Migraines are a common neurological condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including a throbbing headache on one side of the head. These symptoms often worsen with physical activity, light, sound, or smells and can last for at least four hours. About 12% of Americans experience migraines, making it the sixth most disabling disease globally.
Migraines are categorized into two types: primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are not caused by another medical condition and are diagnosed without blood tests or imaging. Secondary headaches indicate another health issue.
An “aura” is a set of sensory, motor, and speech symptoms that often signal the onset of a migraine. It can be mistaken for a seizure or stroke but usually occurs before the headache, though it can also happen during or after. Auras last between 10 and 60 minutes, affecting 15%-20% of migraine sufferers.
Migraine symptoms can be managed or stopped. There are various types of migraines, and the same type might have different names. The four stages of a migraine are prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. About 30% of people experience symptoms before the headache starts.
The prodrome stage can last from a few hours to days and might not occur every time. The aura stage can last from five to 60 minutes, but not everyone experiences it. The headache stage can last from four to 72 hours, often starting on one side of the head and spreading. The postdrome stage, or “headache hangover,” can last up to a week and affects 80% of sufferers.
More than 50% of adults experience headaches, and 12% of Americans have migraines. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from migraines. While it’s hard to predict who will get migraines, certain risk factors increase susceptibility. Migraines can occur once a year, weekly, or more frequently, with two to four headaches a month being common.
Migraines often run in families, with four out of five sufferers having a family history. If one parent has migraines, there’s a 50% chance their child will too; if both parents have them, the chance rises to 75%. Children can also experience migraines, though their symptoms are usually shorter and more stomach-related.
Discuss any symptoms with your healthcare provider, who can diagnose migraines and start treatment. Migraines don’t cause brain damage, but there is a small stroke risk for those with aura migraines.
The main symptom of a migraine is a headache, often described as throbbing or pounding. It can start as a dull ache and become a pulsing pain, moving around the head or affecting the eyes, temples, face, sinuses, jaw, or neck.
Migraine attacks are complex and not fully understood. They occur when certain nerves in blood vessels send pain messages to the brain, releasing inflammatory chemicals. The exact cause of this release is unknown.
Triggers for migraines vary widely, including stress, certain foods, and environmental factors. Keeping a migraine journal can help identify personal triggers.
To diagnose migraines, doctors take a detailed medical history, including family history and symptoms. They may also order blood tests and scans to rule out other causes.
Migraine treatments include preventive and abortive medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with mild to moderate migraines, but overuse can lead to rebound headaches. Prescription medications include triptans, calcium channel blockers, CGRP monoclonal antibodies, beta blockers, antidepressants, and antiseizure drugs. Alternative treatments include biofeedback and lifestyle changes.
Avoid migraine medications during pregnancy unless approved by a doctor. While there’s no cure for migraines, managing triggers and symptoms can reduce their frequency and severity. Each person’s experience with migraines is unique, and treatment should be tailored to individual needs.
If migraines are severe or frequent, consult a healthcare provider. In emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.
