Migraine is a severe form of headache. It makes life a misery for millions of people. The pharmaceutical industry has developed many products to treat it. Increased understanding of migraine could lead to other effective treatments. Future advances could further relieve the misery and increase the quality of life in patients suffering from migraine.
Disease: Migraine
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ
-
What is it?
Migraine is a severe form of headache which can last from a few hours to 72 hours or longer. In the early stages, the sufferer may experience mood changes and, in some people, this may be followed by an 'aura' - a period of visual disturbances. The headache follows, aggravated by sound or light, and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. This gradually resolves, and deep sleep may occur. Finally, the patient may feel fatigued.
The attack can be triggered by certain foods, menstruation, disturbed sleep, stress and smoking. -
Who gets it?
Twice as many women than men are affected by migraine. In Europe, it has been estimated that some 30 million people suffer from migraine.
-
What can be done about it?
There are many products available for migraine. Some help to prevent the attack, others to treat it. They may be combined with medicines to help reduce the feelings of nausea.
In recent years, products (called 'triptans') of a new class have been made available which work on the blood supply to the brain. These have quickly become the leading therapy for migraine. They can be taken in the form of tablets, a nasal spray, quick-dissolving wafers or injection. -
What does the future hold?
A molecule called nitric oxide may play a role in migraine and a compound that affects its release is currently being examined. It has also been found that medicines originally developed for epilepsy may be effective in migraine. This is being investigated. Finally, a molecule that affects the nerve inflammation seen in migraine is being researched.