Migraine

A migraine is a severe headache usually felt as a throbbing pain at the front or on one side of the head. Some people also experience other symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting about 15% of adults in the UK.

There are two types of migraine:

• Classical migraine is when you experience a warning sign known as aura before the migraine begins. About a third of people with migraine have this.  Warning signs may include visual problems (like flashing lights) and stiffness in your neck, shoulders or limbs.
• Common migraine is when there is no aura.

For more information, see Migraine – symptoms

There are five stages to a migraine, although not everyone will experience all of these.

Who is affected by migraines?

Migraines affect one in four women and one in 12 men in the UK.

Hormones may be the reason why migraines affect more women than men. For example, some women find that migraine attacks are more frequent around the time of their period. However, this association has not been fully proven.

Migraines usually begin in young adults, with about 9 in 10 having their first migraine before they are 40 years old. However, it is possible for migraines to begin later in life.

How often do they occur?

Everyone will experience migraines differently. Some people have attacks frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It is possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

Outlook

A migraine can be very disabling and can severely affect your quality of life. Some people need to stay in bed for days at a time.

However, there are effective treatments and methods to help prevent migraines (see Migraine – treatment and prevention). Most people find a way to manage their migraines so there is little disruption to their everyday life.