What is migraine?
Migraine is a common, chronic brain disorder characterized by recurring, often severe headache attacks. Unlike ordinary tension headaches, migraines are often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual or physical warning signs, known as aura. The exact cause of migraine is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, impaired processing of stimuli in the brain, and influencing lifestyle factors. Known triggers include stress, lack of sleep, bright light, strong smells, and certain foods such as alcohol, chocolate, and mature cheese.
Common symptoms of migraine
The symptoms of migraine can vary from person to person and from attack to attack, but the most common symptoms are:
Severe, throbbing headache, often on one side of the head
Nausea and sometimes vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
Reduced ability to concentrate during an attack
Sometimes