What is migraine?
- Migraine is a disabling and recurrent type of headache that usually occurs in episodes or ‘attacks’. It is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system, and affects just over 10% of adults worldwide.
The disabling nature of migraine can result in a significant personal and social burden.
Migraine is characterised by a throbbing or pulsating headache that is typically located on one side of the head.
The pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. It may be so severe that the sufferer has to lie down in a darkened room and wait for it to pass. The pain usually becomes worse with physical activities like walking or climbing stairs.
Some migraine sufferers have a warning ‘aura’, lasting up to one hour before the headache starts, which often causes problems with vision. This aura may involve flashing lights, zigzag lines and blank spots when trying to concentrate on something.
Migraines that are preceded by an aura are known as ‘classic migraines’, and account for around 15% of attacks.
Migraines without aura are known as ‘common migraines’ and account for about 85% of attacks.
Some people also suffer from other warning symptoms, such as numbness or tingling on one side of the face, around the mouth or down one arm.
There are many other types of migraine that are far less common than the ones described above.
