A migraine is a severe headache that often has a number of associated symptoms, such as nausea, increased sensitivity and visual problems.

Migraines are common, affecting about one in four women and one in 12 men in the UK. It is thought that hormonal influences may be the reason why migraines affect more women than men. For example, some women find that migraine attacks are more frequent around the time of their period. However, this association has not been fully proven.

It is possible for migraines to begin later in life. However, it is more common for the condition to begin in childhood or as a young adult. About nine out of 10 people who experience migraines have their first one before they are 40 years old.

There are two types of migraine, classical and common:

• Classical migraine is when the headache includes symptoms of aura (see the "symptoms" section).
• Common migraine is when a person does not experience aura symptoms.

Some people experience migraine attacks frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only experience a migraine occasionally. It is possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

 

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