Introduction, Epidemiology, Etiology, and Pathophysiology of Migraine Pain

Migraine is a type of headache. It may present with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity towards light and sound. It is a complex neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches, which poses a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. While pharmacological interventions remain a cornerstone in migraine management, emerging evidence suggests that diet and nutritional factors play a crucial role in both prevention and alleviation of migraine pain. It generally affects one side of the head and demonstrated as throbbing pain. It has various phases that are covered in other chapters. Inflammatory markers, autacoids (such as prostaglandins, bradykinin, histamine and serotonin) adrenergic system, calcitonin gene-related peptides, and dopamine are having important role in migraine pathophysiology. Proper dietary habits are also important to avoid the migraine attack. Recently, importance of brain–gut–microbiota axis is also established in the pathophysiology of migraine.