Headache disorders and migraine
Information about migraine and other headache disorders, prevention and treatment research.
What are headache disorders?
Headache disorders include several conditions. Migraine causes recurring attacks of headache often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound; some people also experience aura. Not every headache is migraine, and an accurate diagnosis guides management.
Assessment and warning signs
Diagnosis usually considers the pattern, frequency and accompanying features of attacks and the clinical examination. A sudden, extremely severe headache or one associated with neurological deficits, fever or confusion requires urgent medical assessment.
Treatment and prevention
Care may involve treatment during attacks, changes to daily routines and preventive treatments when appropriate. Therapies targeting pathways involved in migraine are available, with selection tailored to individual needs.
Clinical research
Research explores preventive and acute therapies, tolerability, real-world effectiveness and better ways to measure the impact of headache disorders on quality of life.