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The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 29 of 87

9. Who Gets Migraine Headaches?

Migraine headaches show greater incidence among certain categories of people.

The occurrence of a migraine does not follow any specific pattern. Nevertheless,

a generalized pattern stems from the frequency of its occurrence. Migraine

headaches occur commonly in the following categories:

Age: A migraine occurs between the ages of ten and forty. Although the
incidence of a migraine decreases after forty, late life migraines may develop in a
very few cases; about one percent of the population. Similarly, very young

children and infants also suffer from migraines, but the percentage is very low.

Genetic: Repeat from an earlier reference. Genes play a major role in your

migraine. If either or both parents have migraine problems, there is every
possibility for you to develop a pattern of migraines.

Ethnic Differences: According to a worldwide study, migraines are most
common in North America, with lesser incidences in South America, Europe, Asia,

and Africa. However, doctors think genetic causes are responsible, and place less

importance on environmental factors.

Gender: Women are at a higher risk to suffer from a migraine across the world.
The percentage remains the same among boys and girls during childhood but the
percentage of incidence is much greater in girls after puberty.

Hormone Fluctuations in Women: The hormonally-active years of women

between adolescence and menopause experience the maximum fluctuations in

the hormones; estrogen and progesterone. This triggers a migraine in many
women. Similarly, pregnant women, women on contraceptives (or hormone

replacement therapies) and menstruating women experience migraines.

Medical Conditions: Specific infections like peptic ulcers due to bacteria H.
pylori and allergies can cause a migraine. Asthmatic patients suffer migraines

and could pass it on to their children. Epileptic patients have a greater chance of
a migraine as they already suffer from nerve disorders. Fibromyalgia patients

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 29.