Behind the Headache: A Deep Dive into the Science of Migraines
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Abstract
Migraine is a common, debilitating neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, severe headaches often accompanied by a range of neurological, gastrointestinal, and autonomic symptoms. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the symptoms, phases, pathophysiology, risk factors, and types of migraine. The article outlines the distinct phases of a migraine attack, including the prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome, and emphasizes the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine, including cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular activation, and neurotransmitter imbalances. We also discuss the various risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, hormonal fluctuations, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the onset and frequency of migraine attacks. The review further categorizes the different types of migraine, including episodic, chronic, and various subtypes, such as migraine with aura and without aura. A better understanding of these facets of migraine will facilitate improved management strategies and therapeutic interventions.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Saumya Harsh Mittal, Dr Salony Mittal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Creative Commons License All articles published in Annals of Medicine and Medical Sciences are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Dr Saumya Harsh Mittal, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, SMSR, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, SMSR, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr Salony Mittal, Professor, Department of Pathology, SMSR, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Professor, Department of Pathology, SMSR, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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