Migraine is a complex neurological condition - and while there's no cure currently, understanding it is the first step toward better management. Think of migraine as your brain's alarm system going into overdrive.
Key Symptoms:
- Headache attack lasts 4–72 hours (when untreated)
- Throbbing head pain (often one side)
- Moderate or severe pain intensity
- Aggravation by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity (eg, walking or climbing stairs)
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Nausea and/or vomiting
The Impact is Real:
- Disrupts work, education, and family life for 90%+ of people with migraine
- Affects 1 in 4 U.S. households
- Impacts over 1 billion people globally
- Leads to missed workdays, social events, and family activities
- Can often strike during peak productive years
Breaking Down Myths:
- Not "just a headache"
- Not something you can "push through"
- Not limited to any gender, age, or background
- Not always triggered by obvious factors
Why Understanding Matters: Despite affecting millions, migraine remains misunderstood and undertreated. Many people suffer for years before getting proper diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing migraine symptoms and seeking medical care are crucial first steps toward better management.
Migraine is most common in those between the ages of 18 and 44 years old. Migraine also tends to run in families, about 90% of those with migraine report a family history of migraines.
Contrary to popular belief, a migraine is much more than just a bad headache. It is a neurological disorder involving nerve pathways and brain chemicals.
Previously, the dominant theory was that the dilation and constriction of blood vessels were the primary source of migraine pain. Now, many headache researchers have found that changes in blood flow and blood vessels don't initiate migraine pain but may still contribute to it.
Brain chemicals and hormones, as well as waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells, play a role in pain sensitivity for people with migraine.