Migraine headaches are typically unilateral and are sometimes associated with visual or sensory symptoms, known as aura. These auras most commonly occur before the headache begins but may occur during or after. Typical symptoms of migraine headaches include the following:
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Throbbing or pulsatile headache, with moderate to severe pain that intensifies with movement or physical activity
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Unilateral and localized pain in the frontotemporal and ocular area, but the pain may be felt anywhere around the head or neck
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Pain builds up over a period of 1-2 hours, progressing posteriorly and becoming diffuse
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Headache lasting 4-72 hours
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Nausea (80%) and vomiting (50%), including anorexia and food intolerance, and light-headedness
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Sensitivity to light and sound
In the United States, migraine headaches affect around 21% of women and 10.7% of men, with the highest impact in women of childbearing age and those of lower socioeconomic status. Migraine affects 30 million people in the United States per year, while 1 billion suffer from them worldwide. In the United States, migraine prevalence is associated with household income and level of education. Additionally, migraine is among the top 5 reasons people visit emergency departments.
Migraine treatment involves acute (abortive) and preventive (prophylactic) therapy. Patients with frequent attacks usually require both. Measures directed toward reducing migraine triggers are also generally advisable.
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