Migraine defined

mi•graine
pronunciation: mI-grAn, Brit often mE-grAn
function: noun

1. genetic, neurological disease, sometimes referred to as a neurobiological disorder; symptoms include recurring episodes or attacks of severe throbbing head pain, usually but not always on one side and aggravated by physical activity, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased sensitivity to light, sounds and or smells; can also be accompanied by diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and scalp pain

2. symptoms and frequency of attacks, which do not always include head pain, vary for each individual; attacks can last from two hours to three days, sometimes longer

3. caused by neurological (physical), not psychological, factors

4. one of the primary headache disorders; others are tension and cluster headache

5. several types of migraine exist, without aura and with aura (visual disturbances) being the most common

IMPORTANT: Seek medical help if you have a combination of these or similar symptoms.