Symptoms of Migraine

A migraine attack can last 4 to 72 hours and often has several phases. Not everyone has all of them.

Main headache symptoms

• Throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head, but it can affect both
• Pain that gets worse with movement, such as walking up stairs
• Moderate to severe intensity that interferes with daily activity

Other symptoms during an attack

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound and smells
• Dizziness and tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cold hands and feet, sweating or a pale face

Aura

About 1 in 4 people have aura, usually before the headache and lasting 5 to 60 minutes. It can include zigzag lines or flashing lights, blind spots, tingling in the face or hand, and trouble speaking.

Warning signs before the attack

Up to a day before, some people notice mood change, craving, yawning, neck stiffness or frequent urination.

Go to a hospital at once (112 or 102) if

• It is the sudden worst headache of your life (thunderclap)
• There is weakness on one side, face drooping or speech problems that do not clear within an hour
• There is fever with a stiff neck or a rash
• The headache follows a head injury
• There is confusion, a fit or loss of consciousness
• You are pregnant or over 50 and have a new type of headache

Ayurvedic view

Half-sided head pain with nausea is described under Ardhavabhedaka. This is interpretive and does not replace a doctor's assessment.

Key point

Migraine is a pattern of repeated attacks. A new or different headache should always be checked by a doctor.