern. Medications, such as nitroglycerin and vasodilators, can also trigger a migraine. Apart from this, food additives like aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be the reason behind migraines in some people.

4. Risk factors
Here are some common risk factors for migraines:

• Sex
  As compared to men, women are three times more likely to have migraines.
• Age
  Typically, the first migraine attack may take place during adolescence; it can, however, start at any age. As one crosses 40 or 50 years of age, the intensity of the migraine tends to reduce.
• Genetics
  Migraines can be genetic too. A considerable portion of the population that suffers from migraines has someone in their family who is also suffering from it.
• Lifestyle
  An increased amount of stress, bad eating habits, excessive consumption of alcohol, and poor sleep cycle can also contribute to a migraine attack.

5. Tips to manage migraine
Here are three tips to manage migraines effectively:

• Take your medications regularly and as prescribed.
• Keep a diary maintaining the dates and other details of migraine attacks. This way, you can detect a pattern of your flare-ups, if any.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle that comprises healthy eating, regular physical activity, and reduced levels of stress.