Migraine is a common primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe headache associated with neurological and systemic symptoms. It is a chronic neurological condition with episodic manifestations and significant impact on quality of life. Migraine often affects individuals during their most productive years and is more prevalent in women.

Migraine attacks are typically unilateral, pulsating, and aggravated by routine physical activity. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and in some cases, transient neurological symptoms known as aura. Aura may involve visual disturbances, sensory symptoms, or speech difficulties and usually precedes headache onset.

Neurological diagnosis of migraine is clinical, supported by detailed history and symptom characterization. Neuroimaging is reserved for atypical presentations or red-flag features to exclude secondary causes. Differentiating migraine from other headache disorders is essential for appropriate management.

Migraine management focuses on both acute treatment and preventive therapy. Acute treatment aims to abort or reduce attack severity, while preventive therapy reduces attack frequency and disability. Neurologists tailor treatment strategies based on attack frequency, severity, comorbidities, and patient response.

Chronic migraine requires long-term neurological care and may involve pharmacological prevention, lifestyle modification, trigger identification, and management of medication overuse. Patient education is critical to improving treatment adherence and outcomes.

In Dubai, migraine care within neurology departments follows international guidelines, emphasizing individualized treatment and long-term follow-up to reduce disease burden and improve functional outcomes.