Migraine Headache – A Focus on Prevention – Nurse, Nurse Practitioner

Migraine is a condition that involves headache (often moderate to severe) accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and light/sound sensitivity. It is typically serious enough to interfere with daily activities. Over 39 million Americans between the ages of 12 and 80 have migraines. Overall, 18% of women and 6% of men are affected. The typical age of migraine onset is 20 to 24 in American women and 15 to 19 in American men. it is most common between the ages of 18 and 44. Migraine is a disabling condition that creates a substantial economic burden. Over half of migraine sufferers report severe disability or the need for bed rest during attacks. Migraine places stress on an individual's relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers; often because others do not perceive it as a debilitating condition. People with migraines have higher medical costs than allergy and sinusitis symptoms (eg, runny nose, nasal stuffiness, pain around the forehead and eyes) indicated sinus headaches. Many allergists and neurologists state that sinus headaches are actually rare.