A Migraine is an inherited neurological disorder that is characterized by hyperexcitable brain networks that may be triggered by a variety of stimuli (e.g. alcohol, menstruation, fragrances, light glare), or become active spontaneously, even during sleep, leading to attacks.

The clearest way to describe a migraine is that it is a headache that is severe.  The diagnosis is made with two or more of the following characteristics:

  • Unilateral headache
  • Pulsating quality
  • Moderate or severe pain intensity
  • Aggravated by physical activity

Plus, one or more of the following:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Photo and phonophobia

Other Facts

  • A migraine is distinct from other headaches, characterized by symptoms such as throbbing pain, light/sound sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, aura, and vision changes.

  • Migraines are one of the top 10 disabling medical illnesses globally.1

  • Migraines affect 39 million people (12% of the population) in the United States and more than 1 billion people globally.2

  • A migraine is particularly common in women. Three times more women experience migraine than men.3

Chronic Migraines

  • Indicates the presence of at least 15 days of headache each month.

  • Each headache lasts 4 hours or longer.

  • Chronic migraine affects up to 148 million people in the world.

  • Between 3% and 5% of the U.S. population suffer from chronic migraines.

There are several oral preventive agents that are available for chronic migraine and a newer preventive injectable, Botox. Botox is the first and only approved preventive treatment for chronic migraine.

 

1American Migraine Foundation, 2019. 2American Migraine Foundation, 2024. 3American Migraine Foundation, 2024