Headache Glossary
By: National Institutes of Health
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angiography-an imaging technique that provides a picture, called an angiogram, of blood vessels.
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aura-a symptom of classic migraine headache in which the patient sees flashing lights or zigzag lines, or may temporarily lose vision
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basilar artery migraine-migraine, occurring primarily in young women and often associated with the menstrual cycle, that involves a disturbance of a major brain artery. Symptoms include vertigo, double vision, and poor muscular coordination.
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benign exertional headache-headache brought on by running, lifting, coughing, sneezing, or bending.
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biofeedback-a technique in which patients are trained to gain some voluntary control over certain physiological conditions, such as blood pressure and muscle tension, to promote relaxation. Thermal biofeedback helps patients consciously raise hand temperature, which can sometimes reduce the number and intensity of migraines.
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cluster headaches-intensely painful headaches that occur suddenly and lasti between 30 and 45 minutes and are named for their repeated occurrence in groups or clusters. They begin as minor pain around one eye and eventually spread to that side of the face.
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computer tomography (CT)-an imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer analysis to provide a picture of body tissues and structures.
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dihydroergotamine-a drug that is given by injection to treat cluster headaches. It is a form of the antimigraine drug ergotamine tartrate.
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electroencephalogram (EEG)-a technique for recording electrical activity in the brain.
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electromyography (EMG)-a special recording technique that detects electrical activity in muscle. Patients are sometimes offered a type of biofeedback called EMG training, in which they learn to control muscle tension in the face, neck, and shoulders.
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