Migraine is an intense, pulsating, or throbbing headache that occurs in attacks and can last from 4 to 72 hours. The pain is most often located on one side of the head but can also be bilateral and often varies from one attack to another. The attacks are typically accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

The cause of migraine is not fully understood, but the condition has a hereditary component and is considered a neurological disorder. It is believed that migraine arises from increased sensitivity to pain signals in the brain.

About 800,000 Danes suffer from migraine, and women are affected about three times more often than men. This is likely due to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and can trigger or worsen migraine. This is clearly seen in menstrual migraine and menstruation-related migraine.

Another type is migraine with aura, which is characterized by visual or sensory disturbances. About one-third of all migraine patients experience aura.

Many people find that factors such as changes in sleep, stress, or certain foods and drinks - such as cheese or red wine - can trigger attacks. However, triggers vary greatly from person to person.

Many migraine sufferers experience improvement with age. In women, migraines often become milder or disappear completely after menopause, while men may also experience fewer attacks as they get older. Additionally, many women have fewer attacks during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters.