Migraine

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headache attacks that include both pain and associated symptoms in various combinations, including nausea as well as sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine has an enormous impact on the individual and society, affecting approximately 11% of the population in Western countries. The societal impact of migraine is usually measured through direct costs such as healthcare utilization figures or indirect costs such as work loss (i.e., absenteeism) and reduced productivity while at work due to migraine. The individual impact is often measured by examining attack frequency and severity, as well as the global impact of repeated attacks. Studies of the family members of migraine sufferers provide insight into how the disease affects those around them. This chapter reviews the epidemiology of and risk factors for migraine, as well as the impact the disease has on the individual and society.