Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

migraine, ophthalmoplegic
A rare condition
observed most commonly in children and young
adults characterized by headache of relatively long
duration (up to one week) and paralysis or weak-
ness of the muscles that control eye movement.
Rather than a true migraine, the condition is
believed to represent a cranial neuralgia (nerve
problem).
migraine aura
A sensory phenomenon that may
occur before a migraine. Visual auras may include
flashing lights, geometric patterns, or distorted
vision. Some people may have aural auras that
involve hearing sounds (usually buzzing) that are
not actually present, olfactory auras that involve
smelling odors that are not actually present, or tac-
tile auras that appear as premonitory physical sen-
sations. Auras are caused by unusual activity in the
brain. The auras experienced by migraine sufferers
are similar to those associated with epilepsy.
migraine headache
The most common type of
vascular headache, thought to be caused by abnor-
mal sensitivity of arteries in the brain to various trig-
gers that result in arterial spasms. Other arteries in
the brain and scalp then open, and throbbing pain
is perceived in the head. The tendency to migraine
is inherited and appears to involve serotonin. This
brain chemical (neurotransmitter) is involved in
the transmission of nerve impulses that trigger the
release of substances in the blood vessels. These
nerve impulses cause the flashing lights and other
sensory phenomena, known as auras, which may
accompany migraines. Not all severe headaches are
migraines and not all migraines are severe. Factors
known to make migraines worse in some patients
include stress, food sensitivities, menstruation, and
the onset of menopause. Most patients feel better if
they lie down and avoid bright lights. Preventive