NetJet's Journal

For many people, migraine equates to a bad headache. But migraines are much more than a lot of pain; they are a set of headaches associated with irritability of blood vessels, and changing blood flow patterns to the brain. The sequence often begins with an aura, a sensory clue that a migraine is about to start. Flashing lights, wavy lines, or funny smells may precede the throbbing headache. The aura occurs as blood vessels to parts of the brain start to constrict and decrease blood flow.

In some people, the blood flow can decrease so much that parts of the brain lose their blood supply and stop functioning. When part of the brain stops functioning, then the part of the body it supplies stops functioning as well. If this sounds like a stroke, it's because it in effect is. Fortunately, as the migraine headache resolves along with the blood flow issues, function returns to the brain and the body. But imagine how frightening this is for the migraine sufferer?

Janet Jackson has vestibular migraines. In her case, the part of the brain controlling balance is affected and causes vertigo, the sensation that the room is spinning. Vertigo can be miserable. It is associated with vomiting (think about riding a roller coaster), and the inability to walk without losing balance. Other symptoms can include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, and loss of coordination. Individually, migraine headaches and vertigo are difficult symptoms to endure. Together they are doubly miserable.