This review of the literature reveals that migraine is a common, chronic condition featuring episodic attacks which vary in severity and symptomatology. Throbbing, unilateral headache, which is aggravated by activity, is the most prominent feature, although a high proportion of sufferers also experience phonophobia, photophobia and nausea, which may lead to vomiting. Preceding aura is a less common feature of the attack. The frequency and duration of migraine attacks varies widely between individuals, though the median frequency is around 1 attack per month and median duration is roughly 24 h. Migraine attacks can have a profound effect on the day-to-day lives and well-being of the sufferer. In the long term, migraine may cause profound emotional changes and result in coping strategies that interfere with working, social and family life and many normal daily activities. These effects are apparent in quality of life studies on migraine patients. Thus, the impact of migraine on many quality of life parameters is similar to that of other chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes and depression. Reduction in the personal burden of migraine can be facilitated by encouraging migraine sufferers to consult their doctor, through accurate diagnosis of migraine headaches and assessment of the disability suffered by the migraineurs, and through improved and well-executed treatment strategies. Copyright 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins