Although people of any age

can suffer from migraine, the first episode usually starts during puberty.3,4
Migraines are most prevalent in people aged 18 to 44 years, and reduce in frequency as people age.​​​​​​​2

In addition, 

the frequency of migraine attacks varies from person to person.​​​​​​​1

​​​​​​​Some might have a migraine every week, while others experience it much more occasionally, having attacks just once in several years.​​​​​​​1

If you experience frequent migraines or severe symptoms, consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.​​​​​​​1 Your doctor may provide you with preventive advice and treatment to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of your migraines, minimizing the impact they might have on your daily life​​​​​​​.1,3​​​​​​​

 Types of migraineThe different phases during a migraine attack Causes and triggers of migraine

Frequently asked questions

If I have migraine, do I need to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you suffer from frequent migraines or experience severe symptoms.1 Your doctor will provide a diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and a physical and neurological examination.6 They may also provide preventive advice and treatment to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of your migraines.3 Moreover, keeping a migraine diary can help you further understand your migraine as well as help your doctor make a diagnosis and provide suggestions.7,8

Download your migraine diary

What does the location of my migraine pain mean?

Migraine pain can occur in different locations, including the right side, left side, both sides and the middle of the head.9 The location of pain could be related to gender, frequency of headaches, aura symptoms, triggers and headache features, but is not related to the duration of pain, prodrome symptoms, severity, frequency of recurrence and time to recurrence.9

Will migraine cause eye pain?

The pain from migraine often starts around the eye and temple.10

Will I vomit during a migraine attack?

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of migraine, in which at least 60% of patients will experience.11,12 Moreover, vomiting could sometimes alleviate or halt migraine pain.11
Although the exact relationship between migraine pain and gastrointestinal symptoms is unknown, one possible reason could be attributed to the connection of the gut and the brain nervous systems through the vagus nerve.11 This connection allows communication between the brain and gut, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms during a migraine attack.11

Why are women more likely to experience migraine than men?

The changes in estrogen levels in women during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can trigger migraines.13 Menstruation is a trigger in more than half of women with migraine.14

Can acupuncture help with my migraine?

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests the consideration of acupuncture in preventing migraine.15 However, acupuncture should not be used as the only treatment for migraine.16,17 If you suspect you may have migraine, consult a doctor as soon as possible for more information.

Will migraine cause permanent brain damage?

Migraine does not cause brain damage.7 Research has shown that white matter lesions could form in the brains of migraine patients, but there is no evidence to show that these lesions will lead to cognitive dysfunction.18,19 Results from the research also did not show differences in the cognitive function between people with and without migraine.18,19

Can migraine lead to stroke?

There is a tiny risk of stroke in patients who have migraine with aura (about 1 or 2 in 100,000 people).7

Are diet and migraine interrelated?

Certain dietary habits such as missing meals or eating specific foods could lead to a migraine attack.4,5,7,20,21
Avoiding habits or foods (e.g., alcohol, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, monosodium glutamate) that could trigger migraine may help prevent further attacks.1,5,7,20 Although a consensus has not been made, there is currently data supporting the benefits of several dietary interventions in migraine patients.21

Recommendations from dietitians

Simply answer a few questions to find out if you could have migraine now.

Do I have migraine?

References

References

  1. NHS. Migraine: Overview. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/. Accessed Feb 2023.
  2. Peters GL. Am J Manag Care 2019;25:S23-S34.  
  3. Pescador Ruschel MA, De Jesus O. Migraine Headaches. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560787/. Accessed Feb 2023.  
  4. Mayo Clinic. Migraine: Symptoms & causes. Available at: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201. Accessed Feb 2023.
  5. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Headache. Available at: www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache. Accessed Feb 2023.  
  6. Mayo Clinic. Migraine: Diagnosis & treatment. Available at: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360207. Accessed Feb 2023.
  7. Cleveland Clinic. Migraine headaches. Available at: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches. Accessed Feb 2023.
  8. The Migraine Trust. Keeping a headache diary. Available at: migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/keeping-a-migraine-diary/. Accessed Feb 2023.
  9. Kelman L. Headache 2005;45:1038-1047. 
  10. WebMD. Headache behind the eye? Why it happens, what helps. Available at: www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/headache-behind-eyes. Accessed Feb 2023. 
  11. Healthline. What’s the relationship between migraine and vomiting? Available at: www.healthline.com/health/migraine/why-does-throwing-up-relieve-migraines. Accessed Feb 2023.
  12. Lainez MJA, et al. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2013;4:61-73. 
  13. UpToDate. Estrogen-associated migraine, including menstrual migraine. Available at: www.uptodate.com/contents/estrogen-associated-migraine-including-menstrual-migraine. Accessed Feb 2023. 
  14. The Migraine Trust. Menstrual migraine. Available at: migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/types-of-migraine/menstrual-migraine/. Accessed Feb 2023.
  15. The Migraine Trust. Acupuncture. Available at: migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/healthcare/treatments/acupuncture/. Accessed Feb 2023.
  16. American Migraine Foundation. Acupuncture and migraine: Finding a combination that sticks. Available at: americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraineacupuncture-and-migraine-finding-a-combination-that-sticks/. Accessed Feb 2023. 
  17. Healthline. Acupuncture for headaches and migraines. Available at: www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-for-headaches. Accessed Feb 2023.
  18. American Headache Society. Migraine and brain lesions: Q&A with Dr Peter Goadsby. Available at:   americanheadachesociety.org/news/migraine-brain-lesions-qa-dr-peter-goadsby/. Accessed Feb 2023. 
  19. American Migraine Foundation. Migraine and brain lesions. Available at: americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-and-brain-lesions/. Accessed Feb 2023. 
  20. WebMD. What is migraine? Available at: www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-migraines. Accessed Feb 2023. 
  21. Gazerani P. Nutrients 2020;12:1658.