Q&A : ADVICE FROM EXPERTS NEW TREATMENT OFFERS RELIEF FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS.

The throbbing pain usually begins on one side of the head. Without treatment, it can last hours or days. And a flash of light or too loud a sound can feel like a knife slicing into the head.

One in five women and one in 10 men in the United States endure migraine headaches, a chronic disorder that is not life-threatening and has no cure.

But migraine sufferers don't have to be crippled by the pain. New drugs recently have hit the market.

Dr. Morris Maizels of the Family Practice department at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Woodland Hills and Dr. Glen Solomon of the headache section of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation provided the following information.

What is a migraine headache and how does it differ from a regular, tension headache?

Although the debate on the difference between the two kinds of headaches continues, in general, migraines include a combination of the following symptoms - throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea and sensitivity to light and/or sound. In general, the more severe the pain, the more likely it's a migraine.

What causes migraine headaches?

Although doctors don't know for sure what exactly causes migraine headaches, research suggests migraine sufferers have problems with the way serotonin travels in the brain. Serotonin is a natural vessel-narrowing substance certain cells release when blood vessel walls are damaged.

Who does the ailment seem to target?

There's a family history of migraines in about half of all cases. And when boys and girls hit puberty, migraine headaches increase among young women, leading experts to believe hormones play a role. Aside from genes, tyramine and other chemicals in foods such as aged cheeses, chocolate and red wine can trigger migraines.

What new treatments or drugs are available?

One of the newest, most effective drugs for migraines is Sumatriptan. The drug, available in liquid and tablets, constricts blood vessels and stops the pain. The liquid form is up to 80 percent effective in stopping the pain, while tablets are up to 40 percent effective. Variations of the drug are being developed including Zolmitriptan. Lidocaine and magnesium also are being used to treat migraines.

Are there any side effects with Sumatriptan?

Yes. Tightness in the chest, neck and throat. Those fighting a vascular disease such as heart disease should stay away from Sumatriptan. Tablets cause fewer side effects but are less effective than the liquid.

How much does Sumatriptan cost?

An injection costs about $30 and can be administered at home with a kit. Twelve tablets retail for about $125.