##  [Migraine](/diseases/migraine "Migraine") 

 Migraine is the third most common disease in the world and is one of the top ten causes of disability.

 

## About migraine

Migraine is a distinct neurological disease that remains under-recognized and under-treated with more than 50% of people going undiagnosed. It involves recurrent attacks of moderate to severe head pain that is typically pulsating, often unilateral and associated with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and odors. There is no single test to definitively diagnose migraine and although the causes and triggers of migraine are not fully understood, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), a molecule that binds to the CGRP receptor complex, has been long thought to play a role in its underlying mechanisms.



 



 ![Microscopic brain organoid macro](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-12/brain-organoid.jpg.webp?itok=jEZC-RpY "Brain organoid") 

 

##  Types of migraine 

Migraine can take different shapes and forms, but overall, it can have up to four distinct phases—premonitory (or prodrome), aura, headache and post-drome. Each one of them has many potential symptoms, which may vary from person to person.



 

 [Learn More](/diseases/migraine/types-migraine "Learn More") 



 

 



 





 ![Mother comforts son with migraine](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-12/mother-cuddling-her-child.jpg.webp?itok=fpYE-dUF "Mother cuddling her child") 

 

##  Impact of migraine 

Migraine impacts all aspects of a person’s life, from work to family and friend relationships. But beyond its repercussion on people’s quality of life, migraine also has a deep effect on society as a whole, including financial costs to society.



 

 [Download (PDF 0.4 MB)](/sites/novartis_com/files/the-impact-of-migraine.pdf "Download (PDF 0.4 MB)") 



 

 



 





 ![A patient asking a doctor about a clinical trial](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-09/dr-patient-ipad.jpg.webp?itok=B0Loawg6 "A doctor and a patient") 

 

##  Treatment options 

From acute to preventive treatment, find out how you can manage migraine and its symptoms.



 

 [Learn More](/diseases/migraine/migraine-treatment-options "Learn More") 



 

 



 





## Migraine tools

Living with migraine can be tough and treatment discontinuation levels are high among people with migraine. However, digital tools are available to help manage the disease and discuss its impact with your doctor.



 



 [Learn More](/diseases/migraine/migraine-tools "Learn More") 



# Our commitment to patients & caregivers



 



## Patient perspective

[Speak your migraine](https://www.speakmigraine.com/) is an online platform with the goal to empower and support patients. Topics include the impact of migraine on work, personal life and relationships, and tips for migraine management and prevention.

Beyond support, the platform also aims to help people living with migraine have more productive conversations with their doctors, families and broader social network.



 ![Female patient smiles at female HCP in waiting room of doctor’s office](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-12/patient-smiling-at-hcp-in-waiting-room.jpg.webp?itok=hvQ5C7tY "Patient smiling at HCP in waiting room")

 







 



 [Learn More](https://www.speakmigraine.com/ "Learn More")