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Migraine

Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder involving attacks of headache and associated symptoms; some people experience aura, and attacks may occur without prominent head pain.

At a glance

Quick facts

Category
Neurological disorders
What it is
Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder involving attacks of headache and associated symptoms; some people experience aura, and attacks may occur without prominent head pain.
Typical presentation
Moderate or severe headache, nausea and sensitivity to light, sound or movement can occur.
Assessment
Diagnosis is mainly clinical from the attack pattern and examination.
Treatment approach
Acute therapies and preventive options are chosen according to attack frequency, disability and health risks.
Key safety concern
Sudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, fever with neck stiffness or a new major headache pattern requires urgent assessment.

Names & terminology

Understanding the name

Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder involving attacks of headache and associated symptoms; some people experience aura, and attacks may occur without prominent head pain.

Clinical reference

Clinical profile

Summary
CategoryNeurological disorders
What it isMigraine is a recurrent neurological disorder involving attacks of headache and associated symptoms; some people experience aura, and attacks may occur without prominent head pain.
Typical presentationModerate or severe headache, nausea and sensitivity to light, sound or movement can occur.
AssessmentDiagnosis is mainly clinical from the attack pattern and examination.
Treatment approachAcute therapies and preventive options are chosen according to attack frequency, disability and health risks.
Key safety concernSudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, fever with neck stiffness or a new major headache pattern requires urgent assessment.

Overview

Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder involving attacks of headache and associated symptoms; some people experience aura, and attacks may occur without prominent head pain.

Symptoms and presentation

Moderate or severe headache, nausea and sensitivity to light, sound or movement can occur. Aura may include reversible visual or sensory symptoms.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation and warning signs

The pattern varies and cannot replace an individual assessment.

Clinical overview
Presentation
  • Moderate or severe headache
  • nausea and sensitivity to light
  • sound or movement can occur
Clinical assessment
  • Diagnosis is mainly clinical from the attack pattern and examination
  • Interpret results with history and examination
When to seek urgent care
  • Sudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, fever with neck stiffness or a new major headache pattern requires urgent assessment.

Emergency symptoms and clinical severity should be assessed locally.

Clinical assessment and diagnosis

Diagnosis is mainly clinical from the attack pattern and examination. Imaging is reserved for concerning features or atypical presentation.

ASSESSMENT

How the clinical assessment proceeds

Exact investigations depend on the clinical context.

Clinical workflow
1Define the symptom patternModerate or severe headache, nausea and sensitivity to light, sound or movement can occur. Aura may include reversible visual or sensory symptoms.
2Assess disease or alternative causesDiagnosis is mainly clinical from the attack pattern and examination. Imaging is reserved for concerning features or atypical presentation.
3Discuss care and monitoringAcute therapies and preventive options are chosen according to attack frequency, disability and health risks. A headache diary can help identify patterns and treatment response.

Treatment and management

Acute therapies and preventive options are chosen according to attack frequency, disability and health risks. A headache diary can help identify patterns and treatment response.

Treatment & care hub

Elements of care

Individual treatment is based on diagnosis, comorbidities and clinician assessment.

Management overview
Confirm diagnosisFirst step

Understand the underlying condition

Diagnosis is mainly clinical from the attack pattern and examination. Imaging is reserved for concerning features or atypical presentation.

Tailor treatmentIndividualized

Choose evidence-based management

Acute therapies and preventive options are chosen according to attack frequency, disability and health risks. A headache diary can help identify patterns and treatment response.

Monitor safetyImportant

Recognize warning signs

Sudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, fever with neck stiffness or a new major headache pattern requires urgent assessment.

Diagnosis→Tailored care→Monitoring

Complications and when to seek help

Sudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, fever with neck stiffness or a new major headache pattern requires urgent assessment.

EVIDENCE AND DATA

Interpreting population statistics

Comparable, disease-specific prevalence or incidence data have not yet been curated for this entry. No prevalence estimate is supplied.

MedlinePlus Health Topics ↗
Data availabilityNot quantifiedUse condition-specific epidemiology, not estimated figures
No unsupported regional or country comparison is presented.

Frequently asked questions

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder involving attacks of headache and associated symptoms; some people experience aura, and attacks may occur without prominent head pain.

How is it assessed?

Diagnosis is mainly clinical from the attack pattern and examination. Imaging is reserved for concerning features or atypical presentation.

When should I seek urgent help?

Sudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, fever with neck stiffness or a new major headache pattern requires urgent assessment.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine — Migraine — health topic ↗
  2. NIH — Migraine ↗

This is an editorial evidence summary awaiting independent clinician review. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a substitute for personalized medical care.