Management of Migraine: An Overview

Abstract

Migraine headache is an episodic headache disorder. Most people who suffer from migraines get headaches that can be quite severe. The pain usually begins in the morning, on one side of the head. The word migraine is derived from a Greek word that means “half-head”. Less frequently, the entire head is swallowed up by pain. It is a common condition with a prevalence of 17.6% in females and 5.7% in males. About three out of four people who have migraines are women. Migraines are most common in women between the ages of 20 and 45. At this time of life women often have more job, family, and social duties. Migraines can significantly hinder one’s work performance. Medications from several different drug classes may be useful prophylactic agents.

KEY WORDS: Migraine, Headache, Women, Pain