A headache is a common complaint. Almost 70% of all people complain of a headache at least once a month. A headache can occur in many types and for many reasons. A migraine is not a simple headache but a very common disorder. Together with a migraine, other complaints such as those in nervous and digestive systems may come about in addition to the headache. Migraine frequency can alter depending upon the age and gender. During adolescence, the frequency of migraine increases. It is most common in the ages of 25 to 55. It is also more common in women than men are.

Migraine starts by attacks. Attacks may occur once or twice a month and last about 24 hours but no complaint is experienced at other times. During the attack, headaches at medium or severe level may be accompanied by certain other complaints such as disturbance from light and noise, nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Besides these, depression, exhaustion, anxiety, nervousness and concentration problems are also common. After the headache is over, fatigue, uneasiness and concentration problems may continue for some more time. The World Health Organization lists migraine as “a disease that hinders everyday function the most”.

Typically, a migraine sets off at one part of the head, gradually increasing its intensity, throbbing with pain and rising with movements. In some patients, pain may occur on both sides of the head, or it can start on only one side but gradually spread to the other side. These complaints can go away in 4 hours but can also last even for 3 days. Some patients experience a period of aura that occurs 1 hour before the onset of the headache. This aura period is indicative of a migraine attack and occurs in one out of three patients. During this period, visual deterioration such as spots, disorders in eyesight due to lightning’s are accompanied by numbness in hands, arms and face. Thereupon, the patient realizes that a migraine attack is about to start.

Migraine attacks can start spontaneously but some are triggered by what is called stimulants. Most significant factors that trigger the onset are stress, hormonal changes in women, hunger, certain foodstuff, a variety of smells, physical activity, change in sleep pattern, fatigue, and change of climate, light and noise.

Because of all these factors and the migraine triggered by them, people’s work and social life is affected negatively. The social impact of migraine has now reached to significant levels not only due to its adverse consequences for the life at home but also due to the absence from the office at times and the decreasing efficiency at work. Thus, the cost of this illness for the society is higher than the loss of task force.

Several medications are used in the treatment of headaches. Painkillers stop the headache but they do not necessarily remove the cause of the headache. Simple painkillers are effective in eradicating mild headaches and cannot be used for a long duration. The migraine type medications are effective only on those people having a migraine. They are used for medium to severe headaches and must possibly be taken at the beginning of a migraine attack.

Migraine is treated in two different ways, one designed to cure it during the attack and the other to prevent the attack. The aim of the migraine treatment is to increase the quality of life of the individuals by decreasing the intensity, duration and frequency of the attack. Besides, people diagnosed with a migraine should avoid factors that trigger it.