[Migraine epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Headache disorders are a major global health burden, with migraine being the most common neurological condition.
• Migraine affects young populations, predominantly females, and incurs significant indirect economic costs.
• Migraine classification includes episodic and chronic forms, diagnosed via international criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of migraine.
• To outline current therapeutic strategies for both acute and prophylactic migraine management.
• To discuss the mechanisms underlying migraine with aura, including cortical spreading depression.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological data, diagnostic criteria, and treatment guidelines for migraine.
• Explanation of the neurobiological mechanisms, including trigeminocervical system activation and cortical spreading depression.
• Summary of pharmacological interventions for acute and preventive migraine therapy.

Main Results:

• Migraine prevalence is 10-14%, with a 3:1 female-to-male ratio.
• Migraine with aura involves neurological symptoms linked to cortical spreading depression.
• First-line acute treatments include NSAIDs, triptans, and antiemetics; prophylaxis involves beta-blockers, tricyclics, or antiepileptics.

Conclusions:

• Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder with substantial disability and economic impact.
• Diagnosis relies on established international criteria.
• Treatment strategies encompass acute symptom relief and long-term preventive therapy, individualized to patient profiles.