If you asked your doctor about migraine headaches just a few decades ago, you may have been underwhelmed with the treatment options. But within the past 20 years or so, a lot has come to light about what causes migraines and how to help people with them. It’s about time: Migraines have been around since at least the time of ancient Egypt. (Supposedly, at least.)
Migraines are estimated to affect 1 billion people worldwide. They’re the number one cause of disability in people aged 15 to 49. And 1 to 10 percent of chronic migraine sufferers report that the condition even affected their decision to have children — either because they didn’t want to pass the condition on, or didn’t feel like they could be a good parent.
Migraines aren’t just extra-painful headaches, but rather a whole batch of disabling symptoms that come in waves. A single migraine attack can last multiple days.
