THE NEURON

Migraine is one of the commonest headache. It’s more common than diabetes. Every 1 person out of 7 suffer from migraine.

IT’S A VERY COMMON HEADACHE

Even if you don’t suffer from migraine, chances are you know someone who does: The disorder affects 14.7% of the population, or one in seven people, around the world.

WOMEN SUFFER MORE THAN MEN

Of the one billion people on Earth who have migraine disorder, three-fourths are women. It’s due to several female hormones.

MIGRAINE TRIGGERS VARY WIDELY

The headache is triggered by some events or sensation or food. They vary from patient to patient and often come from unexpected sources that have no relation to each other. Stress, too much or too little sleep, dehydration, alcohol, and caffeine are some of the commonest triggers.

THE HEADACHE IS ONE SIDED GENERALLY

Migraine headache occurs in one side of head. It may start with lightening sensation in eyes or ringing of ears. It’s called AURA. Some people experience nausea and vomiting at the time of headache. It occurs in one side of head. But sometimes it can happen in both sides. A single attack can prolong from 3 hours to 72 hours.

KIDS GET MIGRAINES TOO

Migraine isn’t just a problem for adults. Around 10 percent of all school-aged kids are affected by the disorder.

MIGRAINE MAY BE HEREDITARY

For most people with migraine disorder, it runs in the family. Anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of migraine sufferers report having at least one family member who has it as well. If one parent has migraine, there’s a 50% chance their child will eventually have to live with migraine—and that risk increases to 75% in both parents.

MIGRAINE IS LINKED TO DEPRESSION

Risk of anxiety, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder, depression are higher in migraine sufferers. While the anticipation of painful symptoms can cause depression and anxiety in some people, experts believe that mental illness is often more than just an effect of living with migraine. 

Migraine is a chronic disease. It might remain for life. But the episodes of headache can be decreased to minimal numbers. It is a very irritating and disabling headache. A patient might need life long Medication to suppress the headache episodes. The triggers should be avoided. Consult a neurologist soon if someone is having migraine headache. Regular treatment and trigger prevention can supress the episodes.

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References

Lipton RB, Bigal ME. The epidemiology of migraine. The American Journal of Medicine Supplements. 2005 Mar 1;118:3-10.