Migreeni

Migreeni is the Finnish term for migraine, a common primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches of typically moderate to severe intensity. Attacks usually last between 4 and 72 hours and are often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). Some individuals experience auras—transient neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances—before or during the headache.

Migraine is categorized as migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Auras can include visual disturbances, tingling, or speech difficulties. Chronic migraine is defined as 15 or more headache days per month for more than three months, with at least eight days having migrainous features.

Pathophysiology involves abnormal brain excitability, activation of the trigeminovascular system, and possibly cortical spreading depression; genetic factors contribute to susceptibility. The exact mechanisms are complex and involve vascular and neural components.

Diagnosis relies on clinical history and applying criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Imaging or other tests are usually not needed unless red flags (such as sudden severe onset, focal neurologic signs, or age at onset over 50) are present.

Treatment focuses on both acute management and prevention. Acute options include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and triptans, with antiemetics often used for nausea; overuse of analgesics can lead to medication-overuse headache. Preventive therapy may be considered for frequent or disabling attacks and can include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and CGRP-targeted therapies. Nonpharmacological measures such as regular sleep, meals, hydration, exercise, caffeine management, and stress reduction can reduce frequency.

Migraine affects an estimated 10–15% of the population, more commonly in women. Onset typically occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, and many individuals experience improvement with age, though some develop chronic migraine.