Migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by intense, often one-sided head pain that may last from at least four hours to several days. Even mild movement, bright lights, loud sounds, or actions like coughing can worsen the pain. Migraines affect an estimated 12%–15% of the global population and frequently interfere with work, studies, and daily activities.
While not life-threatening, untreated migraines can significantly impact quality of life, emotional well-being, and productivity.
Not all headaches are migraines. Understanding the differences can help guide appropriate treatment.
Location: Usually one-sided, but may affect both sides of the head
Throbbing or pulsating, moderate to severe headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound; aura in some individuals
Duration: 4 to 72 hours
Location: Both sides of the head
Dull, pressure-like, or tight band sensation
Duration: Variable, often shorter than migraines
Location: Always one-sided, often around or behind the eye
Sudden, severe, sharp, or burning headache, tearing, redness of the eye, nasal congestion, sweating, drooping eyelid
Duration: 30 minutes to 3 hours
If a headache pattern suddenly changes, worsens, or includes alarming symptoms (e.g., weakness, confusion, speech difficulty), seek urgent medical evaluation.
Migraines typically progress through four phases. However, not everyone will experience each stage.
Symptoms may include:
Mood changes (irritability, depression, or euphoria)
Food cravings
Constipation
Fatigue
Neck stiffness
Difficulty concentrating
Common symptoms include:
Flashing lights or bright spots
Zigzag lines
Vision changes
Tingling or numbness in the face, lips, tongue, or one hand
Features may include:
Severe, typically unilateral pain (one-sided)
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light, smell, sound, and touch
People may experience:
Fatigue
Mood changes
Stiff neck
Nausea
Difficulty concentrating
The exact cause remains unclear, but migraines are believed to involve abnormal brain activity influenced by genetics and hormonal changes. Individuals with a family history are at higher risk.
Common migraine triggers include:
Physical or emotional stress
Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., menstruation)
Certain medications
Sleep pattern changes
Anxiety or depression
Weather changes
Skipped meals
Excessive or lack of physical activity
Bright light, strong smells, or loud noise
Caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco use
Keeping a symptom diary may help identify personal triggers.
Treatment depends on frequency, severity, and individual health needs. A neurologist can help determine the most appropriate plan.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are often used at the early stage of a migraine. They work best when taken as soon as symptoms begin. Common options include:
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Combination medications containing acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine
If OTC medicines are ineffective, doctors may prescribe stronger treatments. These can include:
Triptans: These prescription medicines are designed to stop a migraine attack and help relieve pain, nausea, and light sensitivity.
Preventive medications: For people who have frequent or severe migraines, daily medicines may be used to reduce how often attacks occur. These may include beta-blockers, anti-seizure medicines, antidepressants, or newer migraine-specific therapies.
Anti-nausea medications: If nausea or vomiting occurs during migraines, your doctor may prescribe medicines to manage these symptoms.
It is not advisable to self-manage frequent migraines using non-prescription painkillers. Overusing these medicines can lead to rebound headaches or medication-overuse headaches, which may worsen the condition over time.
Book a medical evaluation if you:
Experience frequent or worsening headaches
Need pain medication more than twice a week
Notice new or unusual symptoms
Have migraines affecting daily activities, work, or sleep
Develop headaches after age 50
Experience neurological symptoms (weakness, confusion, slurred speech)
Seek emergency medical care immediately if headaches occur with sudden severe pain, chest pain, fever, seizures, fainting, vision loss, or signs of stroke.
Migraines differ from ordinary headaches and deserve proper diagnosis and care. With appropriate treatment and preventive strategies, most people can significantly improve their quality of life.
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