Also known as serious headache, half-head headache.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
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)
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
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Migraine?
Early signs often include throbbing or pounding headache, often one-sided, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Migraine be treated?
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.
When should I see a doctor about Migraine?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: 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.