In a cross-sectional study of headache disorders in a representative general population of 1,000 persons the epidemiology of migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) was analysed in relation to sex and age distribution, symptomatology and precipitants. The headache disorders were classified on the basis of a clinical interview as well as a physical and a neurological examination using the operational diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS). Lifetime prevalence of MA was 5%, male:female ratio 1:2. Lifetime prevalence of MO was 8%, M:F ratio 1:7. Women, but not men, were significantly more likely to have MO than MA. Neither MA nor MO showed correlation to age in the studied age interval (25-64 years). Premonitory symptoms occurred in 16% of subjects with MA and in 12% with MO. One or more precipitating factor was present in 61% with MA and in 90% with MO. In both MA and MO the most conspicuous precipitating factor was stress and mental tension. Visual disturbances were the most common aura phenomenon occurring in 90% of subjects with MA. Aura symptoms of sensory, motor or speech disturbances rarely occurred without coexisting visual disturbances. The pain phase of MA fulfilled the criteria for MO of the IHS. Headache was, however, less severe and shorter lasting in MA than in MO. Onset at menarche, menstrual precipitation, menstrual problems, influence of pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives all showed some relationship with the presence of MO and less with MA. The present findings suggest that MA and MO share the pain phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)