A common type of headache. The typical migraine headache is throbbing or pulsating, and often is associated with nausea and intolerance to light and sound. Many people experience an aura, usually visual changes, before the headache. The headache is usually intense and often incapacitating and is frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting and an intolerance to light (photophobia). Migraines are believed to be triggered by brain chemicals, but their exact cause of these headaches is not known. Migraines often first occur during the teenage years and are more common in women. Patients who have family members with migraines are at increased risk to develop these headaches.