A migraine headache is a severe pain felt on one, and sometimes, both sides of the head. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or behind one eye or ear. Besides pain, you may have nausea and vomiting, and be very sensitive to light and sound. Migraines are known to affect more women than men and are often chronic. Below are some of the factors that have been identified as being associated with migraines : -Family history of migraine.Prolonged muscle tension and stress.Alcohol use.Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke.Lack of sleep.For women, menstrual periods and the use of oral contraceptives.Certain foods such as chocolate, nuts and fermented or pickled condiments, as well as foods containing the amino acid tyramine (aged cheese, red wine, smoked fish) and foods containing preservatives and artificial sweeteners.For headaches with indication of a chronic or more serious disorder, the following diagnostic procedures might be performed,