What Does Migraines Mean?

what is migraine disorder

What the difference between headeche and migraine?

Migraine is defined by throbbing pain in one area of the head that lasts 4 to 72 hours and is coupled with symptoms such as light or sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. Some people have visual disturbances (auras) that appear as zigzag lines or flashing lights before or during a migraine.

Migraine affects an estimated 10% of the global population, is most frequent in those aged 20 to 50, and is approximately three times more common in women than in males. A big US poll found that 17.1% of women and 5.6% of males had migraine symptoms.

What Is the Difference Between Episodic and Chronic Migraine?

The term "episodic migraine" refers to suffering a migraine on less than 15 days a month. Chronic migraine is defined as migraine that occurs on more than 15 days per month for three months or longer. Overuse of some pharmaceuticals (such as opioids, barbiturates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], and triptans) and excessive caffeine consumption have been linked to the progression from episodic to chronic migraine. Obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, and anxiety are also linked to chronic migraine.

Migraine Treatment Medications

Preventive medicine is provided for migraine headaches that are regular or incapacitating. Certain blood pressure-lowering drugs (such as beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers), antiseizure medications (such as valproic acid), and antidepressants are commonly used to prevent migraine (such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants). Antibodies and antagonists to the calcitonin gene-related peptide or its receptor are newer and more expensive drugs that may be beneficial if more established therapies are ineffective.

Migraine Treatment and Prevention Devices

Several migraine-treating devices that use magnetic stimulation or electrical current to the head or body have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In clinical trials, these devices were related with improved relief from pain produced by acute migraine and a reduction of up to 2 migraine days per month.

Migraine Prevention Using Behavioral Therapies

To avoid migraines, behavioral treatment (mindfulness, biofeedback, and cognitive behavior therapy) may be coupled with medicines. In one study, combining behavior therapy with preventative medications lowered the number of migraines per month compared to either medication or behavioral treatment alone.