Migraine
A recurrent headache disorder causing throbbing, one-sided pain often with nausea, vomiting, and light/sound sensitivity, sometimes preceded by visual "aura."
Symptoms
- Severe throbbing or pulsating headache
- Pain usually on one side of the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds
- Blurred vision or flashing lights
- Feeling tired, weak or dizzy
A recurrent headache disorder causing throbbing, one-sided pain often with nausea, vomiting, and light/sound sensitivity, sometimes preceded by visual "aura." Caused by abnormal brain nerve signaling and blood vessel changes, with genetic and hormonal triggers. Treated with lifestyle changes, trigger avoidance, triptans, and NSAIDs for attacks; preventive drugs include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. The newest modalities are CGRP monoclonal antibody injections (erenumab, fremanezumab) and gepants, which target the specific pain pathway with fewer side effects. Botox injections help chronic migraine. Surgery is not used; neuromodulation devices (occipital nerve stimulators) are reserved for rare refractory cases.
