Introduction

Migraine (disorder),migraine with or without aura, migraine variant, migraine disorder,

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.

Many people also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.

There are several types of migraine, including:

  • Migraine with aura where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights
  • Migraine without aura the most common type, where the migraine occurs without the specific warning signs
  • Migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache doesn't develop

Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It's possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

However, be careful not to take too many painkillers as this could make it harder to treat headaches over time.

You should also make an appointment to see your GP if you have frequent migraines (on more than five days a month), even if they can be controlled with medication, as you may benefit from preventative treatment.

You should call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone you're with experiences:

  • Paralysis or weakness in one or both arms and/or one side of the face
  • Slurred or garbled speech
  • A sudden agonising headache resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before
  • Headache along with a high temperature (fever), stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision and a rash

These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a stroke or meningitis , and should be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible.

Some people find they need to stay in bed for days at a time.

However, a number of effective treatments are available to reduce the symptoms and prevent further attacks.

Migraine attacks can sometimes get worse over time, but they tend to gradually improve over many years for most people.

 
Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 29 Nov 2016