Another type of migraine that has been given a new name is a Transformed Migraine. The reason for this is because the name gave a false impression that the migraine sufferer was able to recall how their migraine experiences had changed over time. The new name, Chronic Migraine gives a more accurate description as it denotes that the individual has suffered migraines or tension type headaches for at least fifteen days of a month for three consecutive months.

Diagnosis for chronic migraines must meet other criteria as defined by the International Headache Society and the treatment varies depending on the types of migraines experienced and the effects of the migraine on the individual’s lifestyle. Chronic migraine treatment often includes changes in lifestyle for the migraine sufferer.

One of the changes to the lifestyle of a person who suffers chronic migraines is trigger avoidance. Refraining from certain substances such as smoking and alcohol and abstaining from known food triggers such as caffeine can greatly reduce the frequency and intensity of chronic migraines.

Have you ever heard of an abdominal migraine? Who would have thought? Yet this is a very real condition that occurs in children. It involves stomach pain that cannot be explained by any other condition.

Abdominal migraines may or may not include a headache at all or the headache may start long after the stomach pains. The pains in the abdomen often do not stay in one spot and the cause for them is not detected by even the most specialized testing. Sometimes the pains can last up to 72 hours. The child may describe the pain as dull pain, a cramp or severe pain. They may also experience sensitivity to light and nausea.

Studies show that children who have a family history of migraines are more likely to have abdominal migraines. Additionally, children that experience abdominal migraines are likely to experience other types of migraines as adults.