Headache: Migraine

Migraine is a primary headache disorder and a common, recurrent, disabling condition that affects an estimated 18% of women and 6% of men. Commonly reported triggers that induce migraine include stress, fatigue, various foods, alcohol, drugs, smoking, weather changes, and odors. Migraine is diagnosed clinically, with diagnostic testing indicated only in patients with red flag signs and symptoms. Research is providing new insights into the underlying pathophysiology and genetics of migraine as well as novel pharmacotherapies for management and prevention. Migraine is a complex and heterogeneous condition, which makes use of general treatment recommendations difficult. However, a variety of drugs has been proven to be effective for abortive treatment and migraine prophylaxis. This allows for treatment individualization for each patient's headache pattern. Integrative medicine therapies may have a role in management. Although migraine in children and adolescents is less well-studied, management recommendations for migraine in children and adolescents are similar to those for migraine in adults.