What is a migraine headache?

A migraine is more than just a bad headache. It is a neurological condition that causes intense, throbbing pain along with other symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light.

Migraine episodes can last from several hours to a few days and may follow a pattern, including warning signs before the pain begins.

What causes migraines?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but migraines are linked to changes in brain activity and chemical levels. They often run in families.

Common triggers may include:

• Stress or emotional changes
• Poor sleep or irregular sleep patterns
• Skipping meals or dehydration
• Certain foods or drinks
• Hormonal changes

Symptoms

Migraines can feel different for each person, but many share common symptoms and triggers.

Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing or pulsing head pain, often on one side
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Visual changes, such as flashes of light or blind spots
• Trouble concentrating or fatigue after the headache

Some people experience an aura, which may include visual changes, tingling, or speech difficulty before the headache starts.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single test for migraines. Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and headache patterns to diagnose your condition.

Keeping a record of when headaches happen, how they feel, and possible triggers can be very helpful.

If symptoms are unusual or severe, imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan may be used to rule out other conditions.

How is it treated?

Migraine treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes.

Early treatments may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Resting in a quiet, dark room
• Staying hydrated

Prescription medications may be used to:

• Stop a migraine after it begins
• Reduce how often migraines happen

Long-term management may include:

• Identifying and avoiding triggers
• Keeping a regular sleep and meal schedule
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or exercise

Most migraines improve within a few hours to a few days, though some people feel tired or foggy afterward.