Migraine is more than a headache

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can disrupt an individual’s life. Migraine affects 1 in 4 households in the US.

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Stages of a migraine attack

Migraine can work through 4 stages, but not everyone who suffers from the condition goes through all the stages.

Prodrome

The time leading up to the headache, which can last from a few hours to a day or more. Common signs and symptoms of prodrome can include food cravings, mood changes, uncontrollable yawning, and difficulty concentrating.

Aura

A third of people with migraine experience an aura, a period marked by sensory symptoms such as visual disturbances (an aura can last from 5 minutes up to 1 hour).

Headache

A severe headache characterized by throbbing or pulsing pain on one or both sides of the head accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting (this can last 4 to 72 hours).

Postdrome

This post-headache period is also known as the “migraine hangover” or recovery period (this can last 24 to 48 hours). Postdrome symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and depressed mood.
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Family genetics can be a factor in your likelihood of experiencing migraine.

Source: Yale Medicine

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Better understand some causes and treatment of migraine

A potential root cause of migraine

There are likely several factors that cause migraine. Many scientists now believe a potential root cause is related to a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein that is released by nerve cells. In migraine, CGRP is released and attaches to CGRP receptors, which may lead to dilation of blood vessels, inflammation, and increased pain signals to the brain.

CGRP is released during migraine attacks

Graphic depicting a normal amount of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) when not experiencing a migraine

Graphic depicting a normal amount of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) when not experiencing a migraine

Normal

Graphic depicting an increased amount of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) released during a migraine

Graphic depicting an increased amount of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) released during a migraine

During Migraine

For illustrative purposes only

How CGRP blockers work

CGRP blockers are one type of medication designed to treat migraine. They target and block pain signals thought to be linked to CGRP activity.
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Learn if your migraine medication is really working for you with this quick 5-question quiz.

Take the quiz

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Find out about your treatment options.

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Menopause & migraine:
what to
know

Learn more about menopause

Hormones can affect migraine

Unpredictable changes in estrogen levels during perimenopause can change migraine frequency—some improve, while others worsen.

Source: Menopause

Migraine & perimenopause

Migraine often worsens during perimenopause due to hormonal fluctuations.

Source: American Migraine Foundation

Migraine & postmenopause

Migraine often improves postmenopause due to stabilization of hormones.

Source: American Migraine Foundation

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Frequently asked questions

What is the current understanding of migraine?
Migraine is more than a headache. As a complex neurological condition, migraine is a disorder that affects the brain and can cause intense pain on one or both sides of the head. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and/or sound, and poor concentration. A migraine attack can last 4 to 72 hours. There are approximately 40 million Americans living with migraine.
What are common triggers for migraine?

Many things can trigger a migraine attack, but they’re not the same for everyone.
Common triggers include:

  • Stress
  • Certain foods
  • Alcohol
  • Skipping meals
  • Sudden changes in weather/barometric pressure
  • Hormonal changes in women around the time of their periods
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Over-medicating

This is not a complete list of migraine triggers. Beyond these triggers, having a family history of migraine and being female can also impact the likelihood of having migraine attacks.

How does menopause affect migraine?
Fluctuations in hormones during perimenopause, or the transition to menopause, can increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
How many people live with migraine?
Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases. Migraine affects 1 in 4 households in the US. There are approximately 40 million Americans living with migraine.
Are there any recent developments that can help treat migraine?
Over the last few years, there have been many developments in better understanding a potential root cause of migraine pain and the introduction of a new class of treatment. If your current migraine medication is not working for you, talk to your doctor about different treatments available today.
How do I get rid of migraine attacks?
There is no cure for migraine. However, there are treatment options. Since the severity and frequency of migraine attacks can differ from person to person, the way they’re treated can vary. There are two main approaches to migraine care: stop migraine attacks after they start (acute) or prevent them before they start (preventive). Many people with migraine use both acute and preventive treatments. These types of treatments can come in the form of oral medications, nasal sprays, injections, or devices.
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