Headaches and Migraines Library
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How common are migraine headaches?
Approximately 28 million people suffer from migraines in the United States alone.1 Worldwide, migraines occur in up to 25% of women and up to 10% of men.2
Females are about 3 times more likely to develop migraines than males. Migraines are most common in adults (between ages 20 through 50) but become less severe and less frequent with age.1 Migraines often begin in early to mid-adolescence.3 Even very young children can get migraines, both with and without an aura (neurological disturbance). Your risk of having migraines is greater if you have a family history of migraines.
References
Citations
Lipton RB, et al. (2002). Migraine in the United States: Epidemiology and patterns of health care use. Neurology, 58(6): 885–894.
Morillo LE (2004). Migraine headache in adults, search date August 2003. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Wood AJJ (2002). Migraine: Current understanding and treatment. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(4): 257–270.
Last Updated:
June 30, 2009- Medical Review:
- Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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