International Day of Action Against Migraine Date in the current year: September 12, 2026

Many people think of migraines as just severe headaches. While moderate-to-severe headaches are the primary symptom, migraines are a neurological disorder with other symptoms. These include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, and/or smell, and “brain fog” (cognitive dysfunction that may include trouble focusing, difficulty finding words, and short-term memory lapses). These symptoms can be quite debilitating, severely affecting one’s daily life, work, and personal relationships.

A migraine is a complex disorder involving both the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Migraines tend to run in families, but they are associated with multiple genetic factors rather than a single mutation. Women are affected about twice as often as men.

Although a migraine attack can last for several days, it should be noted that these attacks consist of multiple phases. This means that the headache itself does not necessarily last for several days. The 24 to 48 hours before the headache are called the prodrome phase. During this period, a person may experience sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Some people describe this phase as having a general sense that something is “off”.

About 30% of people experience an aura near the onset of the pain phase, which can last between five minutes and one hour. The most common symptoms of an aura are visual disturbances, such as blurred or distorted vision, bright or dark spots, and various patterns. Next is the pain phase, also known as the headache phase. This phase is most commonly associated with migraines.

The pain phase is often followed by the postdrome phase, which usually lasts a few hours but can last a day or two in some people. Common symptoms include weakness, fatigue, “brain fog”, dizziness, mood swings, mild nausea, and residual sensitivity to sound or light. Not everyone experiences every phase of a migraine attack every time.

The treatment for an acute migraine usually involves pain relievers and rest. People with non-severe migraines may find that over-the-counter NSAIDs are enough, while those with severe migraines often need specialized medications, such as triptans. Since migraines can be triggered by factors such as stress and lack of sleep, preventive treatment may involve identifying and avoiding individual triggers.

Launched in the mid-2000s as the European Migraine Day of Action, the International Day of Action Against Migraine was the initiative of the European Headache Alliance (EHA), the predecessor of the present-day European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA). Over time, the event’s reach has expanded beyond Europe. It is now commonly referred to as the International Day of Action Against Migraine, particularly by non-European participating organizations.