A migraine is usually a severe headache felt as a throbbing pain at the front or side of the head.
Some people also have other 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 warning signs before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights
migraine without aura – where the migraine occurs without warning signs
migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop
Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It is possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.
Read more about the symptoms of migraine.
When to seek medical advice
You should see your GP if you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms that cannot be controlled with over the counter painkillers.
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 are 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.
Read more about diagnosing migraines.
What causes migraines?
The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they are thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.
Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role.
Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include starting their period, stress, tiredness and certain foods or drinks.
Read more about the causes of migraines.
How migraines are treated
There is no cure for migraines, but there are a number of treatments available to help reduce the symptoms.
These include:
painkillers – including over the counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
triptans – medications that can help reverse the changes in the brain that may cause migraines
anti-emetics – medications often used to reduce nausea and vomiting
During an attack, many people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room can also help.
Read more about treating migraines.
Preventing migraines
If you suspect a specific trigger is causing your migraines, such as stress or a certain type of food, avoiding this trigger may help reduce your risk of experiencing migraines.
It may also help to maintain a generally healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, sleep and meals, as well as ensuring you stay well hydrated and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
If your migraines are severe or you have tried avoiding possible triggers and you are still experiencing symptoms, your GP may prescribe medication to help prevent further attacks.
Medications used to prevent migraines include the anti-seizure medication topiramate and a medication called propranolol that is usually used to treat high blood pressure.
Read more about preventing migraines.
Outlook
Migraines can severely affect your quality of life and stop you carrying out your normal daily activities. 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.
Page last reviewed: 14/04/2014
Next review due: 14/04/2016
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The 42 comments posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.
f4ye_g said on 31 July 2014
I previously suffered from migraines about 4 years ago and my main symptom was the auro which effected my vision for about half an hour to an hour at a time. My contraceptive pill was changed and i seemed to make a full recovery. However 4 years later, the aura and headaches have returned!!! I was told that on my new contraceptive pill migraines weren't a worry so i am unsure as to whether or not this is the cause but will be coming off them anyway. It may be worth other women reading this to trial a new contraceptive method as well.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
terrilouise94 said on 13 July 2014
i seem to get getting headaches and migraines a lot just recently but i cant get though to my doctors as they are so busy, what should i do? im not sure how much longer i can cope
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
venabh said on 24 April 2014
My experience is that I wake up with a headache and and facial pain, jaw ache. Once I get up start moving I start wretching, this goes on for most of the day. I tried taking anti sickness but I cant keep it down. After its all over I feel like Im getting over a hangover and somehow feel like the issues have lifted or at least for now. The bouts happen every few months. I am a worrier, over analyse things which Im guessing is the trigger, theybuild up and because I dont know how to relax the brain seems to behave in this way. Im trying to make sense. Like to know if this is the same sysmptons for anyone and how itis managed. thank you for reading.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
AngelaUK said on 11 November 2013
I suffered for years for what I and my immediate family thought was actually a migraine. However when I read all the symptoms of migraines, I never accompanied either one of them. I am taking about early 2000 and unfortunately i was in a developing country at that time and doctors there had no idea! However now I know that I get tension headaches. and the reason I found was basically I am allergic to certain foods! and the most innocent one which I had used all my life was actually tea! The fact that is the most painful is that whenever I would get this tension headache, I would drink more tea to make it less intense! Well I am happy now that I know what the problem was. However one must be careful in diagnosing what type of headache they have.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
SLF200 said on 10 November 2013
I've had a permanent migraine now for over 5 yrs, had an MRI. On daily 100mg topiramate & 25mg Amitriptyline, have been for yrs now. It's at a manageable pain level with some flare ups. Would love to come off meds but daren't because of fear of the pain if I do.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
Lensley said on 04 November 2013
I've had always migraines with aura, and I remember that it really scared me, I knew what was about to come.
I've noticed that sometimes, when the aura begins, you can go to take some deep breaths of fresh air and the migraine doesn't develop.
It's now been about 10 years now since my last one... and it really improved my life quality.
I've found a good video about a similar way that I've done in order to stop experiencing them:
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
johnledi50 said on 21 October 2013
just over the last 3 weeks iv'e started taking two lots of tablets for my stomach, it seems i have bad reflux which burns like mad, the first lot of tablets i had to stop taking because i started to get migranes, it seems now that i might have to stop taking the second lot of tablets also,
i'm getting really bad migranes which is really affecting my vision, it looks like i'm looking through water and when i look at somebodies face the bottom of there face wobbles like jelly.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
Angllv said on 27 August 2013
hi this past Saturday aug.24th I woke up early with a horrible headache and it immediately went right into a migraine...it was a severe migraine to where I was in tears and it lasted all day...had a wedding to go to that day and I went to it but it was very painful to try to get thru it and try to enjoy it...well yesterday woke up with slight headache but very neaseous and again the same thing today but with slight headache..my migraine pains seem to be located on the left side of my head...my dr has me on toprimate and they help but I only take them daily and cannot take no one more today...I have not had a migraine this severe in a very long time and it has not lasted this long with all thease side effects 2 days later...has anyone else had this happen to them ...im in the usa and I also have found the advil migraine does help....my husband bought me Excedrin migraine because that's all he could find...my prescription med for my migraines makes me very sleepy so I mainly take it when its bedtime but today I took it so I wont be able to take it again tonight and I don't go see my dr until the end of October..
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
kronik666 said on 03 May 2013
I have read all your posts and thought I would add that Meditation, Yoga and Ti Chi are all helpful for combating the pain of migraine headache. Al
A migraine is usually a severe headache felt as a throbbing pain at the front or side of the head.
Some people also have other 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 warning signs before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights
migraine without aura – where the migraine occurs without warning signs
migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop
Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It is possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.
Read more about the symptoms of migraine.
When to seek medical advice
You should see your GP if you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms that cannot be controlled with over the counter painkillers.
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 are 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.
Read more about diagnosing migraines.
What causes migraines?
The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they are thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.
Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role.
Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include starting their period, stress, tiredness and certain foods or drinks.
Read more about the causes of migraines.
How migraines are treated
There is no cure for migraines, but there are a number of treatments available to help reduce the symptoms.
These include:
painkillers – including over the counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
triptans – medications that can help reverse the changes in the brain that may cause migraines
anti-emetics – medications often used to reduce nausea and vomiting
During an attack, many people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room can also help.
Read more about treating migraines.
Preventing migraines
If you suspect a specific trigger is causing your migraines, such as stress or a certain type of food, avoiding this trigger may help reduce your risk of experiencing migraines.
It may also help to maintain a generally healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, sleep and meals, as well as ensuring you stay well hydrated and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
If your migraines are severe or you have tried avoiding possible triggers and you are still experiencing symptoms, your GP may prescribe medication to help prevent further attacks.
Medications used to prevent migraines include the anti-seizure medication topiramate and a medication called propranolol that is usually used to treat high blood pressure.
Read more about preventing migraines.
Outlook
Migraines can severely affect your quality of life and stop you carrying out your normal daily activities. 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.
Page last reviewed: 14/04/2014
Next review due: 14/04/2016
Share:Email shareTwitter shareFacebook shareSave:Google BookmarksNHS Choices Saved PagesPrint:
RatingsHow helpful is this page?
Average rating
1
2
3
4
5
Based on 284 ratings View all ratings
Add your rating
1
2
3
4
5
Please leave your rating
Leave your comment Log in or Register
Share your views and experiences with others.
If you want a response from an NHS professional or the website team, please contact us.
Comments
The 42 comments posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.
f4ye_g said on 31 July 2014
I previously suffered from migraines about 4 years ago and my main symptom was the auro which effected my vision for about half an hour to an hour at a time. My contraceptive pill was changed and i seemed to make a full recovery. However 4 years later, the aura and headaches have returned!!! I was told that on my new contraceptive pill migraines weren't a worry so i am unsure as to whether or not this is the cause but will be coming off them anyway. It may be worth other women reading this to trial a new contraceptive method as well.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
terrilouise94 said on 13 July 2014
i seem to get getting headaches and migraines a lot just recently but i cant get though to my doctors as they are so busy, what should i do? im not sure how much longer i can cope
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
venabh said on 24 April 2014
My experience is that I wake up with a headache and and facial pain, jaw ache. Once I get up start moving I start wretching, this goes on for most of the day. I tried taking anti sickness but I cant keep it down. After its all over I feel like Im getting over a hangover and somehow feel like the issues have lifted or at least for now. The bouts happen every few months. I am a worrier, over analyse things which Im guessing is the trigger, theybuild up and because I dont know how to relax the brain seems to behave in this way. Im trying to make sense. Like to know if this is the same sysmptons for anyone and how itis managed. thank you for reading.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
AngelaUK said on 11 November 2013
I suffered for years for what I and my immediate family thought was actually a migraine. However when I read all the symptoms of migraines, I never accompanied either one of them. I am taking about early 2000 and unfortunately i was in a developing country at that time and doctors there had no idea! However now I know that I get tension headaches. and the reason I found was basically I am allergic to certain foods! and the most innocent one which I had used all my life was actually tea! The fact that is the most painful is that whenever I would get this tension headache, I would drink more tea to make it less intense! Well I am happy now that I know what the problem was. However one must be careful in diagnosing what type of headache they have.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
SLF200 said on 10 November 2013
I've had a permanent migraine now for over 5 yrs, had an MRI. On daily 100mg topiramate & 25mg Amitriptyline, have been for yrs now. It's at a manageable pain level with some flare ups. Would love to come off meds but daren't because of fear of the pain if I do.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
Lensley said on 04 November 2013
I've had always migraines with aura, and I remember that it really scared me, I knew what was about to come.
I've noticed that sometimes, when the aura begins, you can go to take some deep breaths of fresh air and the migraine doesn't develop.
It's now been about 10 years now since my last one... and it really improved my life quality.
I've found a good video about a similar way that I've done in order to stop experiencing them:
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
johnledi50 said on 21 October 2013
just over the last 3 weeks iv'e started taking two lots of tablets for my stomach, it seems i have bad reflux which burns like mad, the first lot of tablets i had to stop taking because i started to get migranes, it seems now that i might have to stop taking the second lot of tablets also,
i'm getting really bad migranes which is really affecting my vision, it looks like i'm looking through water and when i look at somebodies face the bottom of there face wobbles like jelly.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
Angllv said on 27 August 2013
hi this past Saturday aug.24th I woke up early with a horrible headache and it immediately went right into a migraine...it was a severe migraine to where I was in tears and it lasted all day...had a wedding to go to that day and I went to it but it was very painful to try to get thru it and try to enjoy it...well yesterday woke up with slight headache but very neaseous and again the same thing today but with slight headache..my migraine pains seem to be located on the left side of my head...my dr has me on toprimate and they help but I only take them daily and cannot take no one more today...I have not had a migraine this severe in a very long time and it has not lasted this long with all thease side effects 2 days later...has anyone else had this happen to them ...im in the usa and I also have found the advil migraine does help....my husband bought me Excedrin migraine because that's all he could find...my prescription med for my migraines makes me very sleepy so I mainly take it when its bedtime but today I took it so I wont be able to take it again tonight and I don't go see my dr until the end of October..
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable
kronik666 said on 03 May 2013
I have read all your posts and thought I would add that Meditation, Yoga and Ti Chi are all helpful for combating the pain of migraine headache. Al
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