When people think of migraines, they often imagine a severe headache, but the truth is that migraine is a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, according to the Global Burden of Disease Survey, migraine ranked as the third most common disorder globally and seventh-highest reason for disability in 2010.
So, what is a migraine exactly? It’s not just a bad headache – it’s a chronic condition characterized by recurring episodes of intense head pain, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and changes in vision or perception. The International Headache Society has developed a system called the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) to categorize different types of migraines.
There are two main types of migraine: those without aura, which are characterized by throbbing head pain, often on one side of the head, that can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours; and those with aura, which are marked by neurological symptoms like changes in vision, hearing, smell, or touch that occur just before or during the headache phase. Aura symptoms usually last between 10-30 minutes.
Did you know that about 3 out of 4 people with migraine experience migraines without aura? And while these episodes can be intense and debilitating, they often don’t come with warning signs or prodrome symptoms like those experienced by people who have migraines with aura.
So, what’s the best way to manage your migraines? Keeping a journal is a great starting point. By tracking your attacks – including their intensity, duration, and any triggers you might notice – you can identify patterns and trends that will help you and your doctor develop an effective treatment plan. With the right approach, you can take control of your migraines and start living the life you deserve.
References:
1. MigraineMedicine.org
2. International Headache Society
3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
