#406 ‒ Migraine, cluster headache, and tension headache: symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment | Brian Grosberg, M.D.

Headache disorders, encompassing over 300 distinct types, represent a complex neurologic challenge due to the absence of definitive biomarkers. Migraine, the leading reason for seeking neurological care, involves a neurovascular cascade triggered by genetic and environmental factors, with women being three times more susceptible than men. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating lifestyle modifications—such as sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and dietary consistency—with targeted pharmacotherapy. Preventive strategies, including beta-blockers, antidepressants, and CGRP-targeted monoclonal antibodies, aim to reduce attack frequency and severity. Meanwhile, acute rescue treatments, such as triptans and neuromodulation devices, address active symptoms. Patient-led headache diaries serve as essential diagnostic tools, enabling clinicians like headache specialist Dr. Brian Grosberg to identify individual triggers and tailor treatment plans, ultimately shifting the focus from mere pain management to improving overall quality of life and reducing the significant societal burden of these conditions.