Understanding Migraines
Some 39 million men, women and children in the United States and 1 billion people worldwide have migraines, the Migraine Research Foundation says. Nine of 10 people aren't able to work during a migraine, the foundation adds.
Here are some additional migraine facts:
- Migraine is a neurologic disease with incapacitating neurologic symptoms.
- Migraines are typically characterized by a severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. In some cases, both sides of the head are affected.
- Attacks often are accompanied by one or more of these symptoms: visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell; and tingling in the extremities or face.
- About 25 percent of people with migraines also have a visual disturbance called an aura, which typically lasts less than an hour.
- Attacks tend to last between 4 and 72 hours.