Migraines are a neurological condition characterized primarily by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating head pain, usually on one side of the head. This pain can last from several hours to days and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
. Unlike ordinary headaches, migraines involve abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemical messengers, and blood vessels in the brain. This instability in processing sensory information can be triggered by various factors including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, sleep disturbances, and environmental changes
. Migraines commonly present in two main types: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Aura refers to neurological symptoms that precede the headache phase, such as visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots), speech difficulties, or sensory changes like tingling
. Migraine attacks can be disabling, often interfering with daily activities and lasting from 4 hours up to 3 days. Symptoms may also occur before and after the headache phase, including fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating
. There is no cure for migraines, but various treatments exist to manage and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Identifying triggers and lifestyle modifications can also help in managing the condition
. In summary, migraines are more than just severe headaches; they are a complex neurological disorder with a range of symptoms affecting sensory processing and causing significant impairment during attacks
