Migraine is a common clinical problem characterized by episodic attacks of head pain and associated symptoms such as nausea , sensitivity to light , sound , or head movement . It is generally thought of as a headache problem , but it has become apparent in recent years that many patients suffer symptoms from migraine that do not have severe headaches as a dominant symptom . These patients may have a primary complaint of dizziness , of ear pain , of ear or head fullness , “ sinus ” pressure , and even fluctuating hearing loss . Fortunately , treatment regimens long established for the treatment of “ classic ” migraine headaches are generally effective against these “ atypical ” symptoms of migraine .
There are currently 28 million Americans with “ classic ” migraine headaches . In a room with 100 people , 13 are likely to have migraine . This is as common as diabetes and asthma combined . The number of people suffering with atypical forms of migraine is unknown . Females are 3 times more likely to have migraine than males . Although any person can have migraine at any age , migraine is most common between ages 30 and 50 . The peak incidence of migraine in females occurs at 35 years of age — at this age , 28 % of all females have migraine headaches . The peak incidence of migraine in men occurs at 30 years of age — at this age , about 10 % of all males have migraine headaches .
Migraine is a lifelong problem . It may start in childhood , disappear , and reappear in new forms throughout an individual ’ s life . In general , there is a decrease in headache intensity and an increase in the incidence of atypical symptoms of migraine ( vertigo , ear pain , bowel symptoms , etc ) as patients mature . Migraine tends to run in families , so having a relative with migraine makes it more likely that you will have migraine as well .
Surveys show that only 48 % of people with migraine headaches have had a diagnosis and are being treated for their headaches . Unfortunately , only 29 % of US migraine sufferers are very satisfied with their treatment . This is usually a reflection of a lack of understanding of the nature of migraine and its treatment , or lack of commitment to effective treatments . We hope this material will help you to achieve better control of your migraine symptoms , whatever they are , and improve your quality of life .
Evidence suggests that migraine is an inherited problem of ion channels in the brain . This may result in what is best described as a “ sensitive brain ”. Most individuals exposed to loud noise , bright light , or excessive motion can adapt to these strong stimuli within minutes , but in the brain of a " migraineur " ( migraine patient ),