They typically built up over several minutes and they can last for up to an hour. They're usually visual, but they can include other neurologic symptoms as well. Aura is the term that we use for these temporary reversible neurologic symptoms. In about a third of people living with migraine, aura might occur before or even during a migraine attack. Sometimes people may not even realize that these are warning signs of a migraine attack. These can be subtle warnings such as constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased urination, or even frequent yawning. Some people may get prodrome symptoms, the beginning of a migraine attack. However, a migraine can look very different from one person to another. It can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light and sound. This pain can be so severe that it interferes with your day-to-day activities. The most common symptom of migraine is the intense throbbing head pain. Sleep changes, weather changes, skipping meals or even certain foods like aged cheeses and processed foods. Sensory stimulation such as bright lights or strong smells. Other known triggers include certain medications, drinking alcohol, especially red wine, drinking too much caffeine, stress. Hormonal changes, specifically fluctuations and estrogen that can occur during menstrual periods, pregnancy and perimenopause can trigger a migraine attack. However, this does not mean that if you get a migraine attack, that it's their fault, that you should feel any guilt or shame for your symptoms. If you have migraine, certain factors can trigger an attack. Meaning if a parent has migraine, there's about a 50 percent chance that a child may develop migraine as well. And since it is genetic, it is hereditary. Certainly genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of migraine disease. Migraine attacks are three times more prevalent in women, likely as a result of hormonal differences. Migraine is very common, affecting one in five women, one in 16 men, and even one in 11 children. Expecting someone to push through or just take your mind off of it is never good advice. Some have infrequent attacks, but others may have frequent disabling attacks. It affects each person differently with a wide range of disease severity. But migraine is a genetic neurologic disease. That it's just a headache and that it's no big deal. There is a lot of stigma around migraine. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we are here to give you the best information available. What is it? Who gets it, the symptoms, the diagnosis, and most importantly, the treatment.

In this video, we will cover the basics of migraine. Amaal Starling, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic specializing in headache disorders.

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