DOI: 10.21276/sajp.2018.7.2.2

Pages: 67-76

The name ‘migraine’ has its origin from the Greek word hemicrania, which means ‘half of the head’, indicating the main feature of migraine i.e it affects only half portion of the head. It is the most widespread neurological disorder, characterized by persistent headache. It is ranked 7th most disabling by World Health Organistaion (WHO). Migraine affects approximately 15% of the people, affecting women more than the men. It significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) of patients. There are mainly three ways to treat migraine- lifestyle and trigger management, acute treatments and preventive treatments. Maintaining a headache diary or calendar is recommended. There are nutraceutical and herbal options also available for the treatment of migraine. Such therapies have added advantage of negligible adverse effects. Recently, both invasive and non-invasive methods have gained popularity. Botox injections, targeting of greater occipital nerve and neurostimulation are some of the newest options. Migraine therapy through calcitonin gene related peptide is the area where current research is going on. The future prospects of migraine management are both inspiring as well as demanding. This article reviews the path physiology, diagnosis and current treatments options for management of migraine