The Science of Migraines

Everything you need to know about the latest research on the causes, triggers, and treatments for migraine headaches.

By Anna Funk
Mar 27, 2021 3:00 PM
Migraine abstract
(Credit: Lightspring/Shutterstock)

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If you asked your doctor about migraine headaches just a few decades ago, you may have been underwhelmed with the treatment options. But within the past 20 years or so, a lot has come to light about what causes migraines and how to help people with them. It’s about time: Migraines have been around since at least the time of ancient Egypt. (Supposedly, at least.)

Migraines are estimated to affect 1 billion people worldwide. They’re the number one cause of disability in people aged 15 to 49. And 1 to 10 percent of chronic migraine sufferers report that the condition even affected their decision to have children — either because they didn’t want to pass the condition on, or didn’t feel like they could be a good parent.

Migraines aren’t just extra-painful headaches, but rather a whole batch of disabling symptoms that come in waves. A single migraine attack can last multiple days.

What’s a Migraine?

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