From the Guidelines
Migraine is a highly disabling primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of headache with a range of accompanying symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, affecting approximately 15% of the general population. According to the study published in Nature Reviews Neurology in 2021 1, migraine is a neurological disorder that directly affects more than one billion people worldwide, with a significant impact on quality of life and daily functioning. The study highlights that migraine is a complex condition with various triggers, including stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, and environmental factors.
Key Characteristics of Migraine
- Recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headaches, typically affecting one side of the head
- Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
- About one-third of migraine sufferers experience an "aura" before or during the headache, which may include visual disturbances, sensory changes, or speech difficulties
- Activation of the trigeminovascular system and release of inflammatory substances that cause pain and other symptoms
Diagnosis and Management
The diagnosis and management of migraine involve a comprehensive approach, including patient education, identification of triggers, and treatment of acute attacks and prevention of migraine headache, as outlined in the study published in Annals of Internal Medicine in 2002 1. The study emphasizes the importance of establishing realistic expectations and encouraging patient participation in their own management.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for migraine include acute and preventive medications, as well as non-pharmacological therapies, such as relaxation training, meditative therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as discussed in the study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2015 1. The study highlights the importance of a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to therapy, often with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.
Quality of Life and Daily Functioning
Migraines significantly impact quality of life and daily functioning, affecting approximately 12% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women than men, as noted in the study published in Nature Reviews Neurology in 2021 1. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management to improve quality of life and daily functioning in individuals with migraine.
From the Research
Definition of Migraine
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light) 2, 3, 4, 5
- Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound) 2, 3, 4, 5
- Nausea and/or vomiting 2, 6, 3, 4, 5
- Anorexia 6
- Unilateral headache (headache on one side of the head) 6, 3, 5
- Trigeminal nerve activation and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release 3
Characteristics of Migraine
Migraine is a complex disorder with multiple processes and a complex pathophysiology 5. It is a chronic condition that can have a significant adverse effect on a person's ability to undertake normal activities 2. Migraine can be characterized by:
- Recurrent attacks of headache that are variable in intensity, frequency, and duration 6
- A familial disorder with a genetic component 6, 3, 4, 5
- A disorder that can be triggered by environmental factors 3
- A condition that can be accompanied by aura (transient focal neurological symptoms) 4, 5
Types of Migraine
There are different types of migraines, including: