Overview

Migraine is a complex condition with a wide variety of symptoms. For many people the main feature is a painful headache. Other symptoms include disturbed vision, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, feeling sick and vomiting. Migraine attacks can be very frightening and may result in you having to lie still for several hours.

Symptoms

The symptoms will vary from person to person and individuals may have different symptoms during different attacks. Your attacks may differ in length and frequency.Migraine can have an enormous impact on your work, family and social lives.

Causes

There is no known cause for migraine, although most people with it are genetically predisposed to migraine. If you are susceptible to migraine there are certain triggers which commonly occur. These include stress, lack of food, alcohol, hormonal changes in women, lack of sleep and the environment.

Diagnosis

There is no actual test to diagnose migraine. Diagnosis will depend upon your doctor taking your medical history and ruling out other causes for the attacks. 

Prevention

Only Prophylaxis can be done so that the frequency of attack can be controlled.

Treatment

• Pain-relieving medications- Triptans, NSAID etc
• Preventive medications- Propranol, Flunarizine

Everyday Life

It hampers the active life of the patients

Resources

www.migrainetrust.org

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache