Migraine facts and figures

• Migraine is a weakening (debilitating) condition of the nerves which occurs on more than one occasion. It consists of a throbbing headache that is usually made worse by movement. Migraine sufferers may feel or be sick, and find that noise or light make them feel worse.

• Migraine is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system in developed countries.
  
  
• About one in ten people suffer from migraine (10–15%), typically occurring in people aged 25–55 years.
  
  
• Most people experience their first attack during childhood or as teenagers.
  
  
• The first episode tends to occur earlier in boys than in girls.
  
  
• Migraine is two to three times more common in women than in men, which may be due to a hormonal influence on the condition.
  
  
• Caucasians (white race) are more likely to suffer from migraine than Africans or Asians.