Health topic guide
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition involving recurring attacks, not simply an ordinary headache. Attacks may include head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound; symptoms and frequency differ between people.
Urgent warning: Get emergency help for a sudden, extremely painful headache or headache with new weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizure, or vision loss. Do not assume these symptoms are migraine.
Symptoms and aura
Migraine pain is often throbbing and can be worse with movement. Nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound are common. Some people experience aura, such as flashing lights, blind spots, tingling, dizziness, or speech difficulty. New or unusual neurological symptoms should be assessed urgently, especially if they start suddenly.
Patterns and assessment
Attacks can last hours or days and may be preceded by changes such as tiredness or mood shifts. A clinician may ask about the timing, symptoms, frequency, medicines, and impact on daily life. A symptom diary can help describe a pattern but cannot diagnose migraine by itself.
When to seek medical advice
Speak with a healthcare professional if attacks are severe, becoming more frequent, changing, lasting longer than usual, or difficult to manage. Seek urgent assessment for prolonged or unusual aura and for a first or markedly different severe headache. Treatment decisions should be individualized by a qualified professional.