Overview
Migraine is a recurring headache disorder causing moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side, with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last hours to days and are commonly triggered by stress, hunger, poor sleep or hormonal changes. It is far more than "just a headache", and effective treatments exist.
Symptoms
- Throbbing or pounding headache, often one-sided
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Worsening with routine activity
- Visual warning signs — flashing lights or zigzag lines (aura)
- Attacks lasting 4 to 72 hours
Causes & risk factors
- Inherited tendency (often runs in families)
- Triggers: stress, skipped meals, dehydration, poor sleep
- Hormonal changes around periods
- Certain foods, alcohol or strong smells
Treatment & self-care
Treat attacks early with prescribed pain relief, rest in a quiet, dark room and fluids; your doctor can add specific migraine medicines if simple ones fail. Frequent attacks may warrant a daily preventive medicine. Keeping a headache diary helps identify and avoid your personal triggers.
See a doctor urgently if
- The worst headache of your life or one that peaks in seconds
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion or rash
- New weakness, speech difficulty or visual loss
- Headaches increasing in frequency or waking you from sleep
- A new headache pattern after age 50