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1. Do migraine headaches run in families?

   Yes. Research suggests that migraine headaches often run in families. As many as 90 percent of migraine sufferers have a close relative who also suffers from them. An estimated 18 million women in the U.S. alone suffer from this debilitating, biological disease. So, chances are greater that your daughter may get migraines, though you should watch for symptoms in your son, too.

2. Some of my headaches go away with aspirin and some don't. Should I get medical help for my headaches?

   Absolutely. You may very well be a migraine sufferer. As many as 50 percent of all migraine sufferers are unaware that their pain is from a migraine. Some attribute their headaches incorrectly to sinus trouble or stress or they simply don't question the source of the headache. Another study shows that the typical patient suffers headache pain for more than three years before seeking treatment. If you suffer from headache pain you should take an active role from the start, along with your health care professional, in determining the type of headache and its cause.

3. I have debilitating headaches only once or twice a year. Should I bother to seek treatment?

   Yes. It is not uncommon for migraine sufferers to experience infrequent episodes. Now would be a good time to seek advice from a health care professional, since migraines can become more frequent due to lifestyle changes, hormonal changes or other increases in exposure to triggers.

4. I don't want to take a pill everyday for my migraines. Are there treatment options for me?

   Yes. Some medications are taken at the onset of symptoms and can be very effective at relieving migraine pain. Nonpharmacological treatments such as biofeedback and preventive measures such as eliminating triggers are also very effective. It is important to share your treatment preferences with your health care professional so that you can find a treatment you can live with.

5. There are so many possible triggers for migraines. How can I figure out which ones are causing my headaches?

   Unless your triggers are obvious to you, such as getting a migraine every time you fly in an airplane, the only way to identify them is by keeping a headache calendar. Your calendar should include: when your headaches occur, severity and duration of the headache, possible triggers, such as foods you've eaten, beverages you've consumed, weather patterns, dates of your menstrual periods, and symptom-relief interventions attempted.

6. I do not experience "auras" or any other problems with my vision during my headaches. Does this mean my headaches are not migraines?

   No. Migraines with auras are characterized by the appearance of neurological symptoms, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines or loss of vision, five to 30 minutes prior to a migraine with aura attack. This type of migraine affects an estimated 20 percent of migraine sufferers. But migraines do not have to include auras.

7. My schedule is so crazy that I don't have time to eat regular meals. Could this be contributing to my headaches?

   Yes. Some migraine sufferers may be helped by a diet to prevent low-blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause dilation of the blood vessels in the head. This condition can occur after a period without food: overnight, for example, or when a meal is skipped. Treatment for headaches caused by low-blood sugar consists of scheduling smaller, more frequent meals for the patient. A special diet designed to stabilize the body's sugar-regulating system is sometimes recommended. For the same reason, many specialists also recommend that migraine patients avoid oversleeping on weekends. Sleeping late can change the body's normal blood sugar level and may lead to a headache, although not necessarily a migraine.

8. What are some things I can do prevent the onset of migraine?

   In addition to avoiding triggers for your headaches, there are some basic lifestyle changes that may help you control your headaches and increase your overall health. They include: adopting regular sleeping habits, modifying eating habits to include a healthy diet, and increasing exercise.