A newer way to manage migraine is here.

Yes. Over the last few years, there have been many developments in better understanding the root cause of migraine pain and the introduction of a new class of treatment. If your current migraine medication is not working for you, talk to your doctor about different treatments available today.

Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause intense pain on one or both sides of the head for 4 to 72 hours. It is a recurring type of headache. But unlike other headaches, the pain often includes:

• Throbbing or pulsing
• Pain in the temples or behind one eye or ear
• Light and sound sensitivity

There are two common types of migraine: with aura and without aura. Aura is a phase of a migraine attack when people may see flashes of light, have blind spots, or feel tingling in their hands or face.

Symptoms can vary but the most common symptoms of migraine include:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain (typically on one side of the head, but can be on both, front or back, around the eyes, or cheeks)
• Head pain that gets worse with movement
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and/or smells

The exact cause of migraine is still unknown, but medical experts believe it is caused by abnormal activity in the brain involving nerve pathways and certain chemicals. In addition, many researchers believe that a possible cause of migraine pain is related to a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). When the brain releases CGRPs, they attach to receptors and cause nerve inflammation—starting a migraine attack.

Many things can trigger a migraine attack, but they’re not the same for everyone.

Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Certain foods
• Alcohol
• Skipping meals
• Sudden changes in weather/barometric pressure
• Hormonal changes in women during their period
• Changes in sleep patterns

Beyond these triggers, having a family history of migraine and being female can also impact the likelihood of having migraine attacks.

Since the severity and frequency of migraine attacks can differ from person to person, the way they’re treated can vary. There are two main approaches to migraine care: stop migraine attacks after they start (acute) or prevent them before they start (preventive). Many people with migraine use both acute and preventive treatments. These types of treatments can come in the form of oral medications, nasal sprays, injections, or devices.

The good news? There are additional migraine medications that are now available that may bring hope to migraine sufferers.

Yes. You can help manage symptoms at home by napping in a dark room, using an ice pack on the forehead, and staying hydrated. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers may also help if migraine symptoms are mild, but you should talk to your doctor to see if this is right for you.

An untreated migraine attack can last anywhere from 4 to up to 72 hours.