Migraine Glossary

A-Z of Migraine Terms and Definitions

Understand migraine terminology with MKDART

Migraine is a complex neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms, types, and associated medical terminology. Understanding these terms can help you learn more about your condition, explore different experiences, and prepare for productive conversations with healthcare professionals.

The MKDART Migraine Glossary is an A–Z reference guide explaining migraine-related conditions, symptoms, treatments, medications, and medical terminology in straightforward, accessible language.

Browse Migraine Terms A–Z

  • A — Allodynia, Aura, Abdominal Migraine
  • B — Basilar-Type Migraine, Brainstem Aura
  • C — Chronic Migraine, Cluster Headache, CGRP
  • D — Dizziness, Dopamine
  • E — Episodic Migraine, Exertional Headache
  • F — Familial Hemiplegic Migraine, Facial Pain
  • G — Genetic Migraine, Gaze Disturbances
  • H — Hemiplegic Migraine, Headache, Hormonal Migraine
  • I — ICHD-3, Intractable Migraine
  • J — Jaw Pain, Juvenile Migraine
  • K — Ketogenic Diet, Ketamine
  • L — Light Sensitivity, Long-Lasting Migraine
  • M — Migraine Aura, Migraine Without Aura, Menstrual Migraine
  • N — Nausea, Neurological Symptoms
  • O — Ocular Symptoms, Ophthalmoplegic Migraine
  • P — Photophobia, Phonophobia, Postdrome, Preventative Treatment
  • Q — Quality of Life, Questionnaire
  • R — Retinal Migraine, Refractory Migraine
  • S — Silent Migraine, Status Migrainosus, Sensory Aura
  • T — Triptans, Tension-Type Headache, Trigeminal Nerve
  • U — Unilateral Headache
  • V — Vestibular Migraine, Vertigo, Visual Aura
  • W — Weather-Related Triggers
  • X — Explore related migraine terminology
  • Y — Youth Migraine
  • Z — Zolmitriptan

Featured Glossary Entries

Allodynia

Cutaneous allodynia is a neurological phenomenon where non-painful stimuli—such as light brushing of hair, wearing glasses, a gentle breeze, or resting your head on a pillow—cause pain. It occurs when central pain pathways become sensitized during a prolonged migraine attack.

Aura (Migraine Aura)

Migraine aura consists of fully reversible neurological symptoms that typically develop gradually over 5 to 20 minutes and last for less than 60 minutes. While visual disturbances (such as zigzag lines, blind spots, or flashing lights) are the most common, auras can also manifest as sensory tingling (paresthesia), speech difficulties, or motor weakness.

Chronic Migraine

Chronic migraine is defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) as headaches occurring on 15 or more days per month for a period of at least 3 months, with at least 8 of those days meeting the criteria for a migraine attack. Managing chronic migraine often requires a combined approach of acute treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and preventative therapies.

Hemiplegic Migraine

A rare and severe type of migraine characterized by temporary motor weakness (hemiparesis) on one side of the body, accompanied by traditional aura symptoms. Because motor weakness can mimic stroke symptoms, individuals experiencing this for the first time require prompt medical evaluation.

Status Migrainosus

A debilitating, severe migraine attack that lasts continuously for longer than 72 hours, often accompanied by relentless nausea, vomiting, and extreme pain. This state frequently requires urgent medical intervention or acute rescue therapy to break the cycle.

Migraine Symptoms & Terminology Explained

Migraine involves far more than head pain. Below are core physiological terms frequently referenced in diagnosis and tracking:

  • Photophobia: An extreme, hypersensitive aversion to light. Fluorescent lighting and screen glare are common triggers. (Explore blue-light blocking solutions in our Shop)
  • Phonophobia: Abnormal sensitivity to sound during an attack, where normal ambient noise feels painfully amplified.
  • Vertigo & Dizziness: A false sensation of spinning or movement, frequently tied to vestibular migraine variants or brainstem activity.
  • Nausea & Gastric Stasis: A feeling of sickness accompanied by slowed digestion during an attack, which can impact how oral medications are absorbed.
  • Postdrome: Often referred to as the “migraine hangover,” this is the recovery phase following head pain where individuals may feel exhausted, cognitively foggy, or mildly euphoric.

Treatments & Medication Terminology

Managing migraine involves both acute (abortive) options and long-term preventative strategies:

  • Triptans: Prescription medications (such as Sumatriptan or Zolmitriptan) designed to stop a migraine in progress by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain.
  • CGRP Inhibitors: Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) inhibitors are a class of targeted preventative treatments designed to block proteins that cause inflammation and pain signal transmission during attacks.
  • Preventative Medication: Daily medications or injectables (including beta-blockers, neuromodulators, or Botox for chronic migraine) prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of future attacks.
  • Acute vs. Rescue Treatments: Interventions taken at the very onset of symptoms to halt progression versus stronger interventions used when attacks escalate.

Treatment suitability varies between individuals and must always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Explore More MKDART Resources

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Medical Information Disclaimer

The MKDART Migraine Glossary is an educational resource intended to explain medical terminology and provide general information. It does not provide medical diagnoses or replace professional medical advice.

Urgent Notice: New or sudden neurological symptoms—including sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, or abrupt changes in vision—require immediate emergency medical assessment. Call 999 for sudden stroke-like symptoms.

MKDART – Migraine Knowledge, Diagnosis, Assessment & Relief Toolkit.