A migraine headache (also known as a “migraine”) is a severe headache that is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. The pain of a migraine can vary but it is most often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing in the temple or behind the eye that is often confined to one side of the head. Migraines are sometimes preceded by warning signs called an “aura” in the form of visual disturbances such as blind spots, flashing lights, zig-zag lines, or temporary vision loss.

People with migraines tend to have recurring attacks which may be triggered by several factors including lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, anxiety, stress, or (in women) hormonal irregularities. The pain can last for a few hours or for a few days, and can occur as frequently as two to three times a week, or as infrequently as once a year. Migraines are not life-threatening and do not cause any permanent damage, but they can be very disabling and may interfere with normal life.

Migraines are quite common, affecting an estimated 30 million Americans. They tend to affect people most often between the ages of 15 and 55 and are more common in women than men. Migraines tend to decrease in frequency and severity with age. Although there is no cure for migraines, treatments are available that can help prevent future attacks and treat the pain of attacks when they do occur.