Condition
Headache & migraine
Headaches have many causes, and migraine is one of the most common. Migraine causes recurring headache attacks, often on one side of the head. The pain is usually moderate to severe and can last from a few hours to a few days. Many people also have nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
About headache and migraine
Migraine is a common neurological condition. Attacks tend to recur, and between attacks a person is usually well. Some people have a warning phase or an aura, such as flashing lights, before the headache begins.
Not every headache is migraine. Tension-type headache and other causes are assessed the same way: from your history and an examination.
Symptoms
A migraine attack can include:
- Throbbing head pain, often on one side
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Aura, such as flashing lights or blind spots, in some people
- Tiredness before or after the attack
When to get help now
Most migraine attacks are not an emergency. Get medical help quickly if:
- The headache is sudden and severe, reaching its worst within seconds or minutes
- There is weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
- There is a high fever, a stiff neck, or a rash
- The headache follows a head injury
- The usual pattern of your headaches changes or they become much worse
This website is for information and appointments. It is not monitored for emergencies. For a suspected stroke or seizure, call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
How it is diagnosed
A neurologist usually diagnoses migraine from your history and an examination. There is no single test for migraine. A scan such as an MRI is used to rule out other causes when the history or examination suggests it.
How it is managed
Care for migraine has two parts. Acute treatment aims to relieve an attack that has started. Preventive treatment aims to reduce how often attacks happen. The plan depends on how frequent and how severe the attacks are, and on your other health conditions.
Keeping a headache diary and noting triggers can help guide the plan. This page is educational and is not a treatment plan; the neurologist decides what is suitable for you at consultation.
Sources
World Health Organization — Headache disorders
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke — Migraine
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions patients ask most.
How long does a migraine attack last?
An untreated migraine attack often lasts from a few hours to about three days. The length varies between people and between attacks.
Are migraines the same as ordinary headaches?
No. Migraine is a specific neurological condition with recurring attacks. The pain is often one-sided and comes with other symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light.
Can migraine attacks be made less frequent?
A preventive plan can help, and may include identifying triggers, lifestyle changes, and medicines the neurologist prescribes. Whether prevention is needed depends on how often attacks happen.
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Share your contact details and the clinic will call you to arrange a visit.