- What is migraine?
- A primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, often unilateral, throbbing, and associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia.
- 2. What are the common triggers for migraine?
- Stress, hormonal changes, certain foods (e.g., aged cheese, chocolate, alcohol), lack of sleep, and sensory stimuli (e.g., bright lights, strong smells).
- 3. What is the difference between migraine with aura and without aura?
- Migraine with aura includes transient focal neurological symptoms (e.g., visual disturbances, sensory changes) preceding the headache, while migraine without aura lacks these symptoms.
- 4. What is the first-line treatment for acute migraine?
- Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, rizatriptan) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
- 5. What are the preventive treatments for frequent migraines?
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate), and antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline).
- 6. Can migraine be associated with other symptoms like dizziness or vertigo?
- Yes, vestibular migraine is a recognized subtype where dizziness or vertigo occurs alongside headache.
- 7. What is the role of CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) in migraine?
- CGRP is a key molecule in migraine pathogenesis, involved in vasodilation and neuronal activation; CGRP antagonists (e.g., erenumab) are used for prevention.
- 8. Are there any dietary factors that can help prevent migraines?
- Regular meals, hydration, and avoiding known triggers (e.g., caffeine, nitrates) may help.
- 9. What is the difference between tension-type headache and migraine?
- Tension-type headache is typically bilateral, pressing/tightening, and lacks aura, nausea, or vomiting.
- 10. When should a patient with migraine be referred for further evaluation?
- Sudden onset, focal neurological deficits, or red flags (e.g., fever, seizures, papilledema) suggest secondary causes requiring imaging or specialist referral.