These auras most commonly occur before the headache begins but may occur during or after. Typical symptoms of migraine headaches include the following:
- Throbbing or pulsatile headache, with moderate to severe pain that intensifies with movement or physical activity
- Unilateral and localized pain in the frontotemporal and ocular area, but the pain may be felt anywhere around the head or neck
- Pain builds up over a period of 1-2 hours, progressing posteriorly and becoming diffuse
- Headache lasting 4-72 hours
- Nausea (80%) and vomiting (50%), including anorexia and food intolerance, and light-headedness
- Sensitivity to light and sound
In the United States, more than 30 million people have one or more migraine headaches per year. This corresponds to 18% of females and 6% of males.
The estimated worldwide prevalence of migraine is 10%. Approximately 3000 migraine attacks per million persons worldwide occur every day.
Migraine treatment involves acute (abortive) and preventive (prophylactic) therapy. Patients with frequent attacks usually require both. Measures directed toward reducing migraine triggers are also generally advisable.
