We often hear migraines described as just another type of headache, or simply a really bad one. But migraines are more than that. They’re a complex neurological condition that can affect people in different ways. Because migraines can affect people throughout their lives, it’s important to build a clearer understanding of this condition that impacts so many people. Through ongoing conversations, education, and clinical research, we can deepen our understanding of migraines and contribute to continued progress in migraine research.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition that causes intense, throbbing head pain, often on one side of the head. Migraines involve changes in how the brain and nervous system process pain and sensory information, which can contribute to pain and other symptoms. They can disrupt daily life, affecting work, social activities, and overall functioning.
Common Migraine Symptoms
According to the World Health Organization, migraine is characterized by recurring attacks and is often lifelong. These attacks typically last between 4 and 72 hours, and migraine pain is often moderate to severe, sometimes worsening with routine physical activity. While everyone experiences migraines differently, certain symptoms tend to appear more commonly. These symptoms can include:
- Throbbing or pulsing head pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or spots, sometimes occurring before or during an episode (aura)
Migraine often begins around puberty and is most common in adults between the ages of 35 and 45. Children can also experience migraines, though their episodes are typically shorter and may include more abdominal symptoms.
What Can Trigger a Migraine?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that several factors can trigger a migraine episode or increase a person’s risk of experiencing one. While triggers vary widely between individuals, some of the most common include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Too much or too little sleep
- Bright lights or loud noise
- Certain foods or skipping meals
- Hormonal changes
Everyone’s experience with migraine and their triggers is unique, highlighting just how complex this condition can be.
Migraine vs. Headache
A headache and migraine are often viewed as interchangeable or as different versions of the same thing. While they may seem similar, they are distinct. A headache refers to pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck and can have many different causes. A migraine, however, can cause moderate to severe head pain along with other symptoms. While a headache can be a symptom of migraine, migraine involves more than head pain alone.
Why Migraine Research Matters
Through clinical research, scientists study investigational products and approaches while gathering information about their safety and effectiveness. The data gathered from trials help researchers determine which products warrant future study and contribute to a broader understanding of migraine. For people living with migraines, continued research expands scientific knowledge and may contribute to future advances in how migraines are understood and managed. At Excell Research, our migraine clinical trials give eligible participants an opportunity to contribute to research that may help advance options for people living with migraines. To learn more or see if you’re eligible to participate, visit our participation page.