National Headache Foundation
www.headaches.org
General Information
Migraines are not ‘extreme’ headaches. Many myths surround what a migraine is, or even the type of person who has migraines. Migraines are sometimes mislabeled cluster or sinus headaches (even though headache specialists indicate that sinus headaches are rare). . Migraine is not a ‘vascular’ headache either. Instead, there are very specific neurological processes which occur when a person experiences a migraine.
It is estimated that there are nearly 20 million Americans affected by Migraines; 50% of them undiagnosed. Prior to puberty, migraines affect both genders equally; however, after puberty, there are three times more women than men who experience Migraines. This may be due to hormonal factors; but this is not clear, as women continue to experience migraine after menopause.
Migraine causes significant disability, and is associated with extensive deterioration in the quality of life.
The American Migraine Study II has stated that almost every household of 4 or more has at least one Migraine sufferer. It is very unfortunate that diagnosis is not sought more than half the time, based on the psycho-social stigma attached to Migraines (i.e. people with Migraines are neurotic or have character flaws).
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