Migraine is more than a severe headache: it is a complex disorder often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea; vomiting; visual changes (e.g. blurry vision, developing blind spots or seeing zigzag shapes or lines); numbness and tingling; dizziness; and sensitivity to light, smells, and/or sound.  For many the worst symptom is the prolonged throbbing, recurring pain. Because migraine symptoms vary for each individual patient, making the diagnosis may be complicated.  In many patients, migraines may be preceded by certain warning symptoms or a "sense" that the attack is about to come; this is called an "aura". Some patients have no warning symptoms at all. Once a migraine begins, it may last for several hours or even up to 3 days.  Typically, pain is on one side of the head, but it may spread to both sides before decreasing.  Many patients say that once a migraine begins, they must lie quietly in a darkened room until it resolves.

Migraines are thought to be caused by extreme constriction and then dilation of blood vessels in the head.  Recent research suggests that migraines may result from altered levels of neurotransmitters (neurologically active chemicals) in the brain, particularly serotonin.

In the US, approximately one in six women and 1 in 20 men get migraines.  The 30's and 40's are peak years, but even children as young as age 2 have been known to experience migraine.  Migraines usually subside after age 55.

Migraine is much more common in women than men: 3 out of 4 migraine sufferers are female.  This is attributed to hormonal changes, particularly those related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, PMS, and perimenopause (the 2-10 years preceding menopause when hormonal levels fluctuate considerably).  Of the 18 million women estimated to be migraine sufferers in the US, six out of ten experience migraine right before their menstrual periods ("menstrual migraine").  Migraine headaches of this type are typically the most severe and women with this pattern are good candidates for preventive medical therapy.

Migraine headaches can be hereditary.  If both parents have them, there is a 75% chance that their children will have them; if only one parent has migraines, there is a 50% chance that the child will be affected.

Too many migraine sufferers are not aware that there are several preventive and therapeutic medications for their painful, disruptive, and sometimes debilitating headaches.  In fact, one survey of physicians reported that most patients with migraine suffered for 3-4 years before seeking any medical attention!