Finals Week is a headache. But have you ever had a headache that just wouldn’t go away?

Migraines are the neurological pains suffered by approximately 28 million Americans that are often accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

Katie Tjaden, physician’s assistant at McFarland Clinic, spends hours every week combating this mind-boggling phenomenon.

“Migraines are recurrent head pain that causes discomfort, from moderate to severe,” Tjaden said. “It’s a throbbing pain on one side of the head. The pain can occur for hours to days at a time.”

Recent studies have shown that consumption of certain types of foods may be migraine triggers.

Karan Bhatia, senior in mechanical engineering, has suffered from migraines his entire life. However, he said he has never noticed a link between his migraines and dietary habits.

A variety of medications are available ease the neurological pain. Pamphlets are available at Thielen Student Health Center’s Wellness Center to help students suffering from migraines.

The Student Health Center treats students for migraine-related problems. Judy Trumpy, registered licensed dietitian for the health center, offers diet counseling.

“The top foods to avoid [in getting migraines] are processed meats and hard cheeses,” Trumpy said. “Red wines also have a tendency in causing migraines.”

Trumpy said avoiding eating foods that have the ability to be migraine triggers will not necessarily keep someone from getting a migraine.

“Everybody is different, so just to stop consumption to a particular food substance ‘cold turkey’ may not be the solution for you,” she said.

If migraines persist after altering your dietary habits to avoid migraine triggers, the sufferer should speak to a doctor to determine appropriate treatment, Trumpy said.