DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please write about migraine headaches. My granddaughter, age 22, suffers from them. She is a college student and also works. What causes these headaches? — E.F.

ANSWER: Migraines start out as one-sided throbbing headaches that can last 24 or more hours. As time passes, the entire head might hurt. Along with the pulsating pain, nausea often strikes, and sometimes people have to vomit. Migraine sufferers are sensitive to light and sound, so they seek a quiet, dark room where they can lie down.

The cause of these headaches is controversial. A popular theory is that a wave of slow electrical activity spreads over the brain and inflames its coverings, which produces the pain.

The above “cause” of migraines, I am sure, is not what you wanted. You want to know what brings them on. Triggers for migraine include too little or too much sleep, skipping meals, strong odors, bright lights and loud music. Women often find that menstrual periods will usher in the headaches. Stress, both physical and emotional, can start them. Foods that often serve to initiate a migraine are chocolate, cheeses, fatty foods, sausage, salami, oranges, tomatoes, onions, red wine, peanuts and hot dogs.

In the past 20 years, triptans have brought a marked change in the treatment of migraines. Sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), almotriptan (Axert), rizatriptan (Maxalt), frovatriptan (Frova) and naratriptan (Amerge) can control severe migraines and are available as pills, nasal sprays and self-administered injections. For less-intense pain, aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen and naproxen are sufficient.

When migraines recur with disrupting regularity, preventive medicines have a place in treatment. They include propranolol (Inderal) and verapamil.

The booklet on headaches deals with the common varieties including migraines. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 901, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have prolapse of the rectum. Is this something I have to worry about? Do I have to have it corrected?

About a month ago I was put on Toviaz for frequent urination. Could it have caused the prolapse? — N.E.

ANSWER: The urinary bladder, the uterus and the rectum are close neighbors. Ligaments and muscles keep them in place. With aging comes a weakening of those supports, and these organs, singly or together, drop downward — prolapse. Close to 50 percent of women older than 50 have some degree of prolapse.

Rectal prolapse is also called a rectocele. The rectum bulges into the vagina. If it causes no symptoms, like difficulty in having a bowel movement, you don’t have to do a thing about it. You can prevent it from falling farther by keeping your stools soft through eating more fiber or using stool softeners.

Toviaz calms the bladder muscles and prevents too-frequent urination. It is not involved in your prolapse.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am so concerned about our grandson. He is a senior in college. He felt he couldn’t focus well enough on some of his difficult classes. He went to a doctor and was put on Adderall.

I am so worried that he will become addicted. Should I be concerned? — R.G.

ANSWER: Adderall is a drug of the amphetamine family. It does have the potential of leading to dependence. However, it’s been used for so many years for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder that it can be well managed and not present a danger.

The doctor who prescribed the drug is responsible for monitoring how it is used. He or she will continue writing for its use only if it’s safe to do so.

I sincerely believe you do not have to worry yourself about your grandson.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www .rbmamall.com.