Migraine Aetiology

Migraine is more than just a ‘bad headache’.

Migraine causes considerable pain and suffering and has a tremendous impact on a patient’s ability to carry out ordinary daily activities. Despite this, only one-half of migraineurs currently consult a physician about their condition,^[1] and many rely on suboptimal over-the-counter medications to manage their symptoms. In addition, migraine is frequently misdiagnosed, and many patients lapse from primary care due to ineffective treatment and a lack of follow-up by their healthcare provider. In fact, only 20% of patients who visit their physician for an initial appointment continue under the physician's care.^[2]

 
Unfortunately, this situation has not changed markedly over the past decade, despite:

• an improved understanding and greater availability of medical information about migraine, and
• major advances in the development of new migraine remedies, including the triptans (migraine-specific medications that can abolish all migraine-related symptoms).

Unlike a simple headache, migraine is a complex and extremely disabling, episodic condition, which has a significant impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. Indeed, the World Health Organization has identified migraine as one of the world's 20 leading causes of disability.^[3]

The exact cause of migraine is unknown; however, clinical and experimental research has identified several important mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Consistent with many medical conditions, genetic, endogenous and environmental factors have also been found to be important contributors.

References:
1. Lipton RB, Stewart WF, Simon D. Medical consultation for migraine: results from the American Migraine Study. Headache 1998;38: 87-96.
2. Stang PE, Osterhaus JT, Celentano DD. Migraine. Patterns of healthcare use. Neurology 1994;44: S47-55.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). Headache Disorders Fact Sheet N°277. 2004. (Accessed 21 August, 2007, at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs277/en/.)