Knowra Migraine Migraine Migraine is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe headache, often with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Attacks can also involve aura and symptoms that persist after the pain subsides.
Trigeminovascular system : A network linking the trigeminal nerve, pain-sensitive cranial tissues, and brainstem pathways. Its activation helps transmit head pain and release inflammatory signaling molecules during attacks.
Migraine aura : A set of reversible neurological symptoms, often visual, that typically develop before or during a migraine attack. Aura is a distinct attack feature, not simply a warning headache.
Triptan : A class of medicines that act on serotonin receptors and are used to treat acute migraine attacks. Triptans can relieve an attack when taken early, though they are unsuitable for some people.
Tension-type headache : A primary headache disorder typically causing bilateral pressing or tightening pain without the prominent nausea or sensory sensitivity of migraine. Its usual pain quality and associated symptoms differ from migraine attacks.
Migraine trigger : An exposure or circumstance that may increase the chance of a migraine attack in a susceptible person. Triggers vary, and an apparent trigger may sometimes be an early symptom of an attack.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide : A signaling molecule that promotes pain transmission and widening of blood vessels. CGRP signaling is closely tied to migraine pain and is targeted by several treatments.
Prodrome (migraine) : Early symptoms such as yawning, mood changes, or food cravings that can precede migraine pain by hours or days. Prodrome can signal an approaching attack before headache begins.
Gepant : A medicine that blocks the receptor for calcitonin gene-related peptide. Gepants target CGRP signaling and can be used for acute treatment or prevention.
Cluster headache : A primary headache disorder causing severe, one-sided attacks around the eye with autonomic symptoms and a characteristic recurring pattern. Its brief, frequent attacks and tearing or nasal symptoms distinguish it from migraine.
Migraine genetics : The study of inherited factors that influence susceptibility to migraine and its subtypes. Genetic findings explain some risk, but most migraine susceptibility involves many factors.
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